Ireland had been foiled by England in the first two combined Women’s and Men’s Home Internationals, pushed into second place by their across-the-water rivals in 2022 and 2023, but turned the tables in sensational style last week at Murcar Links Golf Club near Aberdeen, Scotland.
The Irish had the edge heading into the final day following comprehensive defeats of Scotland and Wales. England, in contrast, had to overcome a loss in the foursomes against the home Scottish team to maintain its own undefeated record heading into the final-day showdown.
Two years ago, England edged Ireland, 11-10, in the deciding match to clinch the trophy. Twelve months ago, the score was 12½-8½. The Irish were determined to turn the scoreline around in Murcar but trailed by a point after the three women’s foursomes. The men dug deep to claim their alternate-shot series, 3-1, and give the Irish a narrow 4-3 advantage. Few could have predicted, as they nibbled at sandwiches and sipped at soup, just what drama lay in store in the afternoon.
“What an incredible week. It’s an amazing achievement from everyone."
Naoimh Quigg
Beth Coulter and Áine Donegan claimed victories in the first two singles matches out, but there was a significant fight back being mounted by the defending champions. Isla McDonald-O’Brien, Nellie Ong, Patience Rhodes and Jessica Baker in the women’s matches and Harley Smith in the opening men’s singles all won their points to put England back in the driver’s seat.
Two of the next matches were halved, and they were not alone in being tight. Hugh Foley and Colm Campbell Jr. both won 2-and-1, Luke O’Neill claimed a 1-up victory and Joshua Hill landed his point, 2-up. Those four late Irish wins were enough to compensate for a win for England’s William Hopkins and complete an 11-10 triumph.
“What an incredible week. It’s an amazing achievement from everyone. The team were fantastic and supported each other so well,” said Irish women’s captain Naoimh Quigg, adding that it was “a very proud moment” for her and Irish men’s captain Niall MacSweeney.
Stars of the show were Sean Keeling and O’Neill, both of whom were undefeated through the week.
There was no such joy for host Scotland, which finished last after being beaten by Wales on the final day.
Meanwhile, England maintained its stranglehold on the Boys’ and Girls’ Home Internationals.
The combined event was inaugurated in 2021 (one year before the women and men), and England made it four wins in four editions with a dominant performance at Conwy Golf Club in Wales.
The English defeated the hosts, 14½-6½, on the opening day, added a narrow 11½-9½ victory over Ireland in the second match and then squeezed past the Scots to complete triumph. The match was in the balance after England edged the foursomes, 4-3, but proved to be dominant in singles to win, 13-8.
The stars of the week were Henry Styles (five points from six matches) in the boys, and Lauren Crump, Sadie Adams and Ellie Lichtenhein in the girls (each winning four points out of five).
“The playing conditions were tough all week with the wind and the course being so narrow, so accurate tee shots were needed,” said India Clyburn, England Golf’s women’s and girls’ assistant performance manager. “We knew what we needed to do this afternoon to win, and we’re just proud of the team for sticking in there and not giving up. It tops off a great year for the girls’ programme.”
WOMEN’S AND MEN’S / GIRLS’ AND BOYS’
Matt Cooper