Irish all fired up

Ireland will be attempting to make it third time lucky in the Women's Amateur Home Internationals which begin this morning over the challenging Royal Dornoch links in the north of Scotland.

For the past two years they have been runners-up behind champions England and are really fired up for the stern test of the next three days.

The forced withdrawal of former Curtis Cup star Eileen Rose Power has not helped the Irish cause but her replacement, Deirdre Smith, has enjoyed a splendid season, so is well equipped for the battle which lies ahead. Power pulled out because of work and family commitments.

Milltown's Suzanne O'Brien and Alison Coffey of Warrenpoint were the most successful Irish players in last month's European Individual Championships in the Czech Republic and should be assets to the side. Furthermore, 32-year-old O'Brien, sister of ex-Walker cup man, Jody Fanagan, will attempt to take yet another step towards a Curtis Cup place next June. She gave a five-star display to take four points out of four when Britain and Ireland were beaten by the Continent of Europe at North Berwick in July.

The youngest member of the Irish side is 17-year-old Martina Gillen from Beaverstown while Cork's Claire Coughlan as national title holder will lead the players into action.

Ireland made the first flight in the European Team Championships in France earlier in the year and have a team filled with quality - Captain Jane Allen believes that they are certainly good enough to lower the colours of the other countries.

"It was a long, tiring journey here on Sunday when we had to come via Gatwick. Despite that the girls played very well in practice and now can't wait to get started," said Allen.

Ireland open their challenge for the title against Scotland and Allen has decided to leave Gillen and Smith on the sidelines for this morning's opening foursomes session. Elaine Dowdall and Suzie O'Brien will lead Ireland into action followed by Alison Coffey and Emma Dickson and then Claire Coughlan with Oonagh Purfield.

As Ireland wound up their preparations captain Allen said: "I am very satisfied with the way things have gone in practice. With the weather having cleared up today, it has been a full day of golf and we can't wait to get started."