Home International humbling for Ireland

Ireland’s hopes of a first Women’s Home International victory since 2004 were dealt a hammer blow on the opening day as the hosts were trounced 9-0 by England at Cork Golf Club.

Ireland had lost 8-1 to the English last year at Hillside, Lancashire, there was no respite in Cork as the defending champions, back-boned by three of this year’s GB & Ireland’s Curtis Cup-winning team, whitewashed an Irish side missing Stephanie Meadow and Lisa and Leona Maguire.

“It was a very bad day at the office against a very good England team,” Ireland captain Claire Coughlan-Ryan said. “I just need to sit down with the girls and have a chat and talk about where we can improve.”