By DARAGH SMALL
Ireland Captains Naoimh Quigg and Niall MacSweeney have reminisced over an historic Home Internationals victory at Murcar Links in Scotland last weekend.
It was the first time the combined team have sealed the overall title while the men were victorious for the first time since 2021.
And after a thrilling final day victory over England, Women’s Captain Quigg said she was feeling a mixture of elation and emotion on a great day for Irish amateur golf.
“The whole week was just incredible from start to finish, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a team like it in my life,” said Quigg.
“They bonded so well. We talked about playing for your country on the back of the Olympics. We could see the hysteria that it created around the room. We tapped into that, looked at and spoke about it.
“We play golf most of the year as individuals and there is only once or twice that you come together and pull on the jersey and play for your country. It’s not something you can take for granted, it’s a privilege. For us to go and do that and achieve it together with the men and women was just an unbelievable experience.
“Many of our players are turning pro now on the back of this and to send them off with that winning feeling for their last game for Ireland, it was very very special. It was very emotional as well because we have seen them throughout their career, at the start of their journey and to watch them finish by winning a medal was special.
“Working with Niall, Helen, Donal, Michael and Damien, we have had many laughs together and to share it with them was pretty nice as well.”
The Curtis Cup will be next on the horizon for Sara Byrne (Douglas), Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) and Áine Donegan (Lahinch), while Byrne is one of the contingent who will go professional.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s event, the six debutants shone bright with Seán Keeling (Roganstown) and Luke O'Neill (Connemara) unbeaten through the week, while Ryan Griffin (Ballybofey & Stranolar), Paul Coughlan (Casltknock), Josh Hill (Galgorm) and Thomas Higgins (Roscommon) all making significant contributions.
Hugh Foley (Royal Dublin) accounted for 4.5 points from his five matches, Liam Nolan (Galway) led from the front all week and Colm Campbell enhanced his reputation by playing an influential role in another Home Internationals win.
“It was a difficult start to the week with some clubs not arriving until Tuesday night and luggage until after the tournament had started but the players didn’t use this as an excuse,” said MacSweeney.
“From the gun, the mindset was to get stuck in straight away and the men’s foursomes pairings laid a great foundation, losing out in just one of the 12 matches played through week.
“Delighted for everyone, delighted for coach Michael, team manager Damien and I’m also delighted for Naoimh and Helen who I have really enjoyed working with over the past three years when we come together for the Home Internationals. We also want to wish Áine, Sara and Beth the best of luck in the Curtis Cup.
“The support of family, friends during the week was appreciated too, and it was great to have former Irish Internationals Dermot McElroy, Paul McBride, Conor Purcell, Cormac Sharvin, John Murphy and Johnny Caldwell, who were playing in the Challenge Tour event at nearby Newmachar, in attendance at various times.
“Murcar Links provided a great playing challenge, while many of its members volunteered as scorers and spotters through the week, which Ireland’s team and management were keen to acknowledge.”
