Munster and Leinster win thrillers in men's and women's Interprovincial matches at Knightsbrook

CHAMPIONS: Leinster Women and Munster Men celebrate with the trophy. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Leinster are the 2026 Women’s Interprovincial Matches Champions after coming out on top in their title decider with Munster, whilst the result of the Men’s Interprovincials was the reverse, as Munster won by the slightest of margins, a half Match Point, to deny Leinster the double in glorious sunshine at Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort.

With Leinster and Munster both winning their respective matches against Connacht and Ulster earlier in the week, it setup a winner-takes-all matchup today in the Women’s event, which duly delivered. Leinster’s 2-1 morning foursomes lead was swiftly rebutted in the afternoon singles, as Anna Dawson (Tramore) and Lucy Grattan (Tralee) claimed points for those in red either side of a win for Leinster’s Isabella Stewart (Woodbrook).

This put the finale at 3-3 with three matches remaining, before Ciara Casey (Hermitage) edged Leinster back in front with a 2&1 success. At this moment however, Munster ‘s Áine Martin (Kanturk) and Aideen Walsh (Lahinch) were both in front, meaning a turnaround was still on the cards.

The tide turned with a moment of magic on 18. Ellen O’Shaughnessy (Co. Louth), plugged and up against the lip of a greenside bunker on the Par 3, splashed her ball out and watched on as it rolled across the green, hit the pin, and dropped for a once-in-a-lifetime birdie. Caitlin Shippam (Ballykisteen) was now forced to hole her long putt to cling onto her point, but her attempt slid past the hole to end the tie all square.

This in turn meant Anna Abom (Edmondstown) now only required a half point to secure victory for Leinster, which she duly delivered by winning the 18th with a fantastic two-putt par.

“It feels absolutely amazing, unbelievable week. What a win by the girls. Everyone put points on the board, unbelievable golf” said Leinster Captain Orla Darcy.

On the nail-biting finishes on 18, Darcy commended both her own players and Munster.

“We knew we needed a couple of half points coming in. We had one match that went to 18, there was a fried egg situation in the greenside bunker which was holed out for a half so that gave us a bit of momentum for the last match. Our last match then went down 18, Anna hit a great tee shot and left the putt dead. In fairness Munster were very sporting in the match and thankfully we got it over the line” 

This was Leinster’s first triumph since 2022, when Naas' Darcy held the role of team manager, and she reflected on both wins, paying tribute to the closeness of the class of 2026.

“It’s amazing, I had a great time in 2022. Different bunch of girls this time round, such a privilege. Such a standard of golf that was had, and the friendships that all the girls have made is even more important. But such a thrill to win this week.” Connacht claimed third place with a dominant 7-2 win over Ulster.

Meanwhile, an exciting final day unfolded in the Men’s event as all four teams had the opportunity to end the day as champions after exchanging one win apiece across Wednesday and Thursday.

Munster started the day leading the standings and faced off with Ulster, whilst Connacht took on Leinster. As the break for lunch arrived after the morning foursomes, a clear winner was yet to emerge. Munster and Connacht were all tied up at 2-2 but Leinster had eked out a 3-1 advantage over Connacht, which appeared to lean the overall result in their favour.

The men of Munster however were determined to put an end to Leinster’s dominance in this event. They came out swinging in the afternoon singles, claiming five wins from a possible seven, including all three of the closing matches for Jordan Boles (Carton House), Joseph O'Neill (Berehaven) and Darragh Flynn (Carton House), to convincingly defeat Ulster 7-4. This proved just enough, as Leinster produced the same scoreline against Connacht, meaning the top two would end the day as they started, and there would be no five-in-a-row for the home favourites.

“It’s unbelievable. We didn’t expect it this evening, playing Ulster, they have a fantastic team. To lose just one match to Ulster was the icing on the cake. I knew I had a very good team and we got off to a very good start against Leinster, and that set the ball rolling. This morning we were very lucky to get a 2-2 in the foursomes, but we pulled out all the stops to win the tournament”, said Munster Captain Michael Coote.

On denying Leinster their drive for five, Coote recalled the last time such a feat was on the horizon with similarly fond memories.

“It’s always sweet to beat Leinster. The last time Leinster were on a run, I happened to be the captain in 2018 for Munster, and we beat Leinster on that run. I’m thrilled to have come back and captained this fantastic team of Munster. I’m delighted”

The successful Munster side included David Howard, who has the small matter of an appearance at The Open next week in Royal Birkdale, and his captain for this week couldn’t speak more highly of the Fota Island star.

“When I first met David Howard, he just came across as a fantastic human being. He’s just a fabulous person and we wish him very well next week at The Open, and I always said the team and Golf Ireland are behind him. I think everyone who knows David Howard and the whole of Ireland are behind him” Those wins for Munster and Leinster saw Ulster finish third, 3.5 Match Points ahead of Connacht in fourth.