Bearna Golf Club Ladies claim All Ireland title

Bearna claimed their first ever All-Ireland title in dramatic fashion as they captured the AIG Insurance Junior Foursomes crown at Knightsbrook. The final hinged on the top match and with the teams all square standing on the 18th tee, Bearna put the pressure on when they cleared the water and finished just off the back of the green. Powerscourt faltered at the final hurdle, dumping two balls in the hazard before conceding the hole to Bridie McNamara and Tara Cunningham.

“It was a very tight match. They were down a couple of holes but they fought back and that’s what match play is all about,” said team captain Catherine Quinlan. “It was lovely for us to win it but I feel sorry for Powerscourt because it was their first time in an All-Ireland final as well as it was for us.” Bearna had come through a closely fought semi-final against championship specialists Lee Valley and they had to endure another nerve-wracking encounter against Powerscourt. With the back match going the way of the Wicklow ladies and Bearna taking the middle match 4&2, it all came down to the first game out on the course. All square playing the last, McNamara and Cunningham secured the winning point after safely negotiating the most intimidating tee shot on the course.