There was further success for Roscommon’s International golfers over the weekend as Ireland’s men and women with Thomas Higgins and Olivia Costello on board, claimed the home international championship title pipping old rivals England to the title at Woodbrook. It was just the second time in history that they claimed the title on Friday. The hosts had a narrow lead after the morning foursomes in Woodbrook, and England bounced back to take four of the women’s singles matches to put themselves in the ascendency.
Nevertheless, Ireland held firm and a remarkable afternoon saw the men claim five matches (including Thomas Higgins defeating Max Hopkins 3 and 1) as Keith Egan finished things off with 3&2 win over Jamie Van Wyk, for a 11.5-9.5 result.
It completes a brilliant month for the men with Damien Coyne’s side claiming European glory for the first time since 2008, while the women (with Olivia Costello on board) had an outstanding week with victories over Wales and Scotland. England claimed the Men’s and Women’s titles separately but it was Ireland who won the overall crown for the first time since 2024.