Ireland took second place in the men's home internationals at Carnoustie yesterday thanks to a comprehensive 9 1/2-5 1/2 final day victory over England.

The foundations for Ireland's success were laid in the foursomes which were taken 4-1, restricting England to only two halved matches.

Any hopes the defending champions harboured of getting relief in the singles was quickly quashed by Graeme McDowell, who comfortably saw off Walker Cup player Phillip Rowe 4 and 2.

Such a result at the top of the order gave a boost to the players following and further wins came for Ciaran McMonagle, Noel Fox, John Foster and Richard McEvoy.