Irish Golf Desk

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Round-up: Hume heads Nations Cup quartet: Leinster Golf backs youth

Jack Hume. Picture: Pat Cashman

Walker Cup star Jack Hume will lead the four-man Ireland team at this month’s European Nations Cup in Spain.

Hume, who is the highest ranked Irish player in the world at 41st, came within two shots of victory at last week’s Guateng North Amateur in South Africa thanks to a final round 65. 

Last year, the Naas ace was tied fifth in the individual event at La Reserva, which is the host venue again for this year’s European Nations Cup from 24-27 February.

The team in full is: Jack Hume (Naas), Stuart Grehan (Tullamore/MU), Dermot McElroy (Ballymena), Alex Gleeson (Castle/UCD).

Michael Ryan during last year's Leinster Boys victory. Picture: Ronan Quinlan

Leinster Golf names Interprovincial panel

Leinster Golf's youth policy paid off last year which is why it's not surprise to see they have repeated the formula in naming a young, 17-strong panel of Senior players.

The dynamic group will be keen to make the side to defend the Senior Interprovincial Championship at the Fota Island Resort from July 4-6 July.

While Paul Dunne and Gavin Moynihan have joined the professional ranks, the 2016 line up looks very strong with Leinster Boys champion Michael Ryan from New Ross one of the exciting new additions.

  • Marc Boucher (Carton House)
  • Gary Collins (Rosslare)
  • Alan Fahy (Bray)
  • Stuart Grehan (Tullamore)
  • Daniel Holland (Castle)
  • Jack Hume (Naas)
  • Kevin LeBlanc (The Island)
  • Rowan Lester (Hermitage)
  • Alan Lowry (Esker Hills)
  • Paul McBride (The Island)
  • Thomas Mulligan (Co. Louth)
  • Conor O'Rourke (Naas)
  • Conor Purcell (Portmarnock)
  • Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk)
  • Michael Ryan (New Ross)
  • Eugene Smith (Ardee)
  • Jonathan Yates (Naas).

Provincial coach Leslie Walker will be gathering the panel together in the coming weeks at the following locations:

  • Portmarnock Links – 14 February
  • The Royal Dublin – 28 February
  • Portmarnock – 13 March

Dr Mark Campbell (Sport & Exercise Psychologist) will also be in attendance to provide support to the panel.

Seamus McParland (Greenore), captain of the Leinster side who successfully claimed the Interprovincial title in 2015, is delighted with the blend of youth and experience included again on his panel this year. 

The 17 players selected include Irish International and Walker Cup player, Jack Hume, East of Ireland and South of Ireland champion and International, Stuart Grehan and the winner of last year's Mullingar Scratch Cup, Alan Lowry.