Irish Ladies' Close: "I am thrilled to have won this prestigious championship, but the significance of it has not sunk in yet."
This was the reaction of the Carlow's Karen Delaney after the 22-year-old student at Kent State University in Ohio had won the Lancome Irish Ladies' Close Amateur Championship at Lahinch yesterday afternoon.
She beat Dublin-based teacher Marian Riordan from Tipperary by 3 and 2.
The turning point came at the 13th where Delaney, who plays off one handicap, was deep in the hollow to the right of the green, and her recovery finished on the apron with an elevation between her and the flag. After consultation with her 21-year-old sister, Tara, she opted for her long putter and got her par, while Riordan, who was on in two, three-putted down the green.
In the morning semi-finals, Delaney had beaten Maura Morrin of The Curragh on the last green.
And in the other semi-final, 12-year-old Lisa Maguire also lost on the last green to Riordan. Maguire was one up after seven and two up after 10, but the brilliant golf of her opponent squared the match at the 16th and Riordan holed a good putt for a win on the 18th.
IRISH LADIES' CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIP (at Lahinch) - Semi-finals:Karen Delaney (Carlow) bt Maura Morrin (The Curragh) 1 hole, Marian Riordan (Tipperary) bt Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell) 1 hole. Final:Delaney bt Riordan 3 and 2
IRELAND (for St Rule Trophy, St Andrews, June 2nd-3rd):Tara Delaney (Carlow), Maura Morrin (The Curragh), Marian Riordan (Tipperary). Reserve: Deirdre Smith (Co Louth).
