Deirdre Smith Secures Victory for Ireland in Senior Women’s Home Internationals
Ardee News and Sport — County Louth golfer Deirdre Smith emerged as the hero for Ireland as they were crowned the 2024 Senior Women’s Home Internationals champions following a nail-biting victory over England at Castlerock Golf Club on Thursday.
In a thrilling final match, Smith’s showdown proved to be the decisive moment. Taking a 1UP advantage into the final hole, Smith faced a daunting challenge when her overhit approach shot left her ball in a difficult position beside the clubhouse. However, the seasoned golfer from County Louth Golf Club displayed remarkable composure, producing an incredible up-and-down to halve the hole, secure her point, and seal Ireland’s 5-4 victory.
The win over England capped a fantastic tournament for the Irish Senior Women’s team, who had already defeated Scotland and Wales earlier in the week. The team took an early lead on the final day, going undefeated in the morning’s foursomes. A 2&1 victory by Tracy Eakin (Dooks) and Lisa Cullen (Killarney), along with two tied matches, gave Ireland a 2-1 advantage heading into the singles.
Royal Portrush’s Laura Webb led the charge in the singles, winning her match 1UP on the 18th. Eakin followed up with a dominant 5&4 victory, leaving Ireland just one point away from victory. That crucial point was delivered by Smith, whose clutch play ensured Ireland’s triumph.
Overjoyed with the win, Ireland Senior Women’s Captain Marilyn Henderson (Royal Belfast) expressed her delight: “We’ve been trying for so long, it really is just delightful to be in this position. I couldn’t have done it without the most amazing team behind me, they played their hearts out day after day.”
Henderson, who had come close in previous years, celebrated her first win as captain, saying: “In my time as captain, this is the first time we’ve actually won it. We’ve come close, but never actually won it, so I am so pleased for the team.”
Ireland’s victory at Castlerock will be remembered as a momentous achievement for the team, with Deirdre Smith’s decisive performance standing out as the crowning moment of the tournament.