Mary McKenna returns to her old stomping ground this week as the Lancome Irish Ladies' Close Championship tees off today at the Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh.

Last time the contest was held there in 1979 McKenna collected the fifth of her eight titles. Her chances of that ninth honour can never be ruled out but 14 years after winning her last Irish Championship she faces tough opposition this week.

The 74-strong field that tees off this morning is bulging with talent, with all of the current district winners included, as well as a crop of fine young players.

The title is vacant as Rebecca Coakley, who took the crown from Alison Coffey last year, is now trading her Australian talents on the professional circuit. Coffey, now based in England and not competing in championships, is also missing.

That opens the door to many pretenders to the throne, including Galway girl Sinead O'Sullivan who is in line to complete a notable family double. Her brother, Mark, won the men's Irish Close at Tramore last week.

Sinead, winner of the Ita Wallace Trophy for non-qualifiers last year, is just one of the young brigade that can upset some of the more fancied candidates, including Beaverstown player Martina Gillen who finished second in the prestigious St Rule's Trophy on her return after a second successful season at Kent State University in Ohio. Gillen was runner-up last season to double winner Coakley in the Irish Strokeplay Championship.

Another leading contender is current Munster champion Tricia Mangan who has recently been selected in the British and Ireland team for the Vagliano Trophy clash with the Continent of Europe at Co Louth next month. Mangan came fourth in both the St Rule's and the Helen Holm Scottish Open Championship.

After many years of trying, Strabane's Helen Jones won the Ulster Ladies' Championship a few weeks ago while recently Deirdre Judge (Roscommon) won the Connacht Championship. In Leinster, Maura Morrin (The Curragh) was the winner and Karen Delaney (Carlow) took the Midlands' title.

Karen and Tara Delaney are keen to keep the trophy at Carlow as it was out of there that Rebecca Coakley played last year.

Apart from McKenna other winners in the draw are triple champion Eileen Rose Power (1990, '92 and '95) and the 1999 title holder Claire Coughlan who is coached by her boyfriend, professional David Ryan.

Local hopes will rest on international Darragh McGowan from Ballybofey.