Four new caps in Irish team for home internationals

Irish close champion, Rory McIlroy (Holywood) is one of four new caps included in the Ireland team for the Home Internationals which will be played at Royal St. George's Golf Club, Sandwich,England on September 7-9.

McIlroy also won the West of Ireland Championship and the Willie Gill Award for topping the order of merit table.

The other three new caps are North of Ireland champion Gareth Shaw (Lurgan), Connor Doran (Banbridge) and Aaron O'Callaghan (Douglas) while Pat Murray (Limerick) makes a comeback following his last appearance in 1996.

The 11-man team also includes Brian McElhinney, winner of the British Amateur Championship and a member of the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup side.

Jim Carvill (Warrenpoint), a double winner this year in the East of Ireland and South of Ireland Championships, was unavailable for selection.

The team is:

Darren Crowe (Dunmurry), Connor Doran (Banbridge), Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge), Pat Murray (Limerick), Brian McElhinney (North West), Michael McGeady (North West), Rory McIlroy (Holywood), Cian McNamara (Limerick), Sean McTernan (Co. Sligo), Aaron O'Callaghan (Douglas) and Gareth Shaw (Lurgan).

The non-travelling reserves are Seamus Power (West Waterford) and Brian O'Connor (Hermitage). The team will be captained by Mark Gannon.