Irish Golf News

Ciarndhu's Marc McKinstry cruised to a massively impressive eight-stroke, wire-to-wire victory in the Connacht Under 18 Championship at a pristine Roscommon Golf Club.

After opening with rounds of 68 and 70 to lead on six under, he closed with four birdies and just two bogeys in a final round 70 to win on eight under par 208 from Tramore's Jack Hearn (70).

Kinsale's Cathal Butler, Carton House's Marc Boucher and Kilkenny's Kevin Power were the best of the bunch on the final day, carding three under 69s.

Boucher tied for third on two over 218 with Tralee's Joseph O'Neill (70) and Royal Portrush's Peter Kerr (74).

Connacht U18 Boys, Roscommon Golf Club (Par 72)

Detailed scores

208 Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu Golf Club) 68 70 70

216 Jack Hearn (Tramore Golf Club) 76 70 70

218 Marc Boucher (Carton House Golf Club) 77 72 69, Joseph O'Neill (Tralee Golf Club) 72 76 70, Peter Kerr (Royal Portrush Golf Club) 72 72 74

219 Cathal Butler (Kinsale) 74 76 69, Kevin Power (Kilkenny Golf Club) 74 76 69, Matthew Fitzsimons (Ardglass Golf Club) 71 74 74

220 Devin Morley (Oughterard Golf Club) 73 75 72, John Murphy (Kinsale) 74 73 73

221 Allan Hill (Roscommon Golf Club) 78 73 70, Marc Norton (Belvoir Park Golf Club) 76 74 71, Adam McCormick (Scrabo Golf Club) 75 74 72, Ryan Corry (Clandeboye) 74 74 73

222 Louis O'Hara (Athenry Golf Club) 71 80 71, Shane McDermott (Co. Cavan Golf Club) 77 72 73, Cillian Moloney (Fota Island Golf Club) 73 76 73, Harry Gillivan (Westport Golf Club) 76 73 73, Mark Power (Kilkenny Golf Club) 76 73 73, Paddy Culhane (Galway Golf Club) 74 72 76, Darragh Smith (Castle) 72 72 78

223 Jordan Logue (Hilton Templepatrick Golf Club) 75 76 72, Luke Cummins (West Waterford Golf Club) 78 72 73, Sean Desmond (Monkstown Golf Club) 80 69 74, Mark Healy (Kinsale) 75 73 75, Gary Ward (Kinsale) 75 73 75, Ross Kelly (Tuam Golf Club) 72 72 79

224 William Small (Tandragee Golf Club) 74 75 75

225 Dean Cafferty (Carton House Golf Club) 77 76 72, Alan Fahy (Bray) 80 73 72, Gavin Fitzmaurice (Balcarrick Golf Club) 79 74 72

226 Cian Henry (Ballyhaunis Golf Club) 77 76 73, David Brady (Co. Sligo Golf Club) 73 80 73, David Hill (Roscommon Golf Club) 74 79 73, Jack Doherty (Carton House Golf Club) 77 74 75

227 Aaron Howard (Palmerstown Stud) 78 75 74, John Molyneaux (Ballybunion Golf Club) 77 76 74, Nathan McCann (Lurgan Golf Club) 77 76 74, Jake Vickers (Balbriggan Golf Club) 74 74 79

229 David Clince (Craddockstown Golf Club) 76 77 76

230 Sean Burke (Galway Golf Club) 80 72 78, Aaron Bagnall (Millicent Golf Club) 74 77 79

231 Michael O'Farrell (Galway Golf Club) 73 79 79

232 Paul Kelly (Glasson Golf Club) 78 75 79

233 Stuart McCaw (Royal Belfast Golf Club) 71 82 80, Mikey Burke (Galway Golf Club) 76 75 82

CUT

154 Rory Hill (Tralee Golf Club) 82 72 , Mark Doogue (Baltinglass Golf Club) 80 74 , Matthew Grehan (Tullamore Golf Club) 80 74 , Harry Duggan (Kilkenny Golf Club) 80 74 , Christopher Duffy (Letterkenny Golf Club) 79 75 , Conor Kavanagh (Newbridge Golf Club) 79 75 , Chris Black (Dunmurry) 78 76 , Michael McGurk (Warrenpoint Golf Club) 78 76 , Charlie McDonnell (Castleblayney Golf Club) 78 76 , Michael Kennelly (Athenry Golf Club) 77 77 , Eric Rumley (Kinsale) 76 78 , Ian Halpin (Cahir Park Golf Club) 74 80 

155 David Kitt (Mountbellew Golf Club) 81 74 , Brian Jnr Fehily (Newlands) 80 75 , Timothy Howes (Mount Juliet Golf Club) 78 77 , Darren Hourihan (Douglas) 75 80 

156 Joseph Rafferty (Castle Hume Golf Club) 79 77 , Owen Crooks (Bushfoot Golf Club) 79 77 , Conor Rice (Athlone Golf Club) 78 78 , Jack Tuohy (Galway Bay Golf Club) 78 78 , Cian Feeney (Co. Sligo Golf Club) 77 79 , Robert Nevin (Headfort Golf Club) 77 79 , Eamonn O'Driscoll (Killarney Golf Club) 77 79 , Jason Murphy (Warrenpoint Golf Club) 76 80 , Gareth Carr (Mullingar Golf Club) 76 80 , Daniel McNally (Carton House Golf Club) 73 83 

157 Michael Shiel (Athenry Golf Club) 84 73 , Jamie Knipe (Royal Portrush Golf Club) 83 74 , Alex Murray (Island) 81 76 , Anton Brennan (Athenry Golf Club) 81 76 , Michael Young () 79 78 , Stephen Kelliher (Killarney Golf Club) 79 78 , Robert Moran (Castle) 79 78 , Eoghan O'Neill (Limerick Golf Club) 76 81 

158 Eoin Griffin (Galway Golf Club) 82 76 , Aaron Ryan (Thurles) 81 77 , Bill Hannan (Carton House Golf Club) 80 78 , Oisin Devereux (Carton House Golf Club) 79 79 , Eoin Conway (West Waterford Golf Club) 78 80 , Gareth Hogan (Island) 78 80 , Colm Beakey (Galway Bay Golf Club) 78 80 , David Burns (Cushendall Golf Club) 77 81 , Eanna Melville (Gort Golf Club) 76 82 , Jack Patton (Letterkenny Golf Club) 75 83 

159 Harry McGeary (Dungannon Golf Club) 82 77 , Andrew Mays (Portmarnock) 80 79 , Conor McDonald (Lurgan Golf Club) 79 80 , Jack Johnston (Clandeboye) 78 81 

160 Ryan Gibbons (Castlebar Golf Club) 87 73 , Darragh Herlihy (West Waterford Golf Club) 84 76 , Enda Kennedy (Black Bush) 84 76 , Sean Doyle (Athlone Golf Club) 83 77 , Andrew Hickey (Ballyhaunis Golf Club) 80 80 , Barry Fitzpatrick (Castle) 77 83 

161 Seán Dowling (Beaverstown Golf Club) 82 79 , Peter Cummins (Lurgan Golf Club) 81 80 , George Morgan (Grange) 80 81 , Cathal Hastings (Castlebar Golf Club) 78 83 , Aaron O'Donnell (Athenry Golf Club) 78 83 

162 Eoin Ahern (Mallow Golf Club) 84 78 , Enda Cahill (Carton House Golf Club) 83 79 , Danny Madden (Dungannon Golf Club) 82 80 , Ryan Sheerin (Tullamore Golf Club) 79 83 

163 Daniel Devlin (Fota Island Golf Club) 86 77 , Brian Crowdle (Kilkenny Golf Club) 80 83 , William Eickholt (Portmarnock) 78 85 , Evan Henry (Ballyhaunis Golf Club) 77 86 

164 Cillian Lawless (Athenry Golf Club) 88 76 , Daragh Coleman (Skerries Golf Club) 88 76 , Tommy Doran (Balbriggan Golf Club) 83 81 , Callum Slater (Headfort Golf Club) 81 83 , Mark Burke (Tuam Golf Club) 80 84 

165 Jack Madden (Dungannon Golf Club) 84 81 , John Corbett Jnr (Thurles) 82 83 , Ross Murphy Sweeney (Glasson Golf Club) 82 83 , Conor Ruane (Galway Bay Golf Club) 81 84 

166 Evan Hollowed (Newlands) 86 80 , Aodan Comerford (Bearna Golf Club) 80 86 , Luke O'Brien Jnr (Limerick Golf Club) 79 87 

167 Seamus Og O'Neill (Co. Cavan Golf Club) 89 78 , Joseph Keyes (Co. Sligo Golf Club) 86 81 

168 Ryan Timlin (Castlebar Golf Club) 92 76 , Ben Graham (Scrabo Golf Club) 88 80 , Dylan Craig (Tubbercurry Golf Club) 81 87 

169 Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club) 88 81 , Eoin Ruane (Mullingar Golf Club) 80 89 

171 Dylan McHugh (Castlebar Golf Club) 91 80 , Cian Hutchinson (Carton House Golf Club) 84 87 , Sean Dunne (The Royal Dublin) 82 89 

172 Sean McHugh (Enniscrone Golf Club) 83 89 

174 Ross Moore (Royal Portrush Golf Club) 86 88 

WD/NR Campbell Rodgers (Royal Portrush Golf Club) 80 NR , Ciaran McCabe (Dungannon Golf Club) 92 NR , Conor Keown (Greystones Golf Club) 87 WD , Brian McGuinness (Claremorris Golf Club) 88 W 

Wexford Golf Club

Munster captured the Girls’ Interprovincial Championship but had to settle for second best as Ulster took the Ladies’ title at Wexford.

While Leinster’s girls beat Connacht 9-0 to finish second in the championship, Munster edged out Ulster 5-4 to take the Under 18 title with wins over all three provinces.

Monkstown’s Ciara Leonard and Shannon’s Lisa O'Shea fell to Maeve Cummins and Hannah Henderson in the opening foursomes.

But wins for Killarney’s Catriona Griffin and Nicola Rainsford over Judithe Allen and Amy O’Donnell and for Roscrea’s Clodagh Jones and East Cork’s Grace McGrath sent the Munster girls on the road to victory thanks to that 2-1 advantage.

The singles were shared 3-3 with wins for Griffin, Jones and McGrath sealing Munster’s overall victory.

