IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION NEWS RELEASE from SARAH CROWE

Championship Match Play RESULTS

Plate Match Play RESULTS

Qualifying Scores HERE

Irish Close Championship – Semi Finals

Three out of the 4 provinces were represented in this year’s championship semi-final as Niamh McSherry (Lurgan) took on last year’s runner up Lisa O’Shea (Shannon) and Killarney’s Mairead Martin took on Irish international teammate, 

Julie McCarthy (Forrest Little). Niamh McSherry continued her good form as she went 2 shots clear of Lisa in the opening nine holes. She furthered her lead by another shot on the 11^th and birdied the 13^th to go four ahead with five to play.

 Although Lisa fought back to win the 14^th, the pair halved the 15^th which gave Niamh a 3 and 2 victory and sends her through to the afternoon's final. Julies and Mairead’s match was exactly how most felt it would turn out. 

The pair were neck and neck all through the front nine and continued to be all square through 11 until Julie broke the deadlock with an eagle on the 12^th to go one ahead. The lead didn’t last long as Mairead brought the match back level on the 13^th.

However, Julie found her rhythm and won the next two holes to make her two up with three to play, leaving Mairead with a steep mountain to climb. Julie went on to with the 16^th to finish the match at 3 and 2 and set up the final with Niamh McSherry in the afternoon.

Irish Close Plate – Semi Finals

The all Cork semi-final of Sara Byrne (Douglas) and Rachel Thompson (Cork) was another highly anticipated match in the morning. A confident looking Sara Byrne won the first three holes to stretch into a very early lead but Rachel steadied the ship and made the turn only two shots behind. Rachel soon found her stride and won 4 holes on the trot to bring her 2 shots clear heading up the 16^th.

 Sara Byrne was far from down and out and won both the 17^th and 18^th to bring the tie down the 19^th hole once more and won the tie with a  birdie to progress to this afternoon's final. 

Young Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) proved her ability as she shot two holes clear of opponent Sarah Lacey (Castleknock) in the opening nine holes. She went on to win both the 9^th and 10^th hole to go four ahead and full of confidence. However, Sarah showed her grit and determination and fought back to trail by just one hole after the 13^th. Beth remained calm and steady through the final few holes and finished out the match 2 and 1.

All information for the Irish Girls’ Close Championship, including the match play draw can be found HERE.

Irish Girls’ Close Championship

 Semi-finals

 Niamh McSherry (Lurgan) bt Lisa O’Shea (Shannon) 3 and 2

Julie McCarthy (Forrest Little) bt Mairead Martin (Killarney) 3 and 2

Irish Girls’ Close Pate

 Semi-finals

Sara Byrne (Douglas) bt Rachel Thompson (Cork) 1 hole

Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) bt Sarah Lacey (Castleknock) 2 and 1