Defending champion Valerie Hassett from Ennis will face keen competition when she tees-off in the Irish Senior Ladies Leinster strokeplay championship at Ardee on July 3rd. Hassett won the title at Ardee last year with a gross 74 - a new women's record for the course - but this year will have to contend with former Curtis Cup and Irish international Mary McKenna.

McKenna will be making her debut in seniors golf after an illustrious career which saw her play in nine Curtis Cups. Entries for Ardee close today with Theresa Morgan at 041-6851876.