Headfort ladies bow out to Bearna

Headfort ladies were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Bearna GC in the golf Intermediate Cup preliminary All-Ireland quarter-final at Knightsbrook, Trim. The competition will end today.  

The match was settled on the 19th hole of the fifth match. Earlier Headfort had two wins from Mary Brennan (on 12th) and Jennifer Martin (on 17th) while both Jacqueline McCormack and Paula Casserly lost out on 16. Liz Gaffney was two down with two to play walking off the 16th green but won the last two holes to bring the match down the 19th. However, it went the way of the Connacht side and ended the magnificent run that Headfort enjoyed this season.

The competition took place from this Wednesday to today - and getting to the final capped a memorable campaign for this group that includes Jennifer Martin, Jacqueline McCormack, Paula Casserly, Mary Brennan, Liz Gaffney, Patricia O'Doherty and Mary Kidney. The team is managed by captain  Martha Kennedy and Majella Costello.

Since last April the Headfort players - who are from the Kells and Navan areas - have been overcoming challenge after challenge in the competition that is run by the ILGU.

 They kicked off their campaign with a victory over Black Bush way back in last April.  Then, as momentum gathered pace, they got the better of Mannan Castle, Ardee and opponents from Castle GC in Dublin, a very significant victory that indicated the Headfort ladies were really on a roll. 

Further evidence of a group of players on their game could be seen in the way Malahide were overcome next time out. The players' hard graft, skill and unwavering persistence eventually secured their place in the All-Ireland final a few weeks ago when they defeated Naas (3.5 to 1.5) in the East Leinster finals at Seapoint Golf Club.

Once again under intense pressure the Headfort combination who played that day produced the goods. Only five players can be selected for each match (and two substitutes) but over the course of their run all 10 members of the panel have made their contributions.

 The Headfort selection take on Connacht kingpins Bearna in the All-Ireland competition this week and will hope to progress from there over the three days of competition. The Intermediate Cup format is based on five singles matches within a handicap range of 16 to 21.

 The AIG Ladies cups and shield competitions comprise six categories. These include junior and senior foursomes categories while the remaining four are singles matchplays - Junior Cup, Intermediate Cup, Minor Cup and Challenge Cup - with all handicap ranges and ability of golfer taking part.

Ireland is divided into five districts for these competitions - Ulster, Munster, Connacht, Mid-Leinster and East Leinster. To win a district crown is a very significant feat. 
"The girls have worked really hard to get this far," commented Martha Kennedy.