Mark Power and John Murphy do their bit as Great Britain and Ireland keep Walker Cup hopes alive

The highlight of the morning foursomes session was the Irish duo's dramatic comeback to beat Quade Cummins and Austin Eckroat

John Murphy, of the Great Britain and Ireland team, smiles on the third hole in the singles matches during the Walker Cup at Seminole Golf Club. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Kilkenny’s Mark Power and Kinsale’s John Murphy played a key role as Great Britain and Ireland went toe-to-toe with a powerful USA squad and were unlucky to trail 5-7 after the opening day of the 48th Walker Cup at Seminole Golf Club in Florida.

With 14 players and both captains levelled by a stomach bug at some stage of the week and the R&A and USGA agreeing to allow the alternates to step in to play should one of the original 10 on either side fall ill, the oldest team matchplay event in golf did not disappoint.