As the oldest national ladies' union, we in the ILGU were always conscious of our responsibilities at a broader level. So, when it was suggested to us more than 20 years ago that we might stage the European Championship, we took the idea very much to heart.

Clearly, it was going to be a huge undertaking from a financial stand- point, but we were greatly encouraged by a formal agreement that was already in place with the Ladies' Golf Union (LGU). They promised us that in the event of such an undertaking, they would split the cost with us 50-50.

So it was that we agreed to stage the European Ladies' Team Championship at Hermitage in 1979. Initial estimates put the cost at £12,000 but we had promises of courtesy cars from Mazda and help from many other sources. In- deed, we encountered quite incredible generosity.

It meant that the figure eventually worked out at £5,400 with the result that ourselves and the LGU paid £2,700 each. Yet it remained a daunting challenge at a time when we had only 21,000 members in 223 clubs.

The championship was to provide me with wonderful memories that have not only endured, but are certain to be with me for the rest of my life. Even the July weather was unusually kind to us and Hermitage never looked more beautiful.

I was treasurer of the ILGU at the time and a member of the organising committee. Naturally, we did our best to cover every eventuality, but difficulties arose just the same. Like getting the wrong national flags for the opening ceremony.

Then there were the problems caused by the large galleries. Twice daily, a huge Guinness tanker could be seen heading through the course towards the clubhouse. But this one had none of the black stuff on board. Through the generosity of Guinness, it was ferrying water to supplement the existing supply which was stretched beyond capacity.

At an individual level, there was the problem of one of the visiting players being whisked off to Holles Street hospital with a miscarriage. And the instruction from her team captain that she was to bring her clubs with her because she would be needed for play the following afternoon. Which she did.

But, of course, the crowning glory of the week was the fact that Ireland won. From the 14 competing nations, we emerged as champions, beating West Germany by the wide margin of 6-1 in the final.

That was on Sunday, July 8th and our supporters did us proud. Indeed they turned up in such numbers that I remember struggling to get a glimpse of our champion scrambler, Susan Gorman, getting the decisive point. Appropriately, it came at the 19th.

Still, it was enough. The cheers of the crowd gave me all the information I needed. And when the excitement eased, I remember experiencing a curious mixture of joy, satisfaction and relief. We had embarked on a huge undertaking which became a resounding success.

Anne Tunney is past president of the ILGU