IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION PRESS RELEASE

KATE GALLAGHER CROWED LANCOME IRISH
GIRLS CLOSE CHAMPION AT BALLINASLOE

Kate Gallagher (Claremorris) defeated defending champion Stephanie Meadow (Royal Portrush) to be crowned Lancome Irish girls close champion at Ballinasloe, Galway today.
Gallagher started brightly and struck the ball masterfully in the outward nine to always hold the advantage. Kate took a comanding lead of three holes through the 12th.
Meadow dug deep to be just one hole down on the 18th tee. The defending champion growing in confidence then daringly threw caution to the wind and her approach shot to the 18th green clipped a tree and, unfortunately for the 15-year-old, never returned to the ground. The match was duly conceeded and Gallagher was crowned Lancome Irish Girls Close Champion for her first time.
Earlier in the day, Meadow was two down to Victoria Bradshaw (Bangor) through 11 but proceeded to win the 12th, 13th, 14 th and 15th holes to go two up and close out the match on the 17th green.
In the second semi-final, Gallagher birdied the 18 to square her match against Sarah Cunninngham (Ennis) before winning with a birdie at the 21st.
Laura McCarthy (Muskerry) defeated Niamh O'Connor (Worplesdon) 3 and 2 to win the Pat Fletcher Trophy (Plate).
Results:
CHAMPIONSHIP
FINAL - Kate Gallagher (Claremorris) bt Stephanie Meadow (Royal Portrush) 2 holes.
SEMI-FINALS – Stephanie Meadow (Royal Portrush) bt Victoria Bradshaw (Bangor) 2 and 1; Kate Gallagher (Claremorris) bt Sarah Cunningham (Ennis) at 21st.
PLATE FINAL
Laura McCarthy (Muskerry) bt Niamh O'Connor (Worplesdon) 3 and 2.
SEMI FINALS – Laura McCarthy (Muskerry) bt Caroline Murphy (Grange) 1 hole; Niamh O'Connor (Worplesdon) bt Nicola Robinson (Malone) 1 hole.
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The Irish girls' home international team is announced to play at Southerndown Golf Club from August 8 to 10 is:
Victoria Bradshaw (Bangor)
Sarah Cunningham (Ennis)
Leona Maguire (Slieve Russell)
Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell)
Kate Gallagher (Claremorris)
Stephanie Meadow (Royal Portrush)
Louise Mernagh (Woodenbridge)
Aedin Murphy (Carlow)

Reserves:
1 Holli Snelling (Killarney)
2 Emma O'Driscoll (Ballybunion)
3 Ciara Walsh (Headfort)

Captain: Rose Doyle
Manager: Anita McCaw