Delaney wins Ladies Close

Carlow's Karen Delaney captured her first Lancôme Irish Ladies’ Close Championship with a 3 and 2 victory over Tipperary's Marian Riordan at Lahinch.

Two up after three holes, Delaney maintained that advantage through the turn and closed out the match with a winning sand save at the 16th.

Both semi-finals went to the 18th with Riordan ending the hopes of 12-year-old Lisa Maguire from Slieve Russell.

The Cavan girl led by a single hole through to the ninth but Riordan’s solid driving and accurate iron play overpowered her young opponent.

Delaney beat The Curragh's Maura Morrin by one hole in her semi-final, winning with a sand save at the 18th after Morrin three-putted from the front edge.

Lancôme Irish Ladies’ Close Championship, Lahinch GC

Semi-finals

Karen Delaney (Carlow) bt Maura Morrin (The Curragh) 1-up
Marian Riordan (Tipperary) bt Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell) 1-up

Final
Karen Delaney (Carlow) bt Marian Riordan (Tipperary) 3&2

Selected for St Rule Trophy, St Andrews, 2-3 June
Tara Delaney (Carlow), Maura Morrin (The Curragh), Marian Riordan (Tipperary). 1st Reserve – Deirdre Smith (Co. Louth)