13 hours ago
Leinster make history while Ulster bounce back
Leinster completed a remarkable four-in-a-row as they took the Men's Interprovincial title at Knightsbrook after victory over Connacht on the final day of action.
It was an emotional win for their Captain Harry McAlinden who has been with this team all of the way, and he hinted at potentially stepping aside ahead of the drive for five next year.
But it was another fantastic triumph for an experienced side while the Ulster Women won back the crown they last captured in 2023 as they also got the better of Connacht.
Despite the difficult conditions it was another enthralling day of golf served up by all four regions across the Men's and Women's Interprovincials, but Leinster's success created its own bit of history.
'It means a huge amount, apparently it's the 1960s since it was done. It's a big achievement,' said McAlinden.
'They're a great bunch of lads who give their all. We make it hard on ourselves, we lose the first day but then we come back strong.
'We had four newbies on the team this year and you wonder how they are all going to blend in but they blended in fantastically. The senior players take them under their wing and guide them through it.
'I don't know who will be leading us (next year). I have four years done now so my time might be up.' The reigning Men's champions looked in trouble when they were beaten by Munster first time out but they bounced back against Ulster yesterday.
And with wins for Paul Coughlan, Keith Egan, Robert Abernethy and Eoin Murphy in the singles, they were comprehensive 8-3 winners against Connacht.
Ulster women's team and management members (back row) Deirdre Savage, Aoife Browne, Katie Poots, Zoe Miller, Molly O'Hara Oonagh McLure, with (front row) Holly Hamilton, Kate Dwyer and Louise Coffey celebrate. Picture: Tom O'Hanlon/Inpho
The Ulster Women also got the better of their western counterparts on Friday, after taking a 2-1 lead following the morning foursomes.
Victories over Leinster and holders Munster had put Ulster in the ascendency this week and they only needed a result against Connacht to win back the trophy.
Katie Poots, Holly Hamilton and Kate Dwyer duly obliged in the afternoon to seal a memorable win for Oonagh McClure's side, who were narrow 5-4 winners.
'It's fantastic. The girls have worked so hard all week. They work hard all year at their golf but this week to see it all come to fruition it's fantastic,' said McClure.
'It was very tight against Connacht. You can't underestimate any of these teams. Everybody has real depth in their teams. It was a real battle.
'It's great for the team of girls. It's a new team. It's not the team that it was back in 2023 and it's great for them. It's great for the girls.'
In the other matches on Friday, Munster women lost 6-3 to Leinster, while Ulster men defeated Munster 6.5-4.5.
