Roscommon golfers help Ireland to prestigous title

Thomas Higgins and Olivia Costello have helped Ireland be crowned Women’s and Men’s Home Internationals champions for just the second time ever after a thrilling victory over England.

The Roscommon duo played an important role in Ireland going undefeated with a win over Wales and a draw against Scotland being followed by a narrow win over England to secure the title.

Higgins started off his week by finishing all square with Wales’ Tomi Bowen in the Men’s Singles before he and Gavin O’Neill helped Ireland to a valuable point in the foursomes against Scotland’s Oliver Mukherjee and Samuel Mukherjee.

The Roscommon man enjoyed an excellent final day as he combined with O’Neill to defeat England’s Harley Smith and Lewy Hayward in the Men’s Foursomes before Higgins secured a 3&1 win over Max Hopkins in the singles.

Meanwhile, Costello helped Ireland to two points against Wales as she combined with Rebekah Gardiner to defeat Millie Cottrell and Isobel Kelly in the foursomes while she came through a tight contest to beat Saskia Owen in the singles.

Costello and Gardiner combined to earn Ireland a vital half point against Scotland as they finished all square with Freya Russell and Abigail May in the foursomes.

With Ireland and England facing off for the title at Woodbrook Golf Club in Wicklow, the hosts held a narrow lead after the morning foursomes.

But, 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 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 had an outstanding week with victories over Wales and Scotland.