IRELAND, fast recovering from their all time low of two years ago when they were white washed by England in the home international series, stride confidently into the European Women's Team golf championship in Finland this morning.

It has taken a while to get over a disastrous 1995 when they were not only hammered by England but also failed to make the top flight in the European championships that year in Milan.

But the improvement began last September when they were third in the home internationals and there is every reason for optimism ahead of this week's European title event over the Nordcenter course, some 70 miles from Helsinki.

The team is a blend of youth and experience with the players ages ranging from the 21 of Michelle McGreevy to the 33 of Ada O'Sullivan.

All the Irish players have been performing well this summer and captain Claire Dowling is hopeful that they can raise a few eyebrows.

Dowling knows what it's all about having played in six European championships and five Curtis Cup matches herself. "All the players have done well in practice but I know that it's what happens on the day that really counts," said Dowling.

She reckons that the Nordcenter course will provide a tough test for competitors from the 16 nations. "One would not say that any one hole in itself is particularly difficult hut it's the type of course on which shot- making is important and one has to position the ball well," said the skipper.

While Ireland finished their preparations in relaxed mood both England and Wales were having their problems. Five sets of clubs belonging to English players were mislaid in transit and they only arrived just in time for the final practice round. "If they had not had come I don't know what would have happened," said captain Linda Dayman.

Wales are without their team manager, Ann Cowden, the chairman of the Welsh Ladies Golf Union in Finland, because her handbag containing passport was stolen at the check-in desk at London's Heathrow airport and she could not travel.

Ireland will be led into action this morning by their champion Suzanne Fanagan and she will be followed onto the course by Eileen Rose Power, Michelle McGreevy, Ada O'Sullivan, Alison Coffey and Hazel Kavanagh.