Irish amateur golf is on the front foot this week as four national teams compete in European Team Championships, with aspirations high and medals firmly in sight across the Men’s, Women’s, Boys’, and Girls’ competitions.

From Killarney to Chantilly, Slaley Hall to Czechia, a total of 24 elite amateurs are flying the flag for Ireland, representing a blend of experience, emerging talent, and momentum heading into one of the key weeks on the European amateur calendar.

Home Advantage for the Men at Killarney

For the Irish Men’s Team, the setting could hardly be more special. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club hosts the European Men’s Team Championship for the first time in 50 years, and Ireland is determined to capitalise on home advantage.

“This is incredibly special because of the fact that it was there 50 years ago,” said Captain Damien Coyne, who leads a strong six-man squad. “The game plan is just to go and get after it. We have to be positive and aggressive. The course lends itself to that kind of play.”

Coyne’s side features a compelling blend of form and experience: John Doyle, fresh from multiple amateur wins; Gavin Tiernan, runner-up at the Amateur Championship; and seasoned figures like Stuart Grehan, Matthew McClean, and Caolan Rafferty. With Thomas Higgins rounding out the group and support from manager Mark O’Sullivan and coach Michael Collins, confidence is high.

“To win the Europeans anywhere would be special,” said Coyne. “But to do it on home soil would mean even more.”

Women’s Team Brings Momentum to Chantilly

In France, the Irish Women’s Team arrives in buoyant form. All six players competed in last week’s Women’s Irish Open, with Emma Fleming finishing as the leading amateur and Beth Coulter and Áine Donegan riding high after a win with the Vagliano Trophy team.

“They were all buzzing after the Irish Open,” said Captain Gillian O’Leary, who has worked with many of the players since their early teens. “It gave them a real confidence boost.”

The team includes Rebekah Gardner, Marina Joyce Moreno, and Anna Dawson, with most of the squad gaining experience through U.S. college golf. With a coaching team led by Donal Scott and manager Clodagh Walsh, the approach is steady and composed.

“It’s just a matter of time until we win again,” said O’Leary. “Hopefully, it’ll be this week.”

Rising Stars Represent the Boys’ Team in Czechia

The Boys’ Team heads to Czechia with six rookies brimming with potential. William O’Riordan leads the charge after winning the Connacht Boys’, with teammates John William Burke, Caelan Coleman, Adam Fahey, Louis Goodman, and Isaac Oliver all hitting form this season.

“They’re all really excited. None of them have been here before,” said Captain John Carroll. “They’ve all had top-five finishes and have been competing across Europe. The form is there, and the attitude is right.”

With Ireland last medalling at the Boys’ Championship 25 years ago, Carroll believes the commitment shown over the winter—training every second weekend since Halloween—could now pay dividends.

“I really hope for them that we have some success,” he said.

Girls’ Team Leans on Chemistry and Confidence

In Slaley Hall, the Girls’ Team enters the week on a wave of positive results and long-standing team chemistry. “These girls have been playing together since they were 11 or 12,” said Captain Brenda Craig. “That really helps during weeks like this.”

Roisin Scanlon (Helen Holm champion), Zoe McLean-Tattan (Irish Girls’ winner), and Olivia Costello (Spanish Amateur finalist) are among a talented squad that includes Hannah Lee-McNamara, Kate Dillon, and Kayleigh Mulholland—each having featured in senior events in recent weeks.

“They’ve all performed really well,” Craig added. “We’re really happy with how they’re playing coming into this week. Hopefully, they deliver.”

 

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