Portadown Golf Club can celebrate 125th anniversary in style with first All-Ireland pennant

Suzanne Harrison’s team having already created a new chapter by becoming the first Portadown side to reach an All-Ireland final stage

Portadown celebrate winning their first AIG Intermediate Foursomes Ulster South pennant.

Portadown will look to make history at Ennis this week as Suzanne Harrison and her team go in search of a first All-Ireland pennant for the club at the AIG Intermediate Foursomes Finals.

The Clare venue is set to host both the AIG Men’s Pierce Purcell and Women’s Intermediate Foursomes Finals, with the semi-finals and finals taking place across Friday and Saturday.

Having celebrated their 125th anniversary last year, Portadown are hoping to make 2026 another memorable year for the club, with Harrison’s team having already created a new chapter in its history by becoming the first Portadown side to reach an All-Ireland final stage.

“To have come this far is truly incredible,” said Harrison.

“At the start of the competition, we never expected to reach the finals weekend, so everything from this point on feels like a bonus. We have enjoyed every step of the journey, and the opportunity to represent both Portadown and Ulster in Ennis is something we could only have dreamed of.” 

A nine-player squad, including Harrison herself, will make the trip westwards once again having come through a tight quarter-final battle with St Margaret’s to secure their place at one of the biggest weekends in the club’s history.

Having played out a two-all draw, Harrison and Gillian Cuthbert were the designated pair to tee up in the playoff and, having won their match convincingly earlier in the day, they once again produced the goods on the 19th to send Portadown through to the All-Ireland semi-finals.

“The quarter-final in Ennis was a fantastic experience,” said Harrison.

“St Margaret's were excellent competitors, and we were delighted that the result went our way."

It was a huge relief to come out on top after the first extra hole. It took us a few moments to fully realise that we had actually won. 

"Reaching the Finals Weekend is a tremendous achievement, and we are all incredibly excited for the opportunity.”

Moira Irwin, Julie McMurray, June Garvin, Pat Jelly, Gail Radcliffe, Jane McKimm and Sandra Sand

That tie will get proceedings underway on Friday morning, with the first match teeing off at 10am. The second semi-final will see Munster East champions Cahir Park face Leinster South winners Killiney from 10.40am. 

The AIG Men’s Pierce Purcell Semi-Finals will see Black Bush take on Portumna from 11.30am, while Cobh face six-time champions Nenagh from 12.10pm.

Buzzing

The support from members has been a major driving force behind Portadown’s push for success this year, and Harrison is hoping they can provide an extra edge once again come Friday morning.

“There has been a real buzz around Portadown Golf Club since our victory,” said Harrison.

Everyone has been incredibly supportive, and we have been overwhelmed by the number of good luck messages and words of encouragement we have received. 

"The whole team is excited to be heading to the Finals Weekend, and we can't wait to get started on Friday.” 

Portadown will now look to turn that excitement into another memorable performance, knowing two wins in Ennis would see them crowned All-Ireland champions for the first time.

“Bringing the green pennant back to Portadown would be a wonderful achievement, not just for our team but for everyone connected with the club,” said Harrison.

“We are delighted to have the chance to play a small part in the club's history. Whatever happens from here, reaching the finals weekend is a special achievement for our team and our club, and one that we will never forget.”