Jack Hume leads Irish chase at Euros

Jack Hume is set to lead the charge for Ireland who begin their quest for glory in the European Men’s Team Championship in France this morning.

The Naas man, who is number six in the world rankings, is the most capped player in the six-strong side that will be captained by Tony Goode in Chantilly.

Hume’s club-mate Conor O’Rourke, who lifted the St Andrew’s Links Trophy last month, is set to make his debut for the national team.

The Island’s Paul McBride, who reached the semi-finals of the British Amateur in South Wales in June, is included in the team along with Irish Amateur Open champion Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint). Castle’s Alex Gleeson and Stuart Grehan (Tullamore/MU) complete the six-man side that go in search of their first European title since the 2008 competition in Turin, Italy.

The 16 teams will complete two rounds of stroke play qualifying – with the five best cards counting towards the overall total for each country.

Teams ranked in the top eight after the qualifying phase will go on to compete for the title in the match play stage on Thursday.

Curtis Cup stars Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co Dublin) and Maria Dunne (Skerries) will feature for the Ladies’ team in Oddur, Iceland. They will be joined by Holywood’s Jessica Carty, Malone’s Louise Coffey, Jessica Ross of Clandeboye and Lahinch player Sinead Sexton.

Killarney duo Valerie Clancy and Máiread Martin will start for the Girls’ team, in Oslo, Norway.