Greencastle first

Greencastle Ladies made history on Sunday when they won their first pennant in the 108-year history of the club, beating Nairn…

Greencastle Ladies made history on Sunday when they won their first pennant in the 108-year history of the club, beating Nairn and Portnoo 3 1/2 1 1/2 in the second leg of the Marie O'Donnell Trophy final at Greencastle. Trailing 3-2 after the first outing in Portnoo, Greencastle had a fight on their hands when Betty Gallagher and Frances Harkin lost in the top match. However, with a large home support to urge them on, Theresa Ross holed a vital six foot putt on the 18th to earn a half after she and her partner Hilary McCloy were two down to Margaret Roarty and Frances Munnelly after 16 holes.

Greencastle took the last three matches for a 5 1/2 4 1/2 win. Mary Boviard and Veronica McLaughlin beat Margaret Boyce and Brid O'Keeffe 3 and 2; Celine Houston and Helen Cosgrave beat Patricia McDaid and Maureen Cunningham 3 and 2 while Antoinette Hegarty and Marie Higgins were 2 and 1 winners over Goretti Cunningham and Colette Boner. To make the day even more special for Greencastle, Marie O'Donnell, the former Curtis Cup captain, was there to make the presentation.