Ennis in search of back-to-back titles

THE five District champions — Ennis, Kilkenny, Roscommon, Royal Portrush and The Island — join this year’s back-door graduates — Douglas, Slieve Russell and Woodbrook — in the Irish Suzuki Senior Cup quarter-finals at Galway GC this week.

Favourites Ennis will look to the experience of Tricia McDonnell to claim back-to-back victories, having won the title for the first time last year at Milltown. Youngsters Sarah Cunningham and Ciara Pender are again in action but will need to be in top form to see off a feisty Kilkenny who will be ably led by double 90’s Irish champion Eileen Rose Power and youngsters Rebecca Muholland and Sinead Slater.

The talented Maguire sisters, Leona and Lisa, fly the flag for Slieve Russell as they take on Eastern District champions The Island. Teenagers Sarah Carty and Rachel Cassidy should prove a stern test for the twins, while double girls champion Suzy Sheehan, albeit 24 years ago, makes a welcome return to competitive play.