ILGU - Irish Ladies and Girls’ Home International Matches

The Ladies and Girls’ Home International Matches will take place at Conwy Golf Club from 3-5 August. The format has changed slightly from that of last year, with seven members per team instead of eight. They will play three foursomes matches, followed by six singles each day.

England will be team favourites for the ladies after recently being crowned European Champions at the Team Championships in Iceland. Both Irish girls’ and ladies teams finished in 2nd place at the matches last year but will be looking to get one better in Wales this year.

Royal County Down Ladies’ star and world number 6 Olivia Mehaffey, will lead out the ladies team next week.  Joining Mehaffey will be Curtis Cup player Maria Dunne (Skerries), Jessica Carty (Holywood), Louise Coffey (Malone), Paula Grant (Lisburn), Jessica Ross (Donaghadee) and Sinead Sexton (Lahinch). All players have international experience and will be aiming to secure the top spot in Wales.

Irish Ladies Home International Team – Conwy Golf Club, 3-5 August 2016

Maria Dunne (Skerries)

Jessica Carty (Holywood)

Louise Coffey (Malone)

Paula Grant (Lisburn)

Olivia Mahaffey (Royal County Down Ladies)

Jessica Ross (Donaghadee)

Sinead Sexton (Lahinch)

1st reserve – Chloe Ryan (Castletroy)

Team Captain: Sinead Keane

Team Manager: Gillian O’Leary

Team Coach: Donal Scott

Ireland are putting forward an exceptional girls’ team, which includes two of Killarney’s top golfers, Valerie Clancy and Mairead Martin. They will be joined by Julie McCarthy (Forrest Little), Niamh McSherry (Lurgan), Rachel Thompson (Cork), Lauren Walsh (Castlewarden) and Annabel Wilson (Lurgan).

It will be a first international cap for Lauren Walsh, who has showcased her talent and consistency throughout the year.  Leinster, Ulster and Irish Girls Champion, Julie McCarthy is unstoppable and dominating Irish U18 golf alongside in form 15 year old Annabel Wilson. Wilson had a superb performance at the European Team Championships and subsequently at the Junior British Open, where she finished 9th. Having just turned 15, Annabel has represented Ireland on an international stage for both the girls’ and ladies and similar to McCarthy she has two Irish Girls Close Championships under her belt.

Irish Girls Home International Team – Conwy Golf Club, 3-5 August 2016

Valerie Clancy (Killarney)

Mairead Martin (Killarney)

Julie McCarthy (Forrest Little)

Niamh McSherry (Lurgan)

Rachel Thompson (Cork)

Lauren Walsh (Castlewarden)

Annabel Wilson (Lurgan)

1st reserve – Lisa O’Shea (Shannon)

Team Captain: Gemma Butler

Team Manager: Irene Poynton

Team Coach: Chris Jelly