WHEN it comes to team performances you can rely on Warrenpoint to be there or thereabouts and so it was at the weekend in the AIG Barton Shield foursomes, as the GUI Ulster Branch club activity is winding down towards this year’s All-Ireland finals, writes Tony McGee.
The ‘Point was last year’s All-Ireland representatives on the All-Ireland stage but, after beating Royal Dublin by one hole in the semi-finals, at Carton House, the northern team lost by two holes in the final to Muskerry.
That, of course, makes Warrenpoint all the more determined to get back to Carton House on September 16 to 19 for this season’s national Cup and Shield finals.
So far, Warrenpoint has progressed in Ulster with a double win at Rossmore. First the Down men beat Lurgan by four holes and then dismissed Banbridge by three holes, as the club attempts to win the Barton Shield for a sixth time.
The last success was in 2011, at Castlerock.
Obviously, Colm Campbell, junior, and Stephen Coulter have shaken off their vast disappointments at losing in the third round of the Cathedral Eye North of Ireland Championship, at Royal Portrush, last Thursday. Campbell is paired with Paul McCartan while Coulter partners Jamie Fletcher in the Warrenpoint team this season.
Meanwhile, the Ulster semi-finals and final will be played at Knock on August 23.
The Irish Ladies Golfing Union (ILGU) selectors have announced the Irish team for the Girls’ Home International Championship at Lanark on August 5 to 7. Having reached the national semi-finals, Lisa O’Shea and Elisa Corcoran get their first caps.
Included is Olivia Mehaffey (RCDL), the three-times Irish Girls’ Open champion and senior Vagliano Trophy player. She did not play in the Close.
The Irish team is: Ciara Casey (Hermitage), Elisa Corcoran (Grange), Mairead Martin (Killarney), Julie McCarthy (Forrest Little), Niamh McSherry (Lurgan), Olivia Mehaffey (RCDL), Lisa O’Shea (Shannon), Annabel Wilson (Lurgan).
Reserves: 1: Catriona Griffen (Killarney); 2: Valerie Clancy (Killarney); Victoria Craig (Royal Belfast), 3: Clodagh Walsh (Castlewarden).
Team Captain: Gemma Butler (Birr); Manager: Irene Poynton (The Island). High {Performance Manager: Pro David Kearney (Grange).
