Ireland close in on trophy as Gorey holds nerve on 18th

NIALL GOREY of Muskerry was the Irish hero as the host nation pipped reigning champions England in a dramatic climax on the first day of the Men’s Home Internationals at a wet and windy Rosses Point yesterday.

The Irish team, led by Kevin Flanagan, edged home by 8-7 to avenge the 11-4 hammering suffered at Ashburnham last year. They are now well placed to regain the Raymond Trophy they last held in 2008. Scotland beat Wales 9-6 in yesterday’s other match.

The day began brightly for Ireland when they snatched a 3-2 advantage from the morning foursomes. Kevin Phelan and Paul Cutler and Eddie McCormack and Alan Dunbar won their matches while East of Ireland champion Richard O’Donovan and Eoin Arthurs and local Gary McDermott and Niall Gorey claimed crucial half points to send Ireland into lunch with a narrow lead.