In the Ladies’ Interprovincials Munster ended up third with one win from three matches after going down 7-2 to winners Ulster.

While Lahinch’s Jenny Hennessy and Tipperary’s Aoife Lowry halved the opening foursomes, Doneraile’s Paula Walsh and East Clare’s Tara Whelan fell to Tara Gribben and Chloe Weir before Muskerry’s Jean O'Driscoll and Douglas’ Karen O'Neill fell 3 and 2 to Victoria Craig  and Niamh Ward.

A massive response was required in the singles but Munster managed just one win from five as Jenny Hennessy beat Victoria Craig 3 and 2 in what was a deserved Ulster victory.

Leinster beat Connacht 5-4 to finish second overall in the Ladies’ Matches. 

ILGU Interprovincial Matches, Wexford Golf ClubLadies’ Interprovincial MatchesFinal Points table

1. Ulster 3 pts (18 matches); 
2. Leinster 2 pts (14 matches);
3. Munster 1 pt (13.5 matches)
4. Connacht  0 (7.5 matches).

Leinster 5, Connacht 4Foursomes: Leinster 1.5, Connacht 1.5

1. Aedin Murphy & Louise Mernagh beat Maeve Kelly & Emma Gilmore 2&1
2. Meadhbh Doyle & Rachel Taylor lost to Zoe Collins & Clodagh Hopkins 1up
3. Ariana Coyle Diez & Mary Doyle halved with Shannon Burke & Anne McCormack

Ladies Singles: Leinster 3.5, Connacht 2.5

1. Aedin Murphy halved with Anne McCormack
2. Ariana Coyle Diez beat Emma Gilmore 6&5
3. Louise Mernagh lost to Maeve Kelly 1up
4. Rachel Taylor beat Shannon Burke 6&5
5. Meadhbh Doyle beat Clodagh Hopkins 4&3
6. Mary Doyle lost to Zoe Collins 3&2

Ulster 7, Munster 2Ladies Foursomes: Ulster 2.5, Munster 0.5

1. Lisa Maguire & Louise Coffey halved with Aoife Lowry & Jenny Hennessy
2. Tara Gribben & Chloe Weir beat Tara Whelan & Paula Walsh 2&1
3. Niamh Ward & Victoria Craig beat Karen O’Neill & Jean O’Driscoll 3&2

Ladies Singles: Ulster 4.5, Munster 1.5

1. Lisa Maguire beat Paula Walsh 2up
2. Louise Coffey beat Tara Whelan 2&1
3. Victoria Craig lost to Jenny Hennessy 3&2
4. Chloe Weir halved with Karen O’Neill
5. Tara Gribben beat Aoife Lowry 5&4
6. Niamh Ward beat Jean O’Driscoll 4&3.

Girls’ InterprovincialsFinal Points Table

1. Munster 3 pts (20 matches)
2. Leinster 2 pts (17.5 matches)
3.  Ulster  1 pt (13.5 matches)
4. Connacht 0 pt (3 matches)   

Leinster 9, Connacht 0Girls Foursomes: Leinster 3, Connacht 0

1. Molly Dowling & Alice Hutchinson beat Chloe O’Connor & Ailbhe Bourke 5&4
2. Ellie Metcalfe & Lauren Walsh beat Roisin Timothy & Roisin O’Brien 6&5
3. Clodagh Walsh & Nicole McGavisk beat Niamh Cronin & Caoilainn Bushell 8&7

Girls Singles: Leinster 6, Connacht 0

1. Molly Dowling beat Maeve Rooney 4&3
2. Alice Hutchinsson beat Roisin Timothy 5&4
3. Nicole McGavisk beat Chloe O’Connor 5&3
4. Elisa Corcoran beat Lorna Mullally 6&4
5. Clodagh Walsh beat Ailbhe Bourke 7&6
6. Ellen O’Gorman beat Niamh Cronin 3&2

Ulster 4, Munster 5Girls Foursomes: Ulster 1, Munster 2

1. Hannah Henderson & Maeve Cummins beat Lisa O’Shea & Ciara Leonard 3&2
2. Amy O’Donnell & Judithe Allen lost to Catriona Griffin & Nicola Rainsford 2up
3. Anna Morwood & Becky McNeice lost to Clodagh Jones & Grace McGrath 3&2

Girls Singles: Ulster 3, Munster 3

1. Hannah Henderson lost to Catriona Griffin 2&1
2. Maeve Cummins beat Katie Aherne 3&1
3. Clare Calvert lost to Clodagh Jones 3&2
4. Amy O’Donnell beat Lisa O’Shea 2&1
5. Judithe Allen lost to Grace McGrath 3&2
6. Laura McCaw beat Sara Byrne 1up.

Paul Dunne. Picture: Pat Cashman

European Amateur Team Championship — Paul Dunne shot a 68 to lead Ireland into the quarter-finals of the European Amateur Team Championship in Sweden.

The boys in green will take on England in the last eight after finishing second behind Germany in 36-hole strokeplay qualifying on seven under par.

Dunne (74-68) was sixth in the individual standings on two under with Dermot McElroy (70-72) tied eighth, Gary Hurley (75-69) tied 18th, Jack Hume (68-77) tied 25th, Cormac Sharvin (70-76) tied 32nd and Gavin Moynihan (73-74) tied 42d. 

Team scores - Individual scores

Top seeds Germany face Sweden, France meet Denmark and Scotland take on holders Spain.

European Ladies' Team Championship — Olivia Mehaffey produced a brilliant 69 and Leona Maguire birdied the last three holes for a 72 as Ireland scraped into the top flight by a single stroke, edging out the Netherlands at Helsingør Golf Club in Denmark.Team scores - Individual scoresThe side faces England in today's quarterfinals

European Girls' Team Championship — Ireland finished 11th in the qualifying at Golf Resort Kaskáda, Czech Republic and face Finland in Flight B today. Just five players of the six players posted counting scores as injury prevented Hermitage's Ciara Casey from teeing it up. Strokeplay scores, Ireland v Finland

World University Championship - Ireland's men are in fifth place at the halfway stage of the World University Championships in Gwangju, Korea.Sean Flanagan (70) and Alex Gleeson (72) were the counting cards with Stuart Grehan's 73 discarded, leaving them on 284 (142 142), three shots outside the medal places at Naju gold Lake Country Club.The Republic of Korea (276) leads by from from France with Japan and Thailand tied third on 281 while Flanagan is eighth in the individual standings on two under, five shots off the lead.Men's Team - Men's IndividualIn the women's championship, Irish Close champion Sarah Helly is tied 30th (79 76, 155) with Jessica Ross 31st (78 79, 157) and Sinead Sexton 33rd (77 81, 158). In the team standings, Ireland are 13th.Women's Team - Women's Individual

Wexford Golf Club

Munster face do or die clashes with Ulster for the Ladies and Girls’ Interprovincial Matches at Wexford today.

In the Ladies Interprovincials, Munster beat Connacht 7.5  to 1.5 to and while Ulster lead the way with two wins, the title is still very much up for grabs.

In the Girls’ Interprovincials, Munster beat Connacht 9-0 to maintain their 100 percent record and now face Leinster on the final day with the title on the line.

ILGU Interprovincial Matches, Wexford Golf ClubGirls Interprovincial Matches (after day 2) Province Points Matches Won

1. Munster 2 15
2. Ulster 1 9.5
3. Leinster  1 8.5
4. Connacht 0 3

Ladies Interprovincial Matches after day two Province Points Matches Won

1. Ulster 2 11
2. Munster 1 11.5
3. Leinster  1 9
4. Connacht 0 3.5

Draw for Day 3 – Thursday 9th JulyLEINSTER v CONNACHT (Connacht names first)Girls Foursomes

1. 08:00 Molly Dowling & Alice Hutchinson v Chloe O’Connor & Ailbhe Bourke
2. 08:10 Ellie Metcalfe & Lauren Walsh v Roisin Timothy & Roisin O’Brien
3. 08:20 Clodagh Walsh & Nicole McGavisk v Niamh Cronin & Caoilainn Bushell

Ladies Foursomes

1. 08:30 Aedin Murphy & Louise Mernagh v Maeve Kelly & Emma Gilmore
2. 08:40 Meadhbh Doyle & Rachel Taylor–v- Zoe Collins & Clodagh Hopkins
3. 08:50 Ariana Coyle Diez & Mary Doyle v Shannon Burke & Anne McCormack

ULSTER v MUNSTER (Ulster names first)Girls Foursomes

1. 09:00 Hannah Henderson & Maeve Cummins v Lisa O’Shea & Ciara Leonard
2. 09:10 Amy O’Donnell & Judithe Allen–v- Catriona Griffin & Nicola Rainsford
3. 09:20 Anna Morwood & Becky McNeice -v- Clodagh Jones & Grace McGrath

Ladies Foursomes

1. 09:30 Lisa Maguire & Louise Coffey v Aoife Lowry & Jenny Hennessy
2. 09:40 Tara Gribben & Chloe Weir v Tara Whelan & Paula Walsh
3. 09:50 Niamh Ward & Victoria Craig v Karen O’Neill & Jean O’Driscoll

Results Day 2 - Wednesday 8 JulyGIRLS - MUNSTER 6 LEINSTER 3 (Munster names first)Girls Foursomes, Munster 2 – Leinster 1

1. Lisa O’Shea & Ciara Leonard beat Molly Dowling & Elisa Corcoran 3&2
2. Katie Aherne & Sara Byrne lost to Clodagh Walsh & Nicole McGavisk 3&1
3. Clodagh Jones & Grace McGrath beat Ellie Metcalfe & Ellen O’Gorman 1up

Girls Singles, Munster 4 – Leinster 2

1. Catriona Griffin beat Molly Dowling 1up
2. Katie Aherne lost to Alice Hutchinson 4&3
3. Clodagh Jones beat Lauren Walsh 6&4
4. Lisa O’Shea beat Ellie Metcalfe 3&2
5. Ciara Leonard lost to Clodagh Walsh 2up
6. Nicola Rainsford beat Elisa Corcoran 1up

Ladies - Munster 4, Leinster 5Foursomes, Munster 2, Leinster 1

1. Tara Whelan & Paula Walsh lost to Mary Dole & Ariana Coyle Diez 2up
2. Aoife Lowry & Jenny Hennessy beat Aedin Murphy & Louise Mernagh 2up
3. Karen O’Neill & Jean O’Driscoll beat Meadhbh Doyle & Rachel Taylor 2&1

