Two seriously weakened teams go forth in hope more than expectation to represent Ireland in the men's and women's Home Internationals this week.

The ladies tee-up at Dunbar on Wednesday minus Tricia Mangan, who has retired from competitive golf, but with the two new professionals Claire Coughlan and Martina Gillen.

Hope is maintained by the fact Irish champion Karen Delaney and her sister Tara have been released by the American university system to play.

Ireland won the series in 2003 and 2004 before crashing to the wooden spoon in 2005. They recovered to second last year.

Ireland will play Scotland and Wales on the first two days and will be trying to thwart an English hat-trick on Friday. Quite an ask as England have just resumed dominance in this event having won 10 of the 11 outings prior to 2003.

Meanwhile, the Irish men's team prepare minus Walker Cup players Rory McIlroy and Jonathan Caldwell, and the injured Darren Crowe. Team captain Michael Burns will be hoping he can work a miracle to follow up on a famous win in the European Amateur Team Championship at Western Gailes earlier this summer.

ERRITTY LIVES UP TO REPUTATION IN STYLE

Pat Erritty is one of the best players in Wicklow and he proved it last week by winning the Club Championship on his first attempt at the European Club. He won with a birdie on the 20th from Kevin Hicks who had the misfortune, partnered by Paul O'Neill, to lose to another birdie on the 18th in the semi-"nal of the Club Fourball to David Meehan and Brendan Keenan. Hopefully, such double-death does not await Ray Lonergan who lost by 4 and 2 in the Club Championship at Kilkenny to Craig Martin and is due to contest the Club Fourball "nal very soon.

LADIES SENIOR OPEN TO BE TRUE WORLD CUP

The ILGU have got it just right by scheduling the Irish Seniors Open Championship for this week at Ennis. The result is that women from eight other countries will tee-up tomorrow.

The overseas challenge is led by defending champion and Welsh legend Vicki Thomas as well as two-time winner Alison Murdoch of Canada. Many of the visitors are making a fortnight of it as they will be travelling onwards to the British Seniors Open at Copt Heath next week.

The other countries represented in Ennis are Sweden, England, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany and the USA.

The format of the event has been changed . . . and vastly improved . . . from 36 holes of strokeplay to 18 holes on each of the first two days before the leading 30-and-ties go into the final round on Wednesday.

Following the championship, the Irish Seniors Team to play at the Seniors Home Internationals at Royal Tara on 2-4 October will be announced. Positions will be determined by ranking in the Order of Merit and a wildcard pick selected by team captain Rhona Fanagan (Milltown).

BONHAM PROVES A GRATEFUL GUEST

Siobhan Bonham from Abbeyleix experienced the magical feeling that sometimes befalls one when playing away as she assembled 46 points in the Mountrath open day to win by six from the best of the locals Patricia Phelan. One can do not greater honour to a host club.

LYONS THE PRIDE OF CONNACHT

Galway's proudest son Joe Lyons has been named Connacht Golfer of the Year following his win in the West of Ireland and selection to play for Ireland in the Home Internationals.

He will receive his award at the Connacht AGM on 30 November when the Junior GOY will be bestowed on Stephen Healy of Claremorris and the former branch secretary Sean Hosty, of Galway, accepts the Veteran GOY.

ENNIS LADIES CLAIM FIRST SENIOR CUP WIN

What a way to celebrate a centenary. The ladies of Ennis Golf Club gained their first ever win in the Suzuki Irish Senior Cup by beating Royal Portrush in the "nal. Heroine was Patricia McDonnell, twice Irish champion, as Patricia Mangan came out of retirement to win her two singles.