Mairead Martin, Kanturk.  (Photo: Pat Cashman Photography)

Kanturk’s Mairead Martin led the qualifiers at the Irish Ladies Close in Mullingar yesterday and now faces Doneraile’s Paula Walsh in an all-Cork matchplay clash.  Martin won the Leitrim Cup after finishing the 36 hole qualifier on level par, one ahead of the field.  Martin was not affected by tough windy conditions in Mullingar and her second round 73 included 4 birdies at the 1st, 2nd, 8th and 14th. “It was very tough in the blustery conditions, the wind kept changing direction all day. I putted very well this afternoon which was the key and kept my score going,” said Mairead, “I played well last week at the British Amateur in Wales and I got to play with some great players which was nice and gave me some confidence coming into this week.”

Martin and Walsh are among five Cork golfers to make it through to the final 32.  Sara Byrne finished in 13th place, with Rachel Thompson and Valerie Clancy finishing inside the top 30.  The first round takes place today with the remaining four rounds scheduled to be played-off over the weekend.

First Round Draw

09:00 Mairead Martin (Kanturk) V Paula Walsh (Doneraile)    
09:09 Maria Dunne (Skerries) V Clodagh Walsh (Castlewarden)
09:18 Ariana Coyle Diez (Elm Park) V Chloe Ryan (Castletory /UCD)
09:27 Mary Dowling (New Ross) V Louise Coffey (Malone)
09:36 Ciara Casey (Hermitage) V Anna Dawson (Tramore)
09:45 Sara Byrne (Douglas) V Alice Hutchinson (St. Anne’s)
09:54 Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe) V Valerie Clancy (Killarney)     
10:03 Aine Donegan (Woodstock) V Eleanor Metcalfe (Laytown & Bettystown)
10:12 Sarah Cunningham (Ennis) V Emma Forbes (Royal Portrush)
10:21 Meadhbh Doyle (Portarlington) V Maeve Cummins (Lurgan)
10:30 Lauren Walsh (Castlewarden) V Rachel Thompson (Cork)   
10:39 Niamh McSherry (Lurgan) V Kate Dwyer (Rossmore)
10:48 Paula Grant (Lisburn) V Roisin Brady (Co. Louth)
10:57 Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) V Orla Dunphy (Kilkenny)
11:06 Sinead Sexton (Lahinch) V Kate Lanigan (Hermitage)
11:15 Lisa O’Shea (Shannon) V Aoife Lowry (Tipperary)​