Ladies Singles, Munster 2 – Leinster 4

1. Jean O’Driscoll lost to Aedin Murphy 3&2
2. Jenny Hennessy lost to Louise Mernagh 4&3
3. Aoife Lowry lost to Ariana Coyle Diez 2&1
4. Tara Whelan beat Meadhbh Doyle 2&1
5. Paula Walsh beat Rachel Taylor 1up
6. Karen O’Neill lost to Mary Doyle 2&1

GIRLS CONNACHT 3 ULSTER 6 (Connacht names first)Girls Foursomes, Connacht 1 – Ulster 2

1. Maeve Rooney & Roisin Timothy lost to Amy O’Donnell & Judithe Allen 3&2
2. Chloe O’Connor & Lorna Mullally beat Clare Calvert & Laura McCaw 5&3
3. Ailbhe Bourke & Caoilainn Bushell lost to Anna Morwood & Becky McNeice 3&2

Girls Singles, Connacht 2 – Ulster 4

1. Maeve Rooney beat Hannah Henderson 5&4
2. Chloe O’Connor beat Clare Calvert 2&1
3. Lorna Mullally lost to Maeve Cummins 5&4
4. Ailbhe Bourke lost to Judithe Allen 7&6
5. Niamh Cronin lost to Amy O’Donnell 6&5
6. Roisin O’Brien lost to Becky McNiece 5&3

Ladies Connacht 3, Ulster 6Foursomes, Connacht 0 – Ulster 3

1. Emma Gilmore & Zoe Collins lost to Lisa Maguire & Louise Coffey 5&4
2. Maeve Kelly & Clodagh Hopkins lost to Tara Gribben & Chloe Weir 4&3
3. Anne McCormack & Shannon Burke lost to Niamh Ward & Victoria Craig 2&1

Ladies Singles, Connacht 3 – Ulster 3

1. Anne McCormack beat Tara Gribben 4&3
2. Clodagh Hopkins lost to Lisa Maguire 2&1
3. Maeve Kelly lost to Louise Coffey 1up
4. Shannon Burke lost to Chloe Weir 3&2
5. Emma Gilmore beat Victoria Craig 2up
6. Zoe Collins beat Niamh Ward 1up.

Old Tom and the Young guns. eamus McParland (Team Captain) and Jerome Clancy (Team Manager) with the victorious Leinster Team (from left) Rowan Lester, Richard Bridges, Alan Lowry, Paul McBride, Jeff Hopkins, Conor O'Rourke, Kevin Le Blanc and Thomas Mulligan surround the statue of Old Tom Morris at the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club today (08/07/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Munster’s bid for a third Interprovincial Championship victory in four years was crushed decisively by Leinster’s young guns on the Sandy Hills Links at Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort in Donegal.

Having cruised to wins over Connacht and Ulster over the first two days, it came down to a head-to-head between the favourites that ended with a young Leinster side running out easy winners by 8.5 to 2.5.

The result ends a seven-year winless streak for Leinster in the matches and heralds the start of a new era for the new wave of young Irish stars in a week that now clashes with the six-man European Amateur Team Championships in Sweden.

With the majority of that six-man team set to turn professional, Ireland needs new stars and they have found some in Leinster (and elsewhere) with The Island’s Paul McBride, 19, leading the way with six points out of six.

Having just completed his first year at Wake Forest University, McBride led from the front, taking 16-year old Co Louth star Thomas Mulligan under his wing.

The oldest player on the Leinster team was 28 year old Richard Bridges, who did not play yesterday. 

But even with the Stackstown man taking a break, their average age was just 20.8 in a clearly positive results for the youth policy put in place by Leinster Golf and Golfing Union of Ireland.

“We started off with a panel of 16 in January, cut it back and went for a youth policy in conjunction with the Sports Development Plan of the GUI and the Development squads within Leinster Golf and the GUI,” said Leinster’s non-playing captain Seamus McParland.

“Conor O’Rourke (23) is on the Development squad and Kevin Le Blanc (17), Rowan Lester (19) and Thomas Mulligan (16) are coming through the Boys programmes. We selected a young team and it clearly worked out with this victory.  We are delighted.  

“Paul McBride played No 1 all week in the singles and No 2 in the foursomes and got six out of six. He’s great player and has a great future. 

“There is a new generation talented players coming through and we can see that hard work that Leinster Golf and the Golfing Union is doing is starting to pay off.”

With several members of the current national squad set to turn professional, including Bridges, a posse of Leinster young guns that also features Alan Lowry (22) and Jeff Hopkins (23) looks set to take centre stage.

They won all four foursomes to leave them needing just two points from the seven singles and they got those easily with McBride beating Robin Dawson 5 and 4 before Rowan Lester’s 2 and 1 win over John Hickey sealed Munster’s fate.

With two of the six-man Irish team set to miss the Home Internationals to play in the clashing US Amateur — Cormac Sharvin and Gary Hurley — there are several international places up for grabs over the next few weeks.

Lester’s haul of five and a half points out of six puts him in the frame alongside Kevin LeBlanc while Munster’s Eanna Griffin, who won five points out of six has also got a strong claim to an internatonal debut at Royal Portrush.

John Ross Galbraith looks good to hang on to his place after dropping just half a point in his six matches.

Interprovincial Championship, Rosapenna Golf Club (Sandy Hills Links)Final Standings

1. Leinster
2. Munster
3. Ulster
4. Connacht

Results for Day 3 (Wednesday 8th July)Match 1: Ulster 8½ Connacht 2½Foursomes 

1. JR Galbraith & Tiarnan McLarnon beat Kelan McDonagh & Shaun Carter 1 hole
2. Colm Campbell & William Hanna beat Joe Lyons & Ronan Mullarney 2/1
3. Gareth Lappin & Jordan Hood halved with Eddie McCormack & Mark Morrissey 
4. Colin Fairweather & Stuart Bleakley beat Stephen Brady & Steffan O’Hara 3/2

Singles

1. JR Galbraith beat Mark Morrissey 3/1
2. Colm Campbell halved with Kelan McDonagh 
3. Tiarnan McLarnon halved with Eddie McCormack 
4. Gareth Lappin beat Ronan Mullarney 1 hole
5. William Hanna lost to Joe Lyons 3/2
6. Jordan Hood beat Steffan O’Hara 2 holes
7. Stuart Bleakley beat Stephen Brady 1 hole

Match 2: Leinster 8½ Munster 2½ (Leinster names first)Foursomes

1. Kevin Le Blanc & Rowan Lester beat Eanna Griffin & Ian O’Rourke 1 hole
2. Paul McBride & Thomas Mulligan beat Robin Dawson & John Hickey 2/1
3. Richard Bridges & Jeff Hopkins beat Gary O’Flaherty & Dave O’Donovan 2 holes
4. Conor O’Rourke & Alan Lowry beat Pat Murray & Geoff Lenehan 2/1

Singles

1. Paul McBride  beat Robin Dawson 5/4
2. Rowan Lester beat John Hickey 2/1
3. Kevin Le Blanc lost to Eanna Griffin 2 holes
4. Conor O’Rourke halved with Geoff Lenehan 
5. Alan Lowry halved with Gary O’Flaherty 
6. Thomas Mulligan halved with Pat Murray 
7. Jeff Hopkins beat Ian O’Rourke 4/3

East of Ireland champion Stuart Grehan. Picture: Pat Cashman

Ireland's men's and women's teams are outside the medal places after the first round of the World University Championships in Korea.

The men's team is fourth, six shots behind leaders Thailand and two outside third after Stuart Grehan shot a two under 70 and Sean Flanagan posted a level par 72 with Alex Gleeson's 74 discarded. Scores

In the women's championship, Ireland are in 13th place in 155, 14 shots behind Chinese Taipei who lead by two shots from Japan and by there from South Korea. Women's scores

Sinead Sexton shot 77 and Jessica Ross 78 with Sarah Helly's 79 discarded.

 

 

Pádraig Harrington gave Rory McIlroy some hope that he can turn up and the last minute and overcome his ankle injury to play in The Open. But Paul McGinley fears that missing St Andrews is a precious lost opportunity for the world No 1 to triumph at the Home of Golf.

"I think it's a shame for Rory and it's a shame for golf because it's not often The Open is in St Andrews." McGinley said. "There's something special and magical about it being in St Andrews and Rory is going to miss that.

"It could be five years before he gets a chance to play an Open again at St Andrews. It's sad for Rory, it's sad for the game, it's sad for the fact that Jordan Spieth has won the first two majors and I think St Andrews is really going to suit Rory but hopefully he recovers quickly."

Harrington won back to back Opens in 2008 despite a wrist injury and he believes there's still time for the four-time major winner to make it to the Old Course.

According to Martin Dempster in The Scotsman, Harrington said:

"I injured myself five days before The Open. The first time I put the wrist under pressure was the sixth hole on the Thursday and, when I did, it was fine. I wasn’t playing under an injury."I just couldn’t prepare because of an injury – which probably did me some good, looking back. I just walked around with a wedge and a putter on the Wednesday, played a few chips, got the feel of the greens.“So it interfered with my preparation, although it might have even helped my tournament. But I certainly wasn’t playing with an injury. I tested it after six holes and it worked.“It could be completely different circumstances to what Rory is facing, depending on how he recovers. Only he will know the next step. I’m assuming he’ll be finding out the extent of the damage – and I’m sure he’ll have the quickest recovery available. It just depends how bad it is.”

Harrington revealed he’d suffered a similar injury in his amateur days, but is confident McIlroy’s recovery period will be a lot shorter than his.

“I did the same thing in ’91, but didn’t get it treated quickly enough or properly. And still to this day I work on my left ankle because of that injury. It took a long time to clear up,” he said

Phil and Padraig with the captain of Stackstown.

.Harrington had been playing host to some guests in Dublin in the shape of close pal and five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, who loaned him a light laser therapy machine at Royal Birkdale when he was injured in 2008.

Having just won the Irish PGA at the European Club, the Dubliner hit an impact bag at home on the Sunday before The Open and damaged his left wrist.

McIlroy injured his ankle running on astroturf on Saturday during a kick-about with friends. he then took to Instagram on Monday to reveal the extent of the injury: 

Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday. Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started..... Working hard to get back as soon as I can. 

