Irish seniors win in Slovenia

Ireland won the European Seniors’ Team Championship at Bled Golf Club in Slovenia today.

The team of Val Smyth, Nigel Duke, Tony Goode, Seamus McParland, Maurice Kelly and Hugh Smyth beat Scotland in the final by three matches to two.

The foursomes pairing of Nigel Duke and Val Smyth, and Seamus McParland in the singles, were narrowly beaten, but victories in the singles matches by Tony Goode and Maurice Kelly left the match tied at 2-2. It was then up to Hugh Smyth who was one down with two to play.

Smyth staged a great fight back and levelled the match at the 18th before going on to clinch the title for Ireland at the third extra hole.

The victory follows on the success of Ireland in the European Team Championship at Western Gailes last month, and Arthur Pierse’s victory this month in the British Seniors Amateur Championship.