Offaly golfer representing Ireland at European Nations Cup in Italy
The European Nations Cup got underway in Genova on Thursday morning, July 16
Offaly’s Caolan Munnelly is representing Ireland at the European Nations Cup for Golfers with Disability in Genova, Italy from July 16-18.
Caolan, who is from Kilcormac but plays out of Tullamore Golf Club is participating on the Irish team alongside teammates Cian Arthurs (Roganstown), Kate Daly (Temple), Conal Flynn (Athenry).
Speaking to the European Golf Association ahead of the competition, Caolan said: “Being selected to represent Ireland in Italy is a challenge that feels both exciting and quietly daunting. The competition will be intense and the environment unfamiliar but I'm part of a team who are all committed to giving it everything.”
The 22-year-old, who has an intellectual disability also highlighted how the support from friends and family plays a big role in calming any nerves. He revealed: “Earning a first cap is something that seemed far away. It's something that wouldn't have happened without the support of many people who never stopped believing in me. That support will help me when I am standing on the first tee.”
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Caolan is the nephew of Councillor Shane Murray and the Tullamore Municipal District Cathaoirleach took the opportunity to wish him all the best at the July meeting of the elected members.
He commented: “I’d like to wish my nephew well who is representing Ireland at the European Nations Cup over in Italy at the moment so the very best of luck to Caolan.”
The Kilcormac golfer and the rest of the Irish squad travelled out to Italy on July 14 ahead of three days of competition against some of Europe’s leading nations, with the event showcasing the continued growth and strength of golfers with disability across the continent.
The European Nations Cup team will be competing against Belgium, Czech Republic, England and hosts Italy at the Golf Club Genova Sant'Anna in the coastal region of Liguria over the weekend.
The Irish team are captained by Paul Kelly with Gerri Houlihan serving as manager along with Ian Stafford and Mary Doyle taking up coaching duties.
Captain Paul Kelly was confident that the Irish team can make an impact and be competitive in the tournament. “It’s a great week, competition and experience for everybody involved. This time around we have a few returning faces but also three or four new faces which has brought a new dynamic to the group. We are hoping to use that energy over the course of the three days of the competition.”
He continued: “We also want to keep a certain amount of the camaraderie, the relaxed atmosphere and the basis of any good Irish team which is to be highly competitive on the day and try and get the job done.”
This weekend will mark the seventh edition of this biennial European Golf Association (EGA) championship which is supported by EDGA where players will complete 54 holes of golf in team pair scoring at the tournament.