Hassett and McKenna reach Irish
senior semi-finals at Hollystown

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION
Leading qualifier Valerie Hassett (Ennis) survived an 18th hole scare to reach the semi-finals of the Irish Senior Women’s Close Championship at Hollystown Golf Club today.
In another day of high winds, Hassett maintained her strong form, dispatching Rhona Brennan (Bandon) in the morning round on the 16th green and then was grateful for a regulation par on the 18th to close out the impressive Carmel Cahill (Hermitage) in the afternoon.
Defending champion Mary Madden (Ballinasloe) found the going too tough against past international Sheena O’Brien Kenney (Grange). With the match all square through 15, regulation pars saw the tie go to 18 where Madden lipped out with her par effort.
Mary McKenna (Donabate) continued her recent form in dashing the hopes of Catherine Bird (Nenagh) in the morning and then Pauline Walsh (Headfort) in the afternoon. She marched into the semi-finals to face newcomer Violet McBride (Belvoir Park) who edged out the talented Helen Jones (Strabane) on the penultimate green.
While McKenna looks favourite to advance to tomorrow afternoon’s final, Hassett will be hopeful of repeating her 2004 title winning campaign when she faces O’Brien Kenney in the morning.

FRIDAY SEMI-FINALS
09.00 Valerie Hassett (Ennis) v Sheena O'Brien Kenney (Grange).
09.09 Mary McKenna (Donabate) v Violet McBride (Belvoir Park).

RESULTS
QUARTER FINALS
Valerie Hassett (Ennis) bt Carmel Cahill (Hermitage) 2 holes.
Sheena O'Brien Kenney (Grange) bt Mary Madden (Ballinasloe) 1 hole.
Mary McKenna (Donabate) bt Pauline Walsh (Headfort) 4 and 3.
Violet McBride (Belvoir Park) bt Helen Jones (Strabane) 2 and 1.
FIRST ROUND
Valerie Hassett (Ennis) bt Rhona Brennan (Bandon) 3 and 2.
Carmel Cahill (Hermitage) bt Eileen MacMullen (Donegal) 3 and 1.
Sheena O'Brien Kenney (Grange) bt Val Shannon (Douglas) 3 and 2.
Mary Madden (Ballinasloe) bt Patricia O'Reilly (Headfort).
Pauline Walsh (Headfort) bt Mary Mather (Cill Dara) 5 and 4.
Mary McKenna (Donabate) bt Catherine Bird (Nenagh).
Helen Jones (Strabane) bt Mairead MacNamara (Woodbrook).
Violet McBride (Belvoir Park) bt Olivia Conroy (Co. Longford)