ROYAL PORTRUSH WIN IRISH SENIOR CUP

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION

Favourites Royal Portrush defeated 2009 Champions Kilkenny to win their 25th Irish Senior Cup at Grange Golf Club today.

In a nail-biting affair, Kilkenny drew first blood with current International Mary Dowling defeating the talented Charlene Reid on the sixteenth. Current International Lucy Simpson levelled matters with victory over stalwart Eileen Rose Power on the home green. Mary Leahy Browne then put Kilkenny back in front again with a 3 and 2 win over Victoria Bradshaw, before Seniors Champion Helen Jones tied matters once again, defeating Orla Dunphy on sixteen.

In the final decider, Ann Smee reduced the deficit from four down at the turn to just one through fourteen against Naoimh Quigg. Fifteen was halved in par put a penalty stroke on sixteen saw Quigg regain the honour with a two hole lead. An undeterred Smee held her nerve and a solid par on seventeen brought the tie to the final hole. Quigg ceased the initiative once again and a conceded birdie at the last brought the Irish Senior Cup home to Royal Portrush for a record breaking twenty fifth time.

RESULT

Kilkenny 2 Royal Portrush 3
Mary Dowling bt Charlene Reid 3 and 2.
Eileen Rose Power lost to Lucy Simpson 1 hole.
Mary Leahy-Browne bt Victoria Bradshaw 3 and 2.
Orla Dunphy lost to Helen Jones 3 and 2.
Ann Smee lost to Naoimh Quigg 2 holes.