All-Ireland success for Ardee Golf Club

ARDEE LADIES MINOR CUP TEAM ALL-IRELAND SUCCESS

Ardee Golf Club claimed its first All-Ireland Interclub Pennant in the AIG Minor Cup Finals in Westport Golf Club last Friday.

The North Leinster Winners defeated the East Munster Champions 3-2 in a tight and tense battle, which went to the wire.

Margaret Malone claimed the first point when she defeated Eimear Quaid by 1 hole on the 18th. Another point was secured by Annette Durnin when she beat Dinah O’Mahony 3 & 2.

With both teams securing 2 points each, all rested on the final match.

Angela Hand clawed her match back from being 4 down to secure victory on the 19th green with a single putt.

Ardee secured its place in the final with a 3-2 semi-final victory over Central Leinster Winners Baltinglass the previous day.

Eileen Penrose, Patricia Smyth both won their matches 2 Up while Annette Durnin won 2 & 1 in her duel.

The Ardee team’s journey to Mayo commenced with victories over Balbriggan, County Meath, Dundalk, Balcarrick and Howth to retain their North Leinster Pennant.

An All-Ireland quarter-final victory over North Ulster Winners Greenacres secured their place at the National Finals.

Team Captain Liz Halpenny paid tribute to the team.

“This is a fantastic achievement. It is a culmination of many months of practice and hard work. “The disappointment of their defeat in last year’s semi-final was a springboard for these ladies this year.

“They used that experience to their advantage and this is what brought them over the line.

“All credit goes to them and to their caddies who have been with them every step of the way. “Sheila Roche, Bernie Breen, Liz O’Donoghue and Helen Reilly also played their part in achieving this year’s success.”

Susan Shekleton, Lady Captain of Ardee Golf Club also acknowledged the achievement.

“It is a great honour to be Lady Captain of Ardee Golf Club this year but being able to follow all our teams, with our Lady President Celia Tully, has been the highlight.

“Our teams have performed exceptionally well but it is our Minor Cup team, which has secured an amazing Green Pennant.

“They are a wonderful bunch of women. I thank all those who have given their time to the club by managing, playing, caddying and following our teams through the sun and rain this season.”