Walshe one of 17 to receive grant aid from Team Ireland Golf Trust

THE Team Ireland Golf Trust yesterday announced grants worth €217,000 to 17 aspiring men and women pursuing careers on professional tours around the world.

The golfers receiving the top award of €20,000 include Galway native Alison Walshe who has a card on both Ladies European Tour and the LPGA in the United States. Walshe last year announced her intention to represent Ireland in the professional ranks having competed for the USA in the Curtis Cup in 2008 as an amateur.

Tara Delaney, Martina Gillen and Down native Simon Thornton, who graduated to the European Tour last season, also collect €20,000.