Ireland's men's and women's teams set for Sotogrande tests

Galway's Liam Nolan. Picture: Golffile

For the first time in the history of the European Nations Championship, Ireland will be represented by both a men’s and women’s team this week, with seven players travelling to Real Club de Golf Sotogrande for the event which runs from Wednesday, March 30 to April 2.

Cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ireland has sent a seven-strong team to the south of Spain for the event.

Kirkistown Castle's Beth Coulter

Hugh Foley (Royal Dublin), Robert Moran (Castle), Liam Nolan (Galway) and Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas) will represent the men’s team in Sotogrande, while Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle), Kate Lanigan (Hermitage) and Aideen Walsh (Lahinch) form the women’s team.

All seven players will play in the Individual and team competitions. Ireland won the men's team competition most recently in 2016, with Alex Gleeson, Stuart Grehan, Jack Hume and Dermot McElroy winning the title. Rory McIlroy (2006), Shane Lowry (2007) and Jack Hume (2016) have also won the men's individual title.

Ireland Men’s Team - European Nations Championship
Hugh Foley (Royal Dublin)
Robert Moran (Castle)
Liam Nolan (Galway)
Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas)

Team Captain: Niall Mac Sweeney (Athenry)
Team Coach: Michael Collins

Ireland Women’s Team - European Nations Championship
Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle)
Kate Lanigan (Hermitage)
Aideen Walsh (Lahinch)

Team Captain: Naoimh Quigg (City of Derry)
Team Coach: Donal Scott