Ireland will be hopeful of a rare win in the European Team Championship at Western Gailes on July 3-7 with a magnificent looking team comprising Jonathan Caldwell (Clandeboye), Shane Lowry (Esker Hills), Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge), Rory McIlroy (Holywood), Gareth Shaw (Lurgan) and Simon Ward (Co. Louth). The team looks all the stronger when one considers that Niall Turner (Muskerry) and Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin) are the reserves.

The ladies are hoping for a good showing in their European Team Championship at Castleconturbia, Italy, on July 10-14. Karen Delaney leads a vastly experienced team which includes her younger sister Tara, Danielle McVeigh, Maura Morrin, Marian Riordan and Derirdre Smith. The reserves are Niamh Kitching, Gillian O'Leary and Maria Dunne.

The fact that Patricia McDonnell (nee Mangan) has declared herself unavailable and now retired from competitive golf deals a severe blow to the side. But everyone must wish the great double . . .

Irish champion and Curtis Cup player every happiness as she reverts to social golf.

Twelve-year-old twins Leona and Lisa Maguire continue their record-breaking achievements and will be the youngest players to represent Ireland at the Girls (Under-18) European Team Championships to be held at Oslo Golf Club in Norway on July 10-14. Joining the dynamic Cavan duo are Victoria Bradshaw and Holli Snelling who will have greatly benefited from their experience at last year's Championships in Denmark. The reserves are Louise Mernagh, Lucy Simpson and Ciara Butler.