TOP SEED CORCORAN THROUGH TO IRISH SENIOR WOMEN'S SEMI-FINALS

NEWS RELEASE FROM IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION

Leading qualifier Suzanne Corcoran (Portumna) defeated Clodagh Hopkins (Woodbrook) to advance to the semi finals of the Irish Senior Women’s Close Championship at Woodenbridge Golf Club in the Vale of Avoca today.

In glorious sunshine, Suzanne continued her recent strong run of form and now faces Gertie McMullen (The Island) after she dispatched Mairead MacNamara (Woodbrook) from the last eight.

In the other semi final, Carol Wickham (Laytown and Bettystown) survived a titantic duel with Sheena McElroy (Grange) who has won the title three times in the past five years.

That went the full distance while Pat Doran (Donabate) defeated the ever improving Mary MacLaren (Royal Portrush) on the home green.
Earlier in the day, Suzanne defeated final qualifier Mary Dowling (Mallow) while Clodagh notched a surprising win over current international Kate Evans (RCD Ladies). 

Mairead McNamara (Woodbrook) edged out championship favourite Laura Webb (Cairndhu) at the second tie hole while Carol Wickham (Laytown and Bettystown) ended Violet McBride’s hopes of a maiden victory. 

Second qualifier Pat Doran (Donabate) comfortably saw off Connie Doyle (Enniscorthy) and Mary MacLaren (Royal Portrush) played the full layout defeating Pauline Walsh (Headfort) on the home green.

In the Plate, Marilyn Henderson (Royal Belfast) progressed to play Mary Duane (Hermitage) while championship stalwart Valerie Hassett (Ennis) will play Ruth Maguire (Corrstown) in the second semi final.

THURSDAY SCOREBOARD

CHAMPIONSHIP - FIRST ROUND
Suzanne Corcoran (Portumna) bt Mary Dowling (Mallow) 2 and 1.
Clodagh Hopkins (Woodbrook) bt Kate Evans (RCD Ladies) 1 hole.
Gertie McMullen (The Island) bt Carmel Cahill (Hermitage) 5 and 4.
Mairéad MacNamara (Woodbrook) bt Laura Webb (Cairndhu) at 20th
Sheena McElroy (Grange) bt Niamh Giblin (Dun Laoghaire) 3 and 2.
Carol Wickham (Laytown and Bettystown) bt Violet McBride at 20th 
Mary MacLaren (Royal Portrush) bt Pauline Walsh (Headfort) 2 holes.
Pat Doran (Donabate) bt Connie Doyle (Enniscorthy) 7 and 5.

 QUARTER-FINALS

Corcoran bt Hopkins 3 and 2 

McMullen bt MacNamara 7 and 6
Wickham bt McElroy 1 hole.
Doran bt MacLaren 2 holes.

 
PLATE ROUND 1 
Marilyn Henderson (Royal Belfast) bt Marie Conlon (The Heath) 1 hole.
Gemma Butler (Birr) bt Toni McDonagh (Fortwilliam) 3 and 1
Mary Duane (Hermitage) bt Sally Casey (Seapoint) 4 and 2
Catherine Reilly (The Heath) bt Adrienne Crowley (Woodbrook) 4 and 3
Lily Owens (Malahide) bt Mary Powell (Nenagh) 7 and 6.
Ruth Maguire (Corrstown) bt Valerie Shannon (Lahinch) 2 and 1.
Fiona McComb (Ballycastle) bt Breda Murphy (Woodenbridge) 2 holes.
Valerie Hassett (Ennis) bt Penny Gleeson (Milltown) 1 hole

  QUARTER FINALS  

Henderson bt Butler 6 and 5.

Duane bt Reilly 4 and 3
Maguire bt Owens 3 and 2.

Hassett bt McComb 2 and 1