Ireland have work to do to make the top flight in Denmark

Ireland have a battle on their hands to make the top flight as they ended the opening day tied for 10th in the European Ladies Amateur Team Championship at Helsingør Golf Club in Denmark.

Switzerland lead by a shot from England and France with Ireland tied for 10th with Norway, three shots behind Germany and the Netherlands on 19 over par. 

Scores - Team | Individual

Star player Leona Maguire is tied for 18th in the individual standings after a level par 71 with Skerries' Maria Dunne (74) tied 38th, Paula Grant and Jessica Carty tied 66th after 76s, Olivia Mehaffey tied 79th after a 77 while the battling Chloe Ryan will be trying to come back to fight another day after an 80.

In the European Girls' Amateur Team Championship at Golf Resort Kaskada Brno in the Czech Republic, Ireland are only one stroke outside the top eight after the opening day.Team | IndividualLurgan's Annabel Wilson continued her good form from the Junior Vagliano Trophy with a level par 73 leaving her in 14th place with Niamh McSherry (74) in 18th, Julie McCarthy (75) 23rd, Mairead Martin (78) 51st, Ciara Casey (81) 87th and Valerie Clancy (84) 101st.

Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu) lining up his putt on the 5th green during the third round of the recent  Irish Boys at Tuam, leads the Connacht U18s at Roscommon. Picture by Pat Cashman

Cairndhu's Marc McKinstry fired a four under par 68 to take a three stroke lead after the first round of the Connacht Under 18 Boys Championship at Roscommon. 

Connacht U18 Boys Open, Roscommon Golf Club (Par 72)

68 Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu)

71 Matthew Fitzsimons (Ardglass), S McCaw (Royal Belfast), Louis O'Hara (Athenry)

72 Ross Kelly (Tuam), Peter Kerr (Royal Portrush), Joseph O'Neill (Tralee), Darragh Smith (Castle)

73 David Brady (Co. Sligo), Daniel McNally (Carton House), Devin Morley (Oughterard), Michael O'Farrell (Galway), Cillian Moloney (Fota Island)

74 Paddy Culhane (Galway), Ian Halpin (Cahir Park), John Murphy (Kinsale), William Small (Tandragee), Aaron Bagnall (Millicent), Cathal Butler (Kinsale), Jake Vickers (Balbriggan), Ryan Corry (Clandeboye), Kevin Power (Kilkenny), David Hill (Roscommon)

75 Adam McCormick (Scrabo), Jordan Logue (Hilton Templepatrick), Darren Hourihan (Douglas), Mark Healy (Kinsale), Gary Ward (Kinsale), Jack Patton (Letterkenny)

76 David Clince (Craddockstown), Jack Hearn (Tramore), Marc Norton (Belvoir Park), Harry Gillivan (Westport), Eoghan O'Neill (Limerick), Mikey Burke (Galway), Mark Power (Kilkenny), Eanna Melville (Gort), Eric Rumley (Kinsale), Jason Murphy (Warrenpoint), Gareth Carr (Mullingar)

77 David Burns (Cushendall), Eamonn O'Driscoll (Killarney), Nathan McCann (Lurgan), Robert Nevin (Headfort), Barry Fitzpatrick (Castle), Jack Doherty (Carton House), John Molyneaux (Ballybunion), Evan Henry (Ballyhaunis), Cian Henry (Ballyhaunis), Shane McDermott (Co. Cavan), Michael Kennelly (Athenry), Marc Boucher (Carton House), Cian Feeney (Co. Sligo), Dean Cafferty (Carton House)

78 Michael McGurk (Warrenpoint), Aaron O'Donnell (Athenry), Jack Johnston (Clandeboye), Aaron Howard (Palmerstown Stud), William Eickholt (Portmarnock), Chris Black (Dunmurry), Allan Hill (Roscommon), Luke Cummins (West Waterford), Conor Rice (Athlone), Timothy Howes (Mount Juliet), Gareth Hogan (Island), Colm Beakey (Galway Bay), Charlie McDonnell (Castleblayney), Eoin Conway (West Waterford), Jack Tuohy (Galway Bay), Cathal Hastings (Castlebar), Paul Kelly (Glasson)

79 Oisin Devereux (Carton House), Conor Kavanagh (Newbridge), Joseph Rafferty (Castle Hume), Gavin Fitzmaurice (Balcarrick), Luke O'Brien Jnr (Limerick), Ryan Sheerin (Tullamore), Robert Moran (Castle), Owen Crooks (Bushfoot), Christopher Duffy (Letterkenny), Conor McDonald (Lurgan), Stephen Kelliher (Killarney), Michael Young

80 Mark Doogue (Baltinglass), George Morgan (Grange), Harry Duggan (Kilkenny), Mark Burke (Tuam), Eoin Ruane (Mullingar), Andrew Hickey (Ballyhaunis), Andrew Mays (Portmarnock), Matthew Grehan (Tullamore), Brian Jnr Fehily (Newlands), Campbell Rodgers (Royal Portrush), Alan Fahy (Bray), Bill Hannan (Carton House), Sean Desmond (Monkstown), Brian Crowdle (Kilkenny), Sean Burke (Galway), Aodan Comerford (Bearna)

81 Callum Slater (Headfort), David Kitt (Mountbellew), Alex Murray (Island), Aaron Ryan (Thurles), Dylan Craig (Tubbercurry), Peter Cummins (Lurgan), Anton Brennan (Athenry), Conor Ruane (Galway Bay)

82 Ross Murphy Sweeney (Glasson), Seán Dowling (Beaverstown), Sean Dunne (The Royal Dublin), Rory Hill (Tralee), Danny Madden (Dungannon), John Corbett Jnr (Thurles), Eoin Griffin (Galway), Harry McGeary (Dungannon)

83 Jamie Knipe (Royal Portrush), Tommy Doran (Balbriggan), Sean Doyle (Athlone), Enda Cahill (Carton House), Sean Mc Hugh (Enniscrone)

84 Cian Hutchinson (Carton House), Eoin Ahern (Mallow), Enda Kennedy (Black Bush), Jack Madden (Dungannon), Darragh Herlihy (West Waterford), Michael Shiel (Athenry)

86 Evan Hollowed (Newlands), Daniel Devlin (Fota Island), Joseph Keyes (Co. Sligo), Ross Moore (Royal Portrush)

87 Conor Keown (Greystones), Ryan Gibbons (Castlebar)

88 Daragh Coleman (Skerries), Cillian Lawless (Athenry), Brian McGuinness (Claremorris), Ben Graham (Scrabo), Liam Nolan (Galway)

89 Seamus Og O'Neill (Co. Cavan)

91 Dylan McHugh (Castlebar)

92 Ciaran McCabe (Dungannon), Ryan Timlin (Castlebar)

Munster got off to a winning start in the ILGU Interprovincial Matches at Wexford Golf Club.

In the women's championship, Munster beat Connacht 7.5-1.15 as Ulster edged out Leinster 5-4 while in the Girls' Championship, Munster were 9-0 winners over Connacht as Leister defeated Ulster 5.5-3.5

ILGU Interprovincial Matches, Wexford Golf ClubDraw for Day 2 - Wednesday 8 JulyMUNSTER v LEINSTER (Munster names first)Girls Foursomes

1. 08:00 Lisa O’Shea & Ciara Leonard v Molly Dowling & Elisa Corcoran
2. 08:10 Katie Aherne & Sara Byrne v Clodagh Walsh & Nicole McGavisk
3. 08:20 Clodagh Jones & Grace McGrath v Ellie Metcalfe & Ellen O’Gorman

Ladies Foursomes

1. 08:30 Tara Whelan & Paula Walsh v Mary Dole & Ariana Coyle Diez
2. 08:40 Aoife Lowry & Jenny Hennessy v Aedin Murphy & Louise Mernagh
3. 08:50 Karen O’Neill & Jean O’Driscoll v Meadhbh Doyle & Rachel Taylor

CONNACHT V ULSTER (Connacht names first)Girls Foursomes

1. 09:00 Maeve Rooney & Roisin Timothy v Amy O’Donnell & Judithe Allen
2. 09:10 Chloe O’Connor & Lorna Mullally v Clare Calvert & Laura McCaw
3. 09:20 Ailbhe Bourke & Caoilainn Bushell v Anna Morwood & Becky McNeice 

Ladies Foursomes

1. 09:30 Emma Gilmore & Zoe Collins v Lisa Maguire & Louise Coffey
2. 09:40 Maeve Kelly & Clodagh Hopkins v Tara Gribben & Chloe Weir
3. 09:50 Anne McCormack & Shannon Burke v Niamh Ward & Victoria Craig

Results for Day 1 - Tuesday 7 JulyULSTER V LEINSTER (Ulster names first)Girls Foursomes, Ulster 2 – Leinster 1

1. Hannah Henderson & Maeve Cummins beat Molly Dowling & Elisa Corcoran 1up
2. Amy O'Donnell & Judithe Allen beat Clodagh Walsh & Nicole McGavisk 1up
3. Clare Calvert & Laura McCaw lost to Ellie Metcalfe & Ellen O'Gorman 1up

Girls Singles, Ulster 1½ - Leinster 4½ 

1. Hannah Henderson halved with Molly Dowling
2. Amy O’Donnell beat Alice Hutchinson 1up
3. Judithe Allen lost to Nicole McGavisk 2&1
4. Maeve Cummins lost to Lauren Walsh 2&1
5. Clare Calvert lost to Clodagh Walsh 4&3
6. Anna Morwood lost to Elisa Corcoran 5&4

Girls overall Ulster 3.5, Leinster 5.5

Ladies Foursomes, Ulster 2 – Leinster 1

1. Lisa Maguire & Louise Coffey lost to Mary Doyle & Ariana Coyle-Diez 3&2
2. Chloe Weir & Tara Gribben beat Rachel Taylor & Maedhbh Doyle 3&2
3. Niamh Ward & Victoria Craig beat Aedin Murphy & Louise Mernagh 2up

Ladies Singles, Ulster 3 – Leinster 3

1. Louise Coffey lost to Ariana Coyle Diez 6&4
2. Niamh Ward beat Rachel Taylor 2&1
3. Victoria Craig halved with Mary Doyle 
4. Chloe Weir halved with Maedhbh Doyle
5. Tara Gribben beat Louise Mernagh 6&4
6. Lisa Maguire lost to Aedin Murphy 2&1

