Kildare golfers representing Ireland in international tournament

Above: (l-r) Niall Clince (Craddockstown) and Kieran O'Brien (Craddockstown).

A quartet of Leinster golfers have played their way onto Ireland's team to face the USA in the International King's Cup at Lough Erne Resort on May 23-25.

Niall Clince (Craddockstown GC), Kieran O'Brien (Craddockstown GC), Darren Carey (Dunmurry Springs GC) and Paul Sweeney (Dunmurry Springs GC) will tackle the Americans in the Ryder Cup style event which honours golf’s greatest ambassador, Mr Arnold Palmer.

Following four regional qualifiers at Ardglass GC, Ennis GC, Westport GC and Dunmurry Springs GC, 60 players played in the final qualifier at Lough Erne, focused on securing a place on Ireland's 16 man (eight pairs) team.

In tricky conditions, Clince and O'Brien - both single figure golfers - produced one of the best scores of the day, finishing with a fine better-ball total of one under par 71.

“Kieran (56) made me aware of the competition,” said Niall (51).

“We are both the type of people who like a challenge and to play that type of stroke format in fourball well, you don't get it very often really and we were intrigued enough to try it.”

The duo are no strangers to team competition having represented their home club in foursomes competition in the past and they are looking forward to facing the Americans.

“We both thought Lough Erne was a fabulous test and a beautiful course. It should be a great couple of days up there,” added Niall.

Lynn McCool, Director of Golf and Head Professional at Lough Erne Resort said: “Many thanks to the clubs that hosted regional qualifiers and all the players who competed to try and earn a place on the Ireland team.

“I'm convinced that we have put a very strong team together capable of defending the trophy we won last year. We are looking forward to the main event now and can't wait for the Americans to arrive at Lough Erne so they can get a taste of golf, N.I style.”

The International King's Cup was first played last year and finished in dramatic style with Ireland winning after a thrilling play-off. Both teams will stay on-site at the Lough Erne resort, with full access to the golf academy, receive specially commissioned outerwear courtesy of Glenmuir and attend two Gala dinners as part of the event. International King's Cup Qualifiers

Senior Championship – Alan Moran (Tuam GC) & Colm Feeney (Galway GC)

Senior Category A – Niall Clince (Craddockstown GC) & Kieran O'Brien (Craddockstown GC)

Senior Category B – Liam Friel (Westport GC) & John Collins (Westport GC)

Senior Category C – James McAllister (Ballybofey & S GC) & Patsy O'Donnell (Ballybofey & S GC)

Open Age Championship – Darren Carey (Dunmurry Springs) & Paul Sweeney (Dunmurry Springs GC)

Category A Open Age – Declan McKeever (Donegal GC) & Darren McKeever (Donegal GC)

Category B Open Age – Kevin Commins (Ardee GC) & Tom Muldoon (Cloverhill GC)

Category C Open Age – Vincent Owens (Donegal GC) & Martin Peters (Omagh GC)