National Senior Cup Finals – 20th August
The Senior Cup Final between Cork and Kilkenny started in wet and windy conditions at Greystones Golf Club but the course remained playable and matches commenced as scheduled.
The top match between Cork’s Claire Coughlan Ryan and Kilkenny’s Mary Dowling was nip and tuck throughout with never more than a hole between the pair. Claire had the advantage early on but Mary returned a slender one hole lead after the 15th hole and maintained this advantage to the home green winning the match 1up.
Cork’s Irish Girls International star Rachel Thompson had a close tussle against Orla Dunphy, again it was a match with never much more than a hole in it before Rachel secured a 2 and 1 win on the 17th for Cork’s first point.
Cork’s Paula Walsh took an early lead on Kilkenny’s Mary Leahy Browne and was 4 up before the turn. However, Mary Leahy renowned for her match play prowess over the years, fought back and turned the match in her favour and Kilkenny were celebrating a Senior Cup victory on the 17th green.
Moments earlier, Katie Aherne who had a slight edge on Cork’s Michelle Tobin throughout, won on the 16th with 3 and 2 margin.
The final match between Cork’s Orla Murray and Kilkenny’s Jan Browne (Mary’s daughter – obviously following in Mum’s footsteps) was again a very balanced affair before the match was called in courtesy of Kilkenny winning 3 matches.
CORK V KILKENNY
Claire Coughlan Ryan lost to Mary Dowling 1up
Rachel Thompson beat Orla Dunphy 2&1
Paula Walsh lost to Mary Leahy Browne 2&1
Michelle Tobin lost to Katie Aherne 3&2
Orla Murray halved with Jan Browne (called in)