Ladies Overall Ulster 5, Leinster 4

CONNACHT V MUNSTER (Connacht names first)Girls Foursomes, Connacht 0 – Munster 3

1. Maeve Rooney & Roisin Timothy lost to Catriona Griffin & Sara Byrne 2&1
2. Chloe O'Connor & Niamh Cronin lost to Katie Aherne & Nicola Rainsford 5&3
3. Lorna Mullally & Roisin O'Brien lost to Clodagh Jones & Grace McGrath 5&4

Girls Singles, Connacht 0 Munster 6

1. Maeve Rooney lost to Catriona Griffin 5&4
2. Roisin Timothy lost to Katie Aherne 5&4
3. Chloe O’Connor lost to Clodagh Jones 3&2
4. Lorna Mullally lost to Ciara Leonard 4&2
5. Ailbhe Bourke lost to Lisa O’Shea 6&5
6. Niamh Cronin lost to Grace McGrath 2up

Girls overall Connacht 0, Munster 9

Ladies Foursomes, Connacht 0 – Munster 3

1. Emma Gilmore & Zoe Collins lost to Jean O'Driscoll & Karen O'Neill 6&5
2. Maeve Kelly & Clodagh Hopkins lost to Tara Whelan & Paula Walsh 4&2
3. Anne McCormack & Shannon Burke lost to Jenny Hennessy & Aoife Lowry 4&2

Ladies Singles,  Connacht 1½  - Munster 4½ 

1. Maeve Kelly lost to Karen O’Neill 5&3
2. Clodagh Hopkins halved withTara Whelan
3. Anne McCormack lost to Jean O’Driscoll 1up
4. Shannon Burke lost to Paula Walsh 1up
5. Emma Gilmore lost to Jenny Hennessy 1up
6. Zoe Collins beat Aoife Lowry 5&4

Overall Connacht 1.5, Munster 7.5

Neil O'Briain

Neil O'Briain ground out a second round 72 to win the Slieve Russell Masters Pro-Am on Tuesday.

The Old Conna professional, edged out Drive Golf Performance's Colm Moriarty and overnight leader David Higgins of Waterville by a single shot at the Co Cavan venue.

“It was hard graft out there today,” said O'Briain who feels his game is starting to come together after making a slow start to the season.

“It's a demanding golf course and you have to keep plugging away. If you do miss it, you just have to make sure you don't miss it in point Z otherwise you are dead.”

Neil began Tuesday's second round a shot behind Higgins following an opening round of two under par 70. Starting at the 10th he rattled off six pars before grabbing a birdie at the par three 16th, firing an eight iron into six feet and rolling in the putt.

He went to the turn in one under 35 and continued to plot his way round his back nine, getting up and down from short of the green at both the second and third.

His only blip came at the par four fifth, when he misjudged the breeze with his approach shot and finished with a bogey as he came home in one over 37.

Colm Moriatry forced his way into second place with a best of the day round of 69 that included an eagle at the par five ninth, while Higgins slipped back with a second round 74.

Scott Kirkpatrick (Ardee GC) won the team event with 178 points ahead of O'Briain. 

Slieve Russell Masters Pro-Am, Slieve Russell Golf & CC (Par 72)

Detailed scores

142 Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC) 70 72

143 Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) 74 69; David Higgins (Waterville Links) 69 74

145 Damian Mooney (Ballyliffin) 74 71

146 David Ryan (Cahir Park) 75 71; Daniel Sugrue (Killarney Golf & Fishing Club) 74 72

147 M Whelan (Castlewarden Golf &CC) 75 72

T148 Philip Walton  72 76; Donal Gleeson (Old Conna GC) 78 70; Glen Robinson 77 71 

Pro-Am Scores

1. S Kirkpatrick (Ardee) 88 90 (178)
2. N O'Briain (Old Conna) 89 89 (178)
3. M Staunton (Delgany) 91 86 (177)

Dave O'Donovan (Munster) playing from the rough at the 14th hole during the second day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Munster will be going for their third title in four years when they take on Leinster's young guns for the Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna's spectacular Sandy Hills Links on Wednesday.

The majestic dunes of the northwest Donegal resort will form a magnificent backdrop to a championship that has afforded some new blood the chance to show the Irish selectors what they can do.

Holders Munster were given food for thought in the afternoon singles against Ulster but they proved too strong in the end, edging the mano a mano combats 4-3 for a 6.5-4.5 victory.

Leinster's Kevin Le Blanc and Rowan Lester lining up their putt on the 10th green during the second day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club today (07/07/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

While John Hickey beat John-Ross Galbraith and Dave O'Donovan saw off William Hanna, a 5 and 4 defeat for Pat Murray by an excellent Colm Campbell heralded some Ulster resistance.

Robin Dawson beat Gareth Lappin 3 and 2 however and Eanna Griffin defeated Colin Fairweather 8 and 6. Then Geoff Lenehan eventually came though a tough battle to see off Tiarnan McLarnon on the 18th as Ian O’Rourke edged out Jordan Hood 2

Leinster, who have a host of young players in their ranks this year, beat Connacht 7.5-3.5 with Alan Lowry, Rowan Lester, Thomas Mulligan and Paul McBride unbeaten on day two. 

Leading by a point after the singles, the boys in blue were clinical in the singles though the short game magic of Ronan Mullarney helped him beat Kevin LeBlanc 2 and 1 as veteran Joe Lyons chipped in at the last to snatch a half with Rowan Lester.

In an added bit of spice for the final day, both Munster and Leinster have players with 100 percent records - Eanna Griffin for the Munster men and The Island's Paul McBride for Leinster.

Storm approaching at Rosapenna. Picture by Pat Cashman (Please click to expand)

Ian O'Rourke (Munster) driving from the 1st tee during the second day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna. Picture by Pat Cashman

olm Campbell (Ulster) pictured with his fiancee Ciara McSherry after beating Pat Murray (Munster) 5 and 4 during the second day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club today (07/07/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Interprovincial Matches, Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resorts, Sandy Hills LinksDraw for Wednesday 8th JulyMatch 1: Ulster v Connacht (Ulster names first)Foursomes (8am at 10-minute intervals)

1. JR Galbraith & Tiarnan McLarnon  Kelan McDonagh & Shaun Carter
2. Colm Campbell & William Hanna  Joe Lyons & Ronan Mullarney
3. Gareth Lappin & Jordan Hood  Eddie McCormack & Mark Morrissey
4. Colin Fairweather & Stuart Bleakley  Stephen Brady & Steffan O’Hara

Singles (1pm at 8-minute intervals

1. JR Galbraith v Mark Morrissey
2. Colm Campbell v Kelan McDonagh
3. Tiarnan McLarnon v Eddie McCormack
4. Gareth Lappin v Ronan Mullarney
5. William Hanna v Joe Lyons
6. Jordan Hood v Steffan O’Hara
7. Stuart Bleakley v Stephen Brady

Match 2: Leinster v Munster (Leinster names first)Foursomes (8.40)

1. Kevin Le Blanc & Rowan Lester v Eanna Griffin & Ian O’Rourke
2. Paul McBride & Thomas Mulligan v Robin Dawson & John Hickey
3. Richard Bridges & Jeff Hopkins v Gary O’Flaherty & Dave O’Donovan
4. Conor O’Rourke & Alan Lowry v Pat Murray & Geoff Lenehan

Singles (1.56 at 8 minute intervals)

1. Paul McBride  v Robin Dawson
2. Rowan Lester v John Hickey
3. Kevin Le Blanc v Eanna Griffin
4. Conor O’Rourke v Geoff Lenehan
5. Alan Lowry v Gary O’Flaherty
6. Thomas Mulligan v Pat Murray
7. Jeff Hopkins v Ian O’Rourke
8. LIVE SCORING FROM ROSAPENNA

Munster 6.5 Ulster 4.5Foursomes 

1. Robin Dawson & John Hickey lost to John-Ross Galbraith & Tiarnan McLarnon Won 2 & 1
2. Geoff Lenehan & Pat Murray halved with Colm Campbell Jnr & William Hanna 
3. Dave O’Donovan & Gary O’Flaherty bt Jordan Hood & Gareth Lappin 1 hole
4. Eanna Griffin & Ian O’Rourke bt Stuart Bleakley & Colin Fairweather Won 2 & 1

Foursomes - Munster 2.5 Ulster 1.5

Singles

1. John Hickey bt John-Ross Galbraith 2 holes
2. Pat Murray lost to Colm Campbell Jnr 5/4
3. Robin Dawson bt Gareth Lappin 3/2    
4. Dave O’Donovan bt William Hanna 3/2    
5. Geoff Lenehan bt Tiarnan McLarnon 2 holes            
6. Eanna Griffin bt Colin Fairweather 8/6            
7. Ian O’Rourke bt Jordan Hood 2/1

Singles - Munster 4 Ulster 3    

Overall - Munster 6.5 Ulster 4.5

Leinster 7.5, Connacht 3.5Foursomes

1. Kevin LeBlanc & Rowan Lester bt Joe Lyons & Ronan Mullarney 7 & 5
2. Paul McBride & Thomas Mulligan bt Shaun Carter & Kelan McDonagh 3 & 2
3. Richard Bridges & Jeff Hopkins lost to Mark Morrissey & Eddie McCormack 1 Hole    
4. Alan Lowry & Conor O’Rourke halved with Stephen Brady & Steffan O’Hara 

Foursomes - Leinster 2.5 Connacht 1.5

Singles

1. Paul McBride bt Shaun Carter 3/2
2. Rowan Lester halved with Joe Lyons
3. Kevin Le Blanc lost to Ronan Mullarney 2/1
4. Conor O'Rourke bt Steffan O'Hara 4/3
5. Alan Lowry bt Mark Morrissey 3/2
6. Thomas Mulligan halved with Eddie McCormack
7. Jeff Hopkins bt Stephen Brad 2 holes

Singles - Leinster 5, Connacht 2

Overall - Leinster 7.5, Connacht 3.5

Jack Hume. Picture: Pat Cashman

Walker Cup prospect Jack Hume led the way as Ireland got off to a strong start in the European Amateur Team Championship at Halmstad Golf Club in Sweden on Tuesday. 

