Talented Irish squad can bridge twelve-year gap

Michael Craddock completes his three year stint as Ireland's golf captain later this summer - and there is nothing he would like more than to bow out having taken his country to the European title.

Two years ago at Portmarnock Ireland battled well to finish with a bronze medal, having been beaten in the semi-final by the eventual champions, Spain, and this week over the delightful tree-lined Monticello course in Italy, Craddock believes the Irish could capture their first crown since winning in Austria back in 1987.

"It is a well-balanced side with plenty of experience, but also some youth. They are a talented bunch of players, but of course it is all on the day," said Craddock. Irish close champion, Ciaran McMonagle, a 21-year-old from Dunfanaghy, wins his first senior cap - and will be anxious to put on a good display.

McMonagle has played in a friendly international against Italy but never in a competitive contest. "I like the course - I feel I am playing ok and am rearing to go," said McMonagle.

McMonagle will tee off fourth in the opening round of strokeplay today behind the most experienced members of the team, Garth McGimpsey, Gary Cullen and Ken Kearney.

McGimpsey , one of the oldest men in the entire championship, won the British amateur championship back in 1985 but continues to make an impact on the international stage - and he could well feature strongly in the Irish glory bid over the next five days. Michael Hoey from Shandon Park wins his first full cap at the age of 19 and will tee off in fifth spot, just in front of Walker Cup squad member, Eamon Brady.

"Everyone has been performing well in practice and I think they'll just all be glad to get underway with the serious business," said Craddock.

The worst electrical storms in the area for two decades hit Monticello on Sunday night, causing considerable flooding which forced the closure of two holes yesterday. But they should be back in play by the time the championship starts at eight o'clock this morning. Not only on the playing side have Ireland got a major interest this week but the president of the European Golf Association is Muskerry's Patrick Foley, who arrived at the club yesterday minus his luggage, which had gone missing between Heathrow and Milan.

"It's just one of those things but it happens all too often," said Foley.

So Ireland are quietly confident that they are in with an excellent chance over the next five days while England 's six man side is one of extraordinary talent and both Wales and Scotland seem to have powerful line-ups - and from the Continent France, Spain and Finland are perhaps the ones to watch.