Laytown and Bettystown ladies triumphant again after 26-year gap
Carol Wickham (Laytown & Bettystown) after winning her match and the title on the 18th green in the final of the 2014 AIG All Ireland Senior Cup Finals at Mount Wolseley Country Club (16/08/2014). Picture by Pat Cashman
The Wickham sisters were at the centre of the enterprise once more as Laytown and Bettystown claimed the AIG Irish Senior Cup for only the second time in the club's history thanks to a 4-1 victory over a young Killarney side at Mount Wolseley
Mary McKenna (President, Irish Ladies Golf Union) presenting Laytown & Bettystown Aileen Regan (Team Captain) with the 2014 AIG All Ireland Ladies Senior Cup trophy and pennant after their victory at Mount Wolseley Country Club. (16/08/2014). Picture by Pat Cashman
In 1988, internationals Carol and Phil Wickham and lifelong friend Noeline Quirke were part of the team that made amends for their 1981 defeat when they helped the Co Meath club beat Malone in the final in Birr.
Fast forward 26 years and Carol was joined in the side by her 17-year old daughter Rachel Taylor with her sister Phil, now O'Gorman, and Noeline also part of the eight-strong squad alongside Alison Taylor, Barbara Cooney, 16-year old Ellie Metcalfe and Patricia McAllister.
"We are absolutely chuffed," said a delighted Carol. "It's amazing to think it's been 26 years since we first won the All Ireland.
The Laytown and Bettystown team that won the Irish Senior Cup in 1988.
"Noeline Quirke, Phil and myself were on the original team that won all those years ago. And it was a real team effort again this time. We couldn't be happier."
It has yet to be established if Carol and Rachel are the first mother and daughter to win All Ireland Senior Cup medals in the same year. In 2012, Anne Cassidy and her mother Carmel McLoughlin helped Portumna reach the All Ireland finals at Grange but they did not lift the title.
In the decider, Alison Taylor continued her fine run of form when she continued her unbeaten run over the weekend with a 5 and 4 win over Caitriona Griffin.
Mary McKenna (President, Irish Ladies Golf Union) presenting Millie Wade (Lady Captain, Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club) with the 2014 AIG All Ireland Ladies Senior Cup trophy after their victory at Mount Wolseley Country Club today (16/08/2014). In front (from left) Claire Scanlon (Business Development Manager, AIG Ireland), Aileen Regan (Team Captain), Eilish Hanley (Lady Captain, Mount Wolseley Golf Club) and Hazel Lee (Lady President, Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club). At back (from left) Alison Taylor, Rita O'Connor, Phil O'Gorman, Rachel Taylor, Patricia McAllister, Barbara Cooney, Ellie Metcalfe, Noeline Quirke and Carol Wickham. Picture by Pat Cashman
Laytown and Bettystown then raced into a two match advantage when Rachel Taylor closed out Valerie Clancy on the 16th green by 3 and 2.
Rachel Taylor (Laytown & Bettystown) driving at the 15th in the final of the 2014 AIG All Ireland Senior Cup Finals at Mount Wolseley Country Club (16/08/2014). Picture by Pat Cashman
The fixture was finally decided when in the top match, seasoned international Carol Wickham birdied the 12th, 13th and 14th en route to a one up win over current International Mairead Martin on the home green.
Despite their defeat, Killarney’s young debutantes — the side featured 13-year old Valerie Clancy, 14-year old Mairead and 17-year old Caitriona Griffin — can look forward to many more appearances at this level.
Mary McKenna (President, Irish Ladies Golf Union) pictured with Maureen Cullity (Lady Captain, Killarney Golf Club) beaten finalists in the 2014 AIG All Ireland Ladies Senior Cup at Mount Wolseley Country Club (16/08/2014). In front (from left) Mary Leacy, Claire Scanlon (Business Development Manager, AIG Ireland), Mary Geaney (Team Captain), Eilish Hanley (Lady Captain, Mount Wolseley Golf Club) and Ailish Mulcahy. At back (from left) Claire Keating, Valerie Clancy, Margaret Campion, Ann Rudden, Liam Healy (Assistant Manager), Dave Keating (Professional, Killarney Golf Club), Caitriona Griffin, Nicola Rainsford and Mairead Martin. Picture by Pat Cashman
Read more about the history of Laytown and Bettystown in the club's centenary history, Out of Bent and Sand. Click here
AIG Irish Senior Cup Quarter Finals
Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Saturday 16 August
FINAL
Killarney 1 Laytown & Bettystown 4
Mairead Martin lost to Carol Wickham 1 up
Caitriona Griffin lost to Alison Taylor 5/4
Valerie Clancy lost to Rachel Taylor 3/2
Claire Keating halved with Barbara Cooney
Nicola Rainsford halved with Ellie Metcalfe