The Naas ace, one of six Irish players with a realistic chance of selection for September's Walker Cup, had five birdies and just one bogey in a fou under 68 to share second place in the individual standings, one shot behind leader Morten Toft Hansen of Denmark.

Ireland are in third place in the team standings, which counts five of the six scores, one stroke behind co-leaders France and Denmark ahead of Wednesday's final qualifying round.

Their goal is to make Flight A for the top eight and battle for the title which escaped them 12 months ago when they fell to Spain in the final.

Dermot McElroy. Picture: Golf.se

Ardglass' Cormac Sharvin continued his excellent form following his win in the Brabazon Trophy with a two under 70, which featured an eagle, two birdies and two bogeys, leaving him tied for ninth with Ballymena's Dermot McElroy, who had four birdies.

The Island's Gavin Moynihan is tied 35th after a 73, one head of Greystones' Paul Dunne, who posted a 74 having tripled the long fifth and bogeyed the ninth to turn in four over.

West Waterford's Gary Hurley was Ireland's non-counting score with a three over 75.

The Munster man was just one over with seven holes to play but double bogeyed the 12th and triple bogeyed the 14th to find himself six over before rallying with birdies at the next three holes

How the Irish scored. Click to expand. 

European Amateur Team Championship, Halmstad Golf Club (Par 72)

Detailed scores - Individual l Team

1 FRANCE-6 F 354 
2 DENMARK -6F 354 
3 IRELAND-5 F 355 
4 GERMANY -4 F 356 
5 ITALY Par F 360 
6 SPAIN Par F 360 
7 ENGLAND +4 F 364 
8 WALES +5 F 365 
9 SCOTLAND +7 F 367 
10 SWEDEN +8 F 368 
11 NETHERLANDS +8 F 368 
12 BELGIUM +9 F 369 
13 FINLAND +9 F 369 
14 CZECH REPUBLIC +13 F 373 
15 SWITZERLAND +25 F 385 
16 POLAND +45 F 405

Leinster players Kevin Le Blanc, Rowan Lester, Thomas Mulligan and Paul McBride watching other matches finish during the second day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club today (07/07/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Munster and Leinster continued their strong start the Interprovincial Matches by winning their foursomes on day two at Rosapenna.

Stephen Brady (Connacht) plays out of a bunker on the Sandy Hills Links at Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort in the Interprovincial Championship. Picture by Pat Cashman

Following their win over Connacht on Monday, holders Munster edged Ulster 2.5 - 1.5 over the Sandy Hills Links with Geoff Lenehan and Pat Murray halving their match with Colm Campbell and William Hanna.

Robin Dawson and John Hickey lost 2 and 1 to a sensational John Ross Galbraith and Tiarnan McLarnon, who were six under on the front nine alone as Dave O'Donovan and Gary O'Flaherty beat Jordan Hood and Gareth Lappin by one hole.

Leinster's young team snatched a one-point advantage over Connacht with Alan Lowry and Conor O’Rourke halving the final foursomes against Stephen Brady and Steffan O’Hara to put them 2.5-1.5 ahead going into this afternoon's singles.

Young guns Kevin LeBlanc and Rowan Lester and Paul Mc Bride and Thomas Mulligan won their matches.

LIVE SCORING FROM ROSAPENNA

Munster v Ulster Foursomes 

1. Robin Dawson & John Hickey lost to John-Ross Galbraith & Tiarnan McLarnon Won 2 & 1
2. Geoff Lenehan & Pat Murray halved with Colm Campbell Jnr & William Hanna 
3. Dave O’Donovan & Gary O’Flaherty bt Jordan Hood & Gareth Lappin 1 hole
4. Eanna Griffin & Ian O’Rourke bt Stuart Bleakley & Colin Fairweather Won 2 & 1

Foursomes - Munster 2.5 Ulster 1.5Singles

1. John Hickey v JR Galbraith 3 up 9
2. Pat Murray v Colm Campbell 2 up 5
3. Robin Dawson 2 up 5 v Gareth Lappin 
4. Dave O'Donovan v William Hanna 3up 5
5. Geoff Lenehan v Tiarnan McLarnon 1 up 5
6. Eanna Griffin v Colin Fairweather
7. Ian O’Rourke v Jordan Hood

Leinster v ConnachtFoursomes

1. Kevin LeBlanc & Rowan Lester bt Joe Lyons & Ronan Mullarney 7 & 5
2. Paul Mc Bride & Thomas Mulligan bt Shaun Carter & Kelan McDonagh 3 & 2
3. Richard Bridges & Jeff Hopkins lost to Mark Morrissey & Eddie McCormack 1 Hole    
4. Alan Lowry & Conor O’Rourke halved with Stephen Brady & Steffan O’Hara 

Foursomes - Leinster 2.5 Connacht 1.5Singles

1. Paul McBride v Shaun Carter
2. Rowan Lester v Joe Lyons
3. Kevin Le Blanc v Ronan Mullarney
4. Conor O'Rourke v Steffan O'Hara
5. Alan Lowry v Mark Morrissey
6. Thomas Mulligan v Eddie McCormack
7. Jeff Hopkins v Stephen Brad

Slieve Russell Golf Club

David Higgins fired a three under par 69 to take a narrow lead on the opening day of the Slieve Russell Masters Pro-Am.

Higgins leads Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC) by a shot with Raymond Burns (Lisheen Springs), Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) and Keith Shannon two shots back on one under par.

Waterville professional Higgins struggled in the early stages of his round, dropping shots at the third and fifth but a birdie at the par five ninth finally got him heading in the right direction.

Out in one over 37, Higgins played the back nine in four under 32 which included a hat-trick of birdies at the 11th, 12th and 13th.

Massereene's Noel Murray leads the way in the team event with 92 points, one point ahead of Eamonn Brady (Clontarf).

Slieve Russell Masters Pro-Am. Slieve Russell GC (Par 72)

Detailed scoring

69 David Higgins (Waterville GC) 69

70 Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC) 70

71 Raymond Burns (Lisheen Springs GC), Eamonn Brady (Clontarf GC), K Shannon 71

72 Philip Walton 72

73 Cian McNamara (Monkstown GC) 73; Brendan McGovern (Headfort GC); Chris Carvill (Belvoir Park) 73

74 Noel Murray (Massereene GC), James Quinlivan (Mullingar GC), J Dillon (Headfort GC), D Mortimer (Galway GC), D Mooney (Ballyliffin GC), C Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Ltd), D Sugrue (Killarney Golf & Fishing Club) 74

Leona Maguire. Picture: Ladies European Tour

Leona Maguire has emerged as a potential Olympian for Irish team boss Paul McGinley following her heroic second place finish in the Ladies British Masters on Sunday.

While the 20-year old plans to remain amateur return to Duke University in the US in September, she picked up world ranking points for her incredible performance at The Oxfordshire and is now ranked 336th in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

Leona is already No 1 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings but the 60-strong field for next year’s Olympics will be chosen from the Olympic Golf Ranking, which is based on the Rolex standings, and she is now a contender.

“I don’t really understand the Rolex Rankings but I haven’t spoken to Paul about it at all,” she said of the Rio de Janeiro games.  

“The focus is on the European Ladies’ Team Championship in Denmark this week. As for turning professional, as I said before, my focus is on the summer and the plan is still to go back to college in the autumn. 

“If the results keep going my way it’s a big stepping stone to bigger and better things. But my plan is to back to Duke. We will just take it as it comes.”

Ireland’s Olympic team for the women’s event currently comprises only word No 121 Stephanie Meadow though Galway-born Irish-American Alison Walshe, who is 161st in the world and close to qualifying.

But Leona can win more world ranking points over the next 12 months and while she is in Denmark leading Ireland’s bid for a first European Ladies  Amateur Team Championship title for 32 years, she plans to try and pre-qualify for the Ricoh Women’s British Open next Monday.

She also revealed before jetting out to Denmark late on Sunday that she has been handed an invitation for another women’s major, The Evian Championship, which is played in France from September 10-13.

While she trails Meadow and Walshe, Leona is already more than 300 places ahead of Ladies European Tour player Rebecca Codd, who is 661st in the Rolex Rankings.

The 60-strong field for Rio will be filled from the Olympic Golf Ranking with the International Golf Federation calculating that they will have to go down to around 250th in the world to fill the field.

A minimum 40 event divisor will be used to calculate Maguire’s points average, which will dilute any points she wins between now and qualifying deadline of 11 July 2016.

But if she continues to produce big performance, especially in majors, she may become a factor in the Olympics equation, four years earlier than scheduled, especially if she turns professional early.

As for Ireland’s European Team Championship bid, she insisted she’ll be 100 percent ready for the start of the action today.

“I’m good to go,” Leona said on Sunday night. “Resting rather than playing in the Irish Close in Rosapenna two weeks ago was obviously the best decision.

“I played well in the Vagliano Trophy at Malone last week and again this week so I feel I should be good to go.”

The Irish women's team, minus Leona Maguire, warms up last Sunday.

Scoring from the European Ladies Team Championship

Women's and Girls Interprovincial Matches

Both the Women’s and Girls’ Interprovincial matches will take place at Wexford Golf Club from 7-9 July. Each women’s provincial team will consist of six players and a non-playing captain and each girls’ team shall consist of eight players and a non-playing captain.

Scoring Women's Interpros

Scoring Girls' Interpros
 
The Leinster ladies’ team will be looking to reclaim the title they won last year in a final day contest against Ulster. However, Ulster, Munster and Connacht are fielding past interprovincial and international players such as Louise Coffey (Malone), Jean O’Driscoll (Muskerry) and Anne McCormack (Naas) who will be vying for the title also. All four provinces are fielding strong teams, with the captains and managers relying on a mix of youth and experience.
 
Leinster also emerged victorious in the 2014 Girls’ Interprovincial matches. Last year was the first time they secured the title since 2003 after overcoming Ulster on the final day. The Leinster girls will be looking to replicate that form next week in Wexford but will be forced to battle talented under18 players from Ulster, Munster and Connacht alike, such as Maeve Cummins (Lurgan), Katie Aherne (Waterford Castle) and Maeve Rooney (Co. Sligo).
 
The Interprovincial matches have been running for over half a century and are an essential element in the development of talented and elite golfers. Each province shall play eachother by matchplay which will consist of three foursomes matches and six singles matches.
 
