Minna retains title, McElroy next best

Helen Jones fell away disappointingly in the third and final round of the Irish Senior Womens Open Championship at Royal Belfast yesterday and Finland’s Minna Kaarnalahti was able to comfortably retain her title.

Jones, the Irish Close champion who belongs to the Strabane and Royal Portrush clubs, slumped to an 85 for a 54-hole aggregate of 247 and had to be content with fourth.

Kaarnalahti closed with a steady 76 for a 238 total and cantered to a five-stroke victory over the experienced international Sheena McElroy from Grange who, in turn, was three clear of home club favourite Marilyn Henderson.

First round leader Gertie McMullen finished just behind Jones in fifth place and then came nine-time Curtis Cup player Mary McKenna, a true Irish legend.