Ireland retained their European Amateur title today with a 4.5 - 2.5 win over England.

It is the first time in almost 20 years that a nation has won back-to-back titles.

Defeated finalists England were last to achieve that but they were second best today as Ireland continued their rich vein of form.

England started brightly with a one hole win for Chris Wood and Sam Hutsby over Gareth Shaw and Shane Lowry.

Ireland struck back with a three and one win for Paul Cutler and Jonathan Caldwell over Steve Uzzell and Dale Whitnell.

Ireland increased their lead thanks to singles victories for Shaw and Paul Cutler over Charlie Ford and Wood respectively.

Niall Kearney then beat Matt Haines three and two before the points were shared by Caldwell and Hutsby and Dale Whitnell got a scant consolation when beating Lowry five and three.