Wexford Golf Club is a beautiful 18 hole parkland course situated in the heart of Wexford town. All players will enjoy a challenging round of golf on the newly developed Jeff Howes course. There is a variety of length, aspect and difficulty on the course, with the reshaped greens providing a test of your putting skills. Admission is complimentary and spectators are most welcome.

Girls' Interprovincials, Wexford GCGirls' FoursomesUlster v Leinster

1. 08:00 Hannah Henderson & Maeve Cummins v Molly Dowling & Elisa Corcoran 

2. 08:10 Amy O'Donnell & Judithe Allen v Clodagh Walsh & Nicole McGavisk

3. 08:20 Clare Calvert & Laura McCaw v Ellie Metcalfe & Ellen O'Gorman

Ladies FoursomesUlster v Leinster

1. 08:30 Lisa Maguire & Louise Coffey v Mary Doyle & Ariana Coyle-Diez
2. 08:40 Chloe Weir & Tara Gribben v Rachel Taylor & Maedhbh Doyle 
3. 08:50 Niamh Ward & Victoria Craig v Aedin Murphy & Louise Mernagh 
4. Girls Foursomes

Connacht v Munster 

1. 09:00 Maeve Rooney & Roisin Timothy v Catriona Griffin & Sara Byrne 
2. 09:10 Chloe O'Connor & Niamh Cronin v Katie Aherne & Nicola Rainsford
3. 09:20 Lorna Mullally & Roisin O'Brien v Clodagh Jones & Grace McGrath
4. Ladies Foursomes

Connacht v Munster 

1. 09:30 Emma Gilmore & Zoe Collins v Jean O'Driscoll & Karen O'Neill 
2. 09:40 Maeve Kelly & Clodagh Hopkins v Tara Whelan & Paula Walsh 
3. 09:50 Anne McCormack & Shannon Burke v Jenny Hennessy & Aoife Lowry

Women’s Interprovincial TeamsLeinster 

• Ariana Coyle Diez (Elm Park)
• Mary Doyle (The Heath)
• Meadhbh Doyle (Portarlington)
• Louise Mernagh (Elm Park) 
• Aedin Murphy (Carlow)
• Rachel Taylor (Laytown & Bettystown)
• Team Captain: Ailish McCartan 

Ulster

• Louise Coffey (Malone)
• Victoria Craig (Royal Belfast)
• Tara Gribben (Warrenpoint)
• Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell)
• Niamh Ward (Lurgan)
• Chloe Weir (Shandon Park)
• Team Captain: Janet Wilson 

Munster

• Aoife Lowry (Tipperary)
• Jenny Hennessy (Lahinch)
• Jean O’Driscoll (Muskerry)
• Karen O’Neill (Douglas)
• Tara Whelan (East Clare)
• Paula Walsh (Doneraile)
• Team Captain: Mags Hayes 

Connacht

• Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe)
• Zoe Collins (Castle Royale)
• Emma Gilmore (Mountbellew)
• Clodagh Hopkins (Woodbrook)
• Maeve Kelly (Castle Dargan)
• Anne McCormack (Naas)
• Team Captain: Marie Carr

Girls’ Interprovincial Teams Leinster 

• Elisa Corcoran (Grange)
• Molly Dowling (Lucan)
• Alice Hutchinson (St. Anne's)
• Nicole McGavisk (Donabate)
• Ellie Metcalfe (Laytown & Bettystown)
• Ellen O'Gorman (Milltown)
• Clodagh Walsh (Castlewarden)
• Lauren Walsh (Castlewarden)
• Team Captain: Suzie Hayes
• Team Manager: Liz Halpenny

Ulster 

• Judith Allen (Ballyclare)
• Clare Calvert (RCD Ladies)
• Maeve Cummins (Lurgan)
• Hannah Henderson (Ballyclare)
• Laura McCaw (Royal Belfast)
• Anna Morwood (Clandeboye)
• Amy O'Donnell (Royal Portrush)
• Becky McNeice (Malone)
• Team Captain: Kathleen Calvert
• Team Manager: Helen Jones

Munster

• Katie Aherne (Waterford Castle)
• Sarah Byrne (Douglas)
• Catriona Griffin (Killarney)
• Clodagh Jones (Roscrea)
• Ciara Leonard (Mitchelstown)
• Grace McGrath (East Cork)
• Lisa O'Shea (Shannon)
• Nicola Rainsford (
• Team Captain: Jennifer Hickey
• Team Manager: Eavan Martin

Connacht 

• Ailbhe Bourke (Enniscrone)
• Caoileann Bushell (Co. Longford)
• Niamh Cronin (Co. Sligo)
• Lorna Mulally (Tuam)
• Roisin O'Brien (Roscommon)
• Chloe O'Connor (Roscommon)
• Maeve Rooney (Co. Sligo)
• Roisin Timothy (Roscommon)
• Team Captain: Regina Power
• Team Manager: Rosemary O'Brien

Shane Lowry signs an autograph on some of his new Shane Lowry for Kartel apparel for some of the boys at the Under 13 Series event at Greystones on Monday. The clothing is available from Heatons. Picture: Ronan Lang 

Shane Lowry has told his GAA legend dad to stop tipping him for Major glory.

Lowry is desperate to win a tournament but after picking up his just two trophies over the last six years, he reckons people have unrealistic expectations, starting with his father Brendan.

As he headed for the Scottish Open and next week Open Championship at St Andrews, Lowry rapped: “I think people are getting very carried away, talking about me winning Majors. 

"I’ve only won two events as a pro. 

"I just saw an interview that my Dad did in the paper the other day and I didn’t even know he did it, talking about me winning majors. 

“I wasn't too pleased about that to be honest. I think this talk about me winning majors has to stop. 

“I've finished ninth twice in two majors, but I've only played in 10 majors and St Andrews will be my 11th.

“I'm still at an early stage in my majors career but I'm not saying I can't go and win it. I definitely can go and win it. 

“I definitely think that if things went my way I could have won the US Open and  I don’t mind people talking about  me winning major, I just won’t listen to it!”

The Clara ace won the 20098 Irish Open as an amateur but has only won the 2012 Portugal Masters since turning professional.

He said: “I get jealous of other guys winning. I'm really desperate to win again myself.

“But I think I'm at the stage now were okay I'm desperate to win but I'm not putting that extra pressure on myself.

“There's a few tournaments that I should have won — the Dunhill two years ago, Wales and Wentworth last year. 

“I just didn’t finish the job off and bit of luck here or there, the other person doesn’t play quite as well down the back nine and all of a sudden I'm sitting here with four or five tournament wins under my belt.

“Then we’re talking about, 'Now's the time to go and win a Major’.”

Munster's Pat Murray and Geoff Lenehan lining up a putt on the first day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club today. Picture by Pat Cashman

Munster made a winning start to the defence of their Interprovincial Championship title at Rosapenna on Monday.

Robin Dawson and Eanna Griffin led the way for the Munster men, picking up two points each for the reigning champions as they overcame Connacht 7-4 on the opening day along the north-west coast. Leinster are leading the charge to dethrone the champioons as their young guns helped them to victory against Ulster. 

Rowan Lester and Kevin LeBlanc secured an impressive two-hole win against Ulster's Colin Fairweather and Stuart Bleakley in the opening match and after winning the foursomes session 2.5-1.5, Leinster picked up 4.5 points in the singles to secure a 7-4 victory.

Colm Campbell (Ulster) coming from the rough at the 14th during the first day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

That leaves the championship delicately poised heading into the second day at Sandy Hills, where Munster play Ulster and Leinster take on Connacht. After securing a 2&1 win yesterday against Mark Morrissey and Eddie McCormack, Robin Dawson and John Hickey will lead the Munster line-up this morning when they go out first against John-Ross Galbraith and Tiarnon McLarnon, who picked up a half point yesterday against Leinster duo Richard Bridges and Jeff Hopkins. 

Pat Murray and Geoff Lenehan, who halved with Stephen Brady and Steffan O'Hara yesterday, are up against Warrenpoint duo Colm Campbell and William Hanna. Muskerry's Dave O'Donovan returns to the Munster line-up, having sat out yesterday's singles session, and partners John Hickey against Gareth Lappin and Jordan Hood—the only Ulster pair to win against Leinster. 

Ian O'Rourke and Eanna Griffin, who were impressive in their 3&2 win against Kelan McDonagh and Shaun Carter, take on Colin Fairweather and Stuart Bleakley.

Jordan Hood (Ulster) coming from the rough at the 14th during the first day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Leinster's youngsters will lead the line again today. Kevin LeBlanc and Rowan Lester, who cruised to a 4&2 victory in his singles match against Colin Fairweather on Monday, will square up against Galway pair Ronan Mullarney and Joe Lyons. Mullarney and Lyons were Connacht's leading pair on Monday, securing a comprehensive 5&4 win. 

Paul McBride and Thomas Mulligan will look to maintain their 100 per cent record against Kealan McDonagh and Shaun Carter.

Leinster's Conor O'Rourke, who has impressed throughout this season, recorded the biggest win of yesterday's singles matches beating South of Ireland champion Stuart Bleakley 6&4. 

O'Rourke will face Steffan O'Hara in this afternoon's singles, which features two intriguing clashes of youth and experience. Rowan Lester takes on Joe Lyons while Co Louth teenager faces veteran Eddie McCormack. Pat Murray will also hope to put his vast experience to good use during his mouth-watering singles encounter with current Irish international Colm Campbell in what promises to be one of the decisive matches between Munster and Ulster.

