First blood as Europe triumph in fashion stakes

IRELAND and the Irish struck a blow for Europe at the opening ceremony for the Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle yesterday evening – thanks to designer Paul Costelloe and captain Alison Nicholas.

Costelloe sent the home team out as winners in the fashion stakes when their blue striped blazers left the cream-coated Americans in the Co Meath shade.

Nicholas then added her own little touch of Irish magic when she welcomed President Mary McAleese and the spectators to the 2011 Solheim Cup with a ‘Cead Mile Failte A Chairde’ welcome as gaeilge.

“We are very proud to be here in Ireland for this Solheim Cup and we look forward to doing Ireland proud,” Nicholas said.

A large contingent of American fans added to the sense of occasion in front of the 800-year-old Killeen Castle as the first Solheim staged in Ireland got off to a colourful start.

Over 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the bi-annual clash between Europe and America with organisers confident of a big walk-up crowd with tickets available on the gate all weekend.

US captain Rosie Jones thanked the Irish golfing nation for the warmth of welcome her team has received since they arrived at Dublin Airport on Monday.

“We have been made to feel at home here but we are aware that Europe are the home team for this Solheim Cup,” said Jones.