Irish ladies bidding for ‘Home’ victory at Cork

Most of the top lady golfers from Ireland and Britain, including Curtis Cup stars, will compete in the prestigious Ladies Home International Championships at Cork Golf Club next week.

The three-day event, starting from Tuesday, Sept 4, involves Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales playing each other in a Round Robin format comprising three foursomes each morning and six singles in the afternoons.

Wales, with Curtis Cup star Amy Boulden in their squad, and Scotland get the programme under way at 8.30am on Tuesday, followed by the encounter between Ireland and England. The visitors have a formidable line-up, including four Curtis Cup players — Kelly Tidy, Holly Clyburn, Charley Hull, and Bronte Law.

On the Wednesday, England face Scotland as Ireland play Wales.

On Thursday Ireland oppose Scotland and Wales are pitted against England.

Ireland have an experienced team and should be a test for the best but the absence of Curtis Cup and British Open Amateur champion Stephanie Meadows, back in the US for her studies, and the Maguire twins is a huge blow.

The team comprises Jessica Carty (Holywood), Sarah Cunningham (Ennis), Maria Dunne (Skerries), Mary Dowling (New Ross), Gillian O’Leary (Cork), Chloe Ryan (Castletroy), Lucy Simpson (Masserene), and Deirdre Smith (Co Louth), under team captain Claire Coughlan Ryan.

The awful weather conditions have put a huge strain on Cork Golf Club’s ground staff but general manager Matt Sands is confident their efforts will see the course in pristine condition.

Cork captain Pat O’Leary also has the honour of having her daughter Gillian on the Irish team.