Portrush crown memorable year with Ladies Irish Senior Cup win

It has been some year for Royal Portrush.

They were hosts to a spectacularly successful Irish Open and now they are Ladies Irish Senior Cup champions for a 25th time after their weekend success over 2009 champions Kilkenny at The Grange.

In a nail-biting affair, Kilkenny drew first blood with current international Mary Dowling defeating the talented Charlene Reid on the 16th.

Current International Lucy Simpson levelled matters with victory over stalwart Eileen Rose Power on the last.

Mary Leahy Browne then put Kilkenny back in front again with a 3&2 win over Victoria Bradshaw, before Seniors champion Helen Jones tied matters once again, defeating Orla Dunphy on No 16.

In the decider, Kilkenny’s Ann Smee reduced the deficit from four down at the turn to just one through 14 against Naoimh Quigg. Fifteen was halved in par but a penalty stroke on 16 saw Quigg regain the honour with a two hole lead.

Smee didn’t give up though and a solid par on 17 brought the tie to the final hole.

But Quigg seized the initiative once again and a conceded birdie at the last brought the Cup home to Royal Portrush for a record breaking 25th time.