Irish women's close amateur championship at Lahinch

Sexton, Dunne, Mehaffey sweep into last 16
 
FROM SARAH CROWE

The 32 qualifiers for the match-play stages at the Irish Women’s Close Championship took to the beautiful Old course at Lahinch this morning in perfect playing conditions as an abundance of sunshine descended on the course.

In the top half of the draw, leading qualifier Sinead Sexton (Lahinch) carried through her form to cruise through to the last 16 after a resounding win over fellow home member Valerie Shannon. Two junior internationals Valerie Clancy (Killarney) and Lisa O’Shea (Shannon) battled it out with Clancy came out on top. Mary Doyle (The Heath) was down throughout the majority of the match but made a strong finish to hold off Aedin Murphy (Carlow). 

Great play from Munster competitors Paula Walsh (Doneraile), Sara Byrne (Douglas) and Sarah Cunningham (Ennis) saw them all come out on top, as well as in form Malone golfer Louise Coffey.

Chloe Ryan (Castletroy) continues to lead the way in the bottom 

half of the draw as she overcame local member Olivia Lucas on the 14^th, after holing out for eagle 3. 

Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe) managed to overcome Catriona Griffin (Killarney) on the 19^th and will face Ryan tomorrow morning.

  Tipperary native Aoife Lowry dominated her match against Orla Dunphy (Kilkenny) and will face Rachel Thompson (Cork). Curtis Cup team members Maria Dunne (Skerries) and Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co Down Ladies) eased through their matches. 

Lauren Walsh (Castlewarden) and Mairead Martin (Killarney) also emerged victorious.

Those who were unsuccessful in the first round are through to the plate competition. 

SECOND-ROUND CHAMPIONSHIP

TIES TOMORROW

Sinead Sexton (Lahinch) v Paula Walsh (Doneraile)
Valerie Clancy (Killarney) v Sara Byrne (Douglas)
Louise Coffey (Malone) v Mary Doyle (The Heath)

Sarah Cunningham (Ennis) v Georgia Carr (Milltown)  

Chloe Ryan (Castletroy) v Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe)

Aoife Lowry (Tipperary) v Rachel Thompson (Cork)
 

Maria Dunne (Skerries) V Lauren Walsh (Castlewarden)
 

Olivia Mehaffey (RCDL) V Mairead Martin (Killarney)

Irish Women’s Close – Plate Match Play

FRIDAY TIES
Valerie Shannon (Lahinch) scratched Anne McCormack (Naas)
Lisa O'Shea (Shannon) (walk-over)
Gillian O'Leary (The Island) scratched Aedin Murphy (Carlow)   
Ellen O'Gorman (Milltown) (walk-over)
Olivia Lucas (Lahinch) v Catriona Griffin (Killarney)
Orla Dunphy (Kilkenny) v Maeve Rooney (Co. Sligo)
Clodagh Jones (Roscrea) v Elisa Corcoran (Grange)
Linda Toomey (Lahinch) v Karen Delaney (Carlow)

Irish Women’s Close Championship 

FIRST ROUND RESULTS

Sinead Sexton (Lahinch) bt Valerie Shannon (Lahinch) 8 and 7

Paula Walsh (Doneraile) bt Anne McCormack (Naas) 3 and 2

Valerie Clancy (Killarney) bt Lisa O'Shea (Shannon) 2 and 1   

Sara Byrne (Douglas) bt Nicola Coffey (Woodbrook) 3 and 1  

Louise Coffey (Malone) bt Gillian O'Leary (The Island) 3 and 2   

Mary Doyle (The Heath) bt Aedin Murphy (Carlow) 1 hole

Sarah Cunningham (Ennis) bt Ellen O'Gorman (Milltown) 3 and 2 

Georgia Carr (Milltown) bt Niamh McSherry (Lurgan) 2 and 1.

Chloe Ryan (Castletroy) bt Olivia Lucas (Lahinch) 5 and 4      

Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe) bt Catriona Griffin (Killarney) at 19^th   

Aoife Lowry (Tipperary) bt Orla Dunphy (Kilkenny)  4 and 3     

Rachel Thompson (Cork) bt Maeve Rooney (Co. Sligo) 3 and 2  

    

Maria Dunne (Skerries) bt Clodagh Jones (Roscrea) 7 and 5  

Lauren Walsh (Castlewarden) bt Elisa Corcoran (Grange) 4 and 3   

Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co Down Ladies) bt Linda Toomey (Lahinch) 8 and 7     

Mairead Martin (Killarney) bt Karen Delaney (Carlow) at 19th.