Paul McBride (Leinster) pitching to the 14th during the first day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Results for Day 1 (Monday 6th July)Match 1: Munster 7  Connacht 4 (Munster names first)Foursomes

1. Pat Murray & Geoff Lenehan halved with Stephen Brady & Steffan O’Hara 
2. Robin Dawson & John Hickey beat Mark Morrissey & Eddie McCormack 2/1
3. Ian O’Rourke & Eanna Griffin beat Kealan McDonagh & Shaun Carter 3/2
4. Dave O’Donovan & Gary O’Flaherty lost to Joe Lyons & Ronan Mullarney 5/4

Singles

1. Robin Dawson beat Eddie McCormack 1 hole
2. John Hickey  halved with Steffan O’Hara 
3. Pat Murray beat Mark Morrissey 3/2
4. Geoff Lenehan beat Shaun Carter 4/3
5. Eanna Griffin beat Kealan McDonagh 4/3
6. Ian O’Rourke lost to Ronan Mullarney 2/1
7. Gary O’Flaherty lost to Joe Lyons 1 hole

Rowan Lester (Leinster) coming from the rough at the 14th during the first day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Match 2: Ulster 4 Leinster 7 (Ulster names first)Foursomes

1. Colin Fairweather & Stuart Bleakley lost to Kevin Le Blanc & Rowan Lester 2 holes
2. Colm Campbell & William Hanna lost to Paul McBride & Thomas Mulligan 1 hole
3. JR Galbraith & Tiarnan McLarnon halved with Richard Bridges & Jeff Hopkins 
4. Gareth Lappin & Jordan Hood beat Conor O’Rourke & Alan Lowry 2/1

Singles

1. Colm Campbell lost to Paul McBride 2/1
2. JR Galbraith beat Kevin Le Blanc 2/1
3. Colin Fairweather lost to Rowan Lester 4/2
4. Stuart Bleakley lost to Conor O’Rourke 6/4
5. Tiarnan McLarnon halved with Thomas Mulligan 
6. Gareth Lappin beat Richard Bridges 4/3
7. Jordan Hood lost to Jeff Hopkins 5/4

Draw for Day 2 (Tuesday 7th July)Match 1: Munster v Ulster (Munster names first)Foursomes

1. John Hickey & Robin Dawson v JR Galbraith & Tiarnan McLarnon
2. Pat Murray & Geoff Lenehan v Colm Campbell & William Hanna
3. Dave O’Donovan & Gary O’Flaherty v Gareth Lappin & Jordan Hood
4. Ian O’Rourke & Eanna Griffin v Colin Fairweather & Stuart Bleakley

Singles

1. John Hickey v JR Galbraith
2. Pat Murray v Colm Campbell
3. Robin Dawson v Gareth Lappin
4. Dave O’Donovan v William Hanna
5. Geoff Lenehan v Tiarnan McLarnon
6. Eanna Griffin v Colin Fairweather
7. Ian O’Rourke v Jordan Hood

Rowan Lester (Leinster) pitching to the 14th green during the first day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Match 2: Leinster v Connacht (Leinster names first)Foursomes

1. Kevin Le Blanc & Rowan Lester v Ronan Mullarney & Joe Lyons
2. Paul McBride & Thomas Mulligan v Kelan McDonagh & Shaun Carter
3. Richard Bridges & Jeff Hopkins v Eddie McCormack & Mark Morrissey
4. Conor O’Rourke & Alan Lowry v Stephen Brady & Steffan O’Hara

Singles

1. Paul McBride v Shaun Carter
2. Rowan Lester v Joe Lyons
3. Kevin Le Blanc v Ronan Mullarney
4. Conor O’Rourke v Steffan O’Hara
5. Alan Lowry v Mark Morrissey
6. Thomas Mulligan v Eddie McCormack
7. Jeff Hopkins v Stephen Brady

Geoff Lenehan (Munster) reacts to a missed putt on the first day of the 2015 Interprovincial Championship at Rosapenna Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Leinster Golf Under 16 Close Championship. Jack McGarry of Rosslare pictured with John Ferriter, Chairman of Leinster Golf and Richard Moran, Captain of Ashbourne. Photo: Ronan Quinlan

Rosslare's Jack McGarry was victorious over the 124 competitors who battled the elements today to win the Leinster Under 16 Close Championship at Ashbourne Golf Club. 

 McGarry had a winning score of 72, with birdie's on holes 5, 8 and 18 to clinch the title.  A member of Provincial Coach Johnny Young's A Panel, Jack has made steady progress over the last couple of years, reducing his handciap from 8 to 4 since 2013.  

A very close second came Jack Doherty from Carton House GC on 73.

Leinster Under 16 Close Championship 2015,  Kindly Sponsored by Titleist FootjoyAt Ashbourne Golf Club on Monday 6th July, CSS 72 SSS 70 Par 71Final Scores

72 Jack McGarry (Rosslare)

73 Jack Doherty (Carton House)

74 Sean Doyle (Black Bush), Conor Glennon (Glasson), Luke Boore (Lucan)

75 Shane Kearney (Esker Hills)

77 Seamus Burke (Mount Juliet), Harry Kelly (Castle), Seán Dowling (Beaverstown), Ryan Brady (Newbridge), Richard Duggan (Kilkenny), Brendan Rossiter (Rosslare)

78 Evan Hollowed (Newlands), Cathal Ffrench (Carton House), Jamie Kelly (Ardee)

79 Ross McCabe (Roganstown G & CC), Liam Dunphy (Woodbrook), Stephan Campbell (The Island), Cian McCormack (Ashbourne), John Brady (Rosslare), Annraoi Collins (Laytown & Bettystown), Kevin O'donnell (Milltown), Zachariah Glynn (Bray)

80 Darren Daly (Forrest Little.), Robert Abernethy (Dun Laoghaire), Mark Travers (Carton House), Charlie Denvir (Powerscourt), Michael Fitzgibbon (Howth)

81 Donal Groome (Moyvalley), Adrian O'Connor (Milltown), John Murphy (Esker Hills), David Duggan (Highfield), Josh Mackin (Dundalk), Conor Liston (Black Bush), Jack Small (Elm Park), Ronan Cowhey (Elm Park)

82 Stephen Rennick (Curragh), Patrick Somers (Grange), Shane Irwin (Killeen), Niall Grant (The Island), Jack Walsh (Kilkenny), Barry Howlin (The Heritage), Max Kennedy (The Royal Dublin), Nathan O Brien (Rosslare), Christopher Cosgrave (Elm Park)

83 Niall Mc Cormick (Grange), Robert Galligan (Elm Park), Daniel Tully (Royal Tara), Shane Bresnan (Woodbrook), Robert Moran (Castle), George Morgan (Grange), Ben Brophy (Clontarf), Luke Lynch (Naas), Tim Farrelly (Howth)

84 Ben Phipps (Ardee), Rory Reid (Greystones), Niall Hearns (Mountrath), Lorcan O'Sullivan (The Heritage), Jack Connolly (Elm Park), David Twomey - Juv Golf (Elm Park)

85 Shane Conroy (Mountrath), Conor Murtagh (Balcarrick), James Mc Cormick (Grange), Andrew Gavin (Black Bush), Eoin Sullivan (Carton House), Ben Gaynor (Malahide), Joseph Byrne (Baltinglass), Brian Staunton (Mount Juliet), Matthew Crumlish (Ashbourne), A.J. McCabe (Malahide)

86 Connor Mulholland (Mount Juliet), Tom Wallace (Killiney), Darragh Rochford (Bray), Sean Kestell (Charlesland), Ned Kirwan (Mount Juliet), Eoin McGrath (Athlone), Joshua McCabe (Roganstown G & CC), Michael Duignan (Howth), Luke Merrigan (Bray), Sean Downes (Beaverstown)

87 Adam Doherty (Carton House), Tom Kelly (The Heritage), Eanna McLarney (Royal Tara), Alexander Flynn (Dun Laoghaire), Kevin Mc Ardle (Elm Park)

88 Aaron Mee (Royal Tara), Declan Roche (Beaverstown), Aaron Donnelly (Forrest Little.), James Temple (Portmarnock)

89 Sean Duffy (Royal Tara), Lorcan O'connor (Edmondstown), Mark Duggan (Highfield), Liam Travers (Ardee), David Jeffares (Athy), Harry Sutton (Bray), Joseph Hanney (The Island)

90 Jack Joyce (Greystones), Ciaran Gregan (Forrest Little.), Luka Keyes (Glen of the Downs), David Ryan (Beaverstown), Tom Laforgue (Beaverstown), Sergio Ganaza (Malahide), Robert Byrne (Malahide)

91 Paul Conroy (Enniscorthy), Thomas Kearns (Foxrock), Stephen Fitzgerald (Tullamore), Alex Argue (Beaverstown), Oisin O'Meara (Glasson)

92 Louis Walsh (Kilkenny), Peter O'Doherty (Carton House), Ben Hynes (Greystones)

93 Liam Barry (Delgany), Sean Marks (Kilcock), James Dunne (Beaverstown), Jack Brown (The Heath), Jamie Vard (Foxrock)

94 Philip Mangan (Beaverstown), Eoghan O'Donnell (Roganstown G & CC)

95 Glen Byrne (Glasson), Donncha Garvey (The Royal Dublin)

99 Stephen Murphy (Beaverstown)

101 Steven Farrell (Beaverstown)

NR Tom Crinion (Howth), Padraig Fallon (Dundalk)

Rory McIlroy might miss The Open and the US PGA but Shane Lowry reckons the Holywood star should not be crucified for playing football with his mates.

The Clara star, who was speaking at his announcement as the new brand ambassador for Heaton's Irish golfing apparel Kartel, heard the news on Saturday and reckons people should try and keep things in perspective.

Lowry said: "It's not ideal for him because he's wearing that boot and he's going to have everyone in the media on his back now.

"But should he be playing football? I don't know. He likes playing football, and he likes playing football with his mates. What's wrong with that?

"I mean, he's only 25 or 26. It's a case of, 'let's go out for a kickaround'; 'yeah, no problem'.

"People think because you're good at something you should just do that and focus on that, but that's not what life is about.

"Obviously his career's after suffering now because of it, but it's not the end of the world. No one's after dying."

McIlroy is a doubt for the Open after totally rupturing an ankle ligament playing football with friends.

At the launch of @ShaneLowryGolf's Kartel line for Heatons: "When you were growing up on the street of Clara..." pic.twitter.com/hSoX9lTnsX

— Brian Keogh (@IrishGolfDesk) July 6, 2015

The world No 1, 26, wrote on Instagram: "Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends.

"Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started."

Lowry was speaking as the new brand ambassador for Kartel which will be sold through Heatons, Ireland’s largest department store group.

Shane Lowry for Kartel will be available exclusively in Heatons stores and online from September 2015.
 
This partnership between Shane Lowry and the Kartel brand is a continuation of the brand’s long-standing and successful strategy of supporting some of Ireland’s very best golfing talent.
 
This partnership sees Shane design a bespoke range of golfing apparel for Kartel, which will be available as part of a capsule collection in selected stores from September 2015 and with plans in place to launch the full range exclusively through the 54 Heatons stores across Ireland,  and online from Spring 2016 on www.heatonsstores.com