This article is from page 84 of the 2008-09-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 84 JPG
ROYAL Portrush confirmed their elite status in women’s club golf win- ning their fourth title 1n just six years after defeating The Island in the final of the 2008 SUZUKI Senior Cup at Galway Golf Club on Saturday.
Having already won back-to-back titles from 2003 to 2005, the northern side were beaten at the Irish semi-fi- nals by Irish winners Cork in 2006 and in last year’s final by first-time winners Ennis, at Milltown.
It was a disappointing defence of the title for Ennis, as they bowed out at the quarter-final stage on Saturday when they were beaten by Kilkenny by 3 1/2 to 1 1/2.
All this after the day started so well for Ennis when Sarah Cunningham in the lead singles scored a great 4 and 2 win over former Irish cham- pions and Irish international Eileen Rose Power.
However, it was Ennis’ only victory as Pamela Murphy, Maura McNicho- las and Ciara Pender were all defeat- ed, while Daindra O’Connell halved
her match. The quarter-final swung decisively in Kilkenny’s favour when Ann Smee beat Maura McNicholas after a titanic struggle — the match went all the way to the 19th before Smee prevailed.
The Ennis side showed a number of changes in personnel from the side that won the title in such thrilling fashion on the corresponding week- end last year. Tricia McDonnell and Valerie Hassett didn’t play.
In the final Royal Portrush scored a 4-1 win over The Island.