Captain Trent Johnston is excited about Ireland's first appearance in the tournament in which they will play West Indies, Zimbabwe and Pakistan. "We're training every weekend so we haven't had much chance to practice our golf." Ireland coach Adrian Birrell is a single-"gure handicapper, as is physio Ian Knox, but Johnston warns that there are other golfers among the squad: "The Mooneys insist they are shot-a-hole but they're bandits!"

The fund-raising effort will help defray costs for a group who will miss work and home for three full months apart from an eight-day break at home. "We're hoping to organise a dinner for supporters in Dublin during the short time we'll be at home before the World Cup, " explains Johnston.

The 21 fourballs on the Kukri Golf Classic are already sold out but there are sponsorship opportunities for holes and tees. The event is organised by Sportsvision International, the of"cial vision consultants to the team. More details are available from Trent Johnston on 087-9342901.