Ireland’s amateurs rule supreme

Ireland finished in style against England yesterday to capture the Men’s Home International title at Southerndown in South Wales.

They followed victories over Scotland and Wales with a convincing 9½-5½ drubbing of England to stroll to their first crown in six years.

Wales finished runners-up after an 8-7 defeat of Scotland and England ended with the wooden spoon.

It was a fitting climax to Pádraig Hogan’s three-year term as Irish international captain. “I am elated. It has been a fantastic week and all the players have performed brilliantly. Now for the World Championships next month.”

Ireland should also look forward to healthy representation in the St Andrews Trophy side to face the Continent of Europe in Sweden at the end of the month.

The Irish started the day as red-hot favourites knowing a draw with England or even a narrow defeat would be good enough to give them the Raymond Trophy. But Hogan wanted the Triple Crown.

Ireland led 3-2 after the foursomes and the top two in the singles, Gavin Moynihan and Jack Hume, proceeded to sweep to 14th hole successes.

Chris Selfridge edged home against Ben Stow on the last to make it five points out of six.

Then the bottom three, Cormac Sharvin, Paul Dunne and Gary Hurley all won to put the result beyond doubt.