Three Irish named in elite squad

Three Irish women have been selected on the 20-strong Britain and Ireland elite squad from which the teams to contest next year's Curtis Cup in Pittsburgh and the World Amateur Team championship in Malaysia will be selected.

Alison Coffey, who successfully defended her Irish Close title this season and who also made a winning foray to claim the prestigious St Rule Trophy in Scotland, is joined on the squad by Elaine Dowdall, of Wexford, and former Irish champion Claire Coughlan of Cork.

Maureen Madill, a former Irish international and European Tour professional, will continue in her position as coach to the Ladies Golf Union and will conduct a number of squad sessions throughout the winter and spring. The first session is planned for Ab ergele in north Wales next month.

The squad was increased to 20 this time round because it was felt each of the selected players have a genuine chance of making the teams for the Curtis Cup, which takes place in Pittsburgh from August 3rd-4th, and the World Team Championship in Kuala Lumpur scheduled for October 16th-19th.

Coffey, who was a member of the bronze medal winning world championship team in Germany last year, missed out on Curtis Cup selection at Ganton last year when she was first reserve.

Her form since then, however, has been such that she is a firm favourite to make the team for Pittsburgh.

2001/2002 ELITE SQUAD

K Andrew (Clitheroe), B Brewer (Abergele), F Brown (Hewswell), A Coffey (Warrenpoint), C Coughlan (Cork), E Dowdall (Wexford), E Duggleby (Malton), K FIsher (Royal Lytham & St Annes), S Heath (Shifnal), R Hudson (Wheatley), S Jones (Pennard), A Keighley (Lightcliffe), L Kenny (University of Sterling), F More (Chsterfield), L Morton (Tullialian), E Pilgrim (St Pierre), K Smith (Waterlooville), H Stirling (Bridge of Allan), V Lang (Musselburgh), L Moffat (West Kilbride). Reserves: C Queen (Drumpellier); L Davis (Conwy).