Ireland captain Niall MacSweeney says he was disappointed but is excited about the future of Irish golf after Saturday’s runners-up finish to Italy in the Men’s Octagonal Match in Spain.

It was only Ireland’s second appearance in this final, after their defeat to England in 2020, and they looked to make amends against the Italians. However, they fell agonisingly short on a 5.5-3.5 scoreline in Costa Ballena, Cadiz.

Scores

“Disappointed to have lost in the final to a very strong Italian team but very proud by the way our players, particularly the four U-18s, performed this week,” said MacSweeney.

“David Shiel (Enniscrone) and Jack Hearn (Tramore) were a very strong foursomes partnership and they took on the role as elder statesmen on the team, although Jack is only turning 25 next Tuesday.

“Overall, a fantastic week; everyone contributed, and I want to thank both Stephen Hood and Michael Collins for their great work in advance of the tournament.”

Ireland’s youthful outfit travelled to Spain full of confidence and began the week with a big 7-2 victory over Portugal. They drew with Germany, and another comprehensive 6.5-2.5 win against the Netherlands was enough to book their place in the decider.

The Irish closed out the morning foursomes well, with 1up victories for the teams Fionn Dobbin (Malone) and Donnacha Cleary (Tipperary), and Hearn and Shiel on Saturday.

And while the singles looked to have turned it in Italy’s favour, Ireland battled back again, only to lose four of the afternoon’s matches. Sean Keeling (Roganstown) performed heroics again to secure a half in his match, while Dobbin won 4&3 but Ireland lost out to the more experienced Italian outfit.

“It was great to be in contention in the final, great way to start the year by reaching the final. It’s only Ireland’s second time to be in the Octagonal final,” said MacSweeney.

“Fantastic event, very well run, and I’m sure Golf Ireland team will benefit from participation for many years to come.”

Hearn and Shiel were the top scorers with 6.5 points out of a possible eight, however, Keeling’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he played in the first match in seven of the eight sessions against a string of tough opponents.