Glass act Kiely proves a winner with crystal Swing

MICHELLE KIELY, a second year student from the National College of Art and Design, has won the competition to design the trophy for this year’s ‘3’ Irish Open at the Killeen course, Killarney (July 29 to August 1).

The trophy, Perfect Swing, is a unique design made from cut and polished crystal and sterling silver.

Kiely said the work “is inspired by the swing of the golf club on teeing off but represents the complete game from the perfect starting swing to the final act of putting the ball”.

She added: “I was shocked to be announced by ‘3’ as the winner but obviously delighted! This was a great opportunity for me and it gives me great confidence in my ability to be able to design what will be the winning trophy for one of the biggest golf events in Europe this year.”

Kiely also received a cheque for €500 while the two runners-up, Sarah Nelson and Julia Screckenback, also picked up €250 from ‘3’.

The trophy will now go into production and will be unveiled to the public later this month. For more information on the 3 Irish Open go to www.3golf.ie.