Two new caps in Ireland team for Home Internationals

Ireland begin their bid for a fourth successive triumph in the Home Internationals, at Moortown on 16 August after completing the three in a row at The Nairn in 2016, Ireland now have the chance to create history. Never before has an Ireland team won four times in succession.
 

 Image from Golffile
 
Two new caps have been included for the trip to Leeds: Flogas Irish Amateur Open Champion Peter O’Keeffe from Douglas and Dundalk’s Caolan Rafferty, whose star has been on the rise throughout this season. Rafferty finished tied for seventh at the Lytham Trophy and made it to the last 16 of The Amateur Championship, where Paul McBride (The Island) was a beaten quarter finalist.
 
McBride is playing at the Home Internationals for the third time and he comes into the event on the back of a fine performance on the European Tour. Having received an invitation to the Porsche European Open, he made the cut with two shots to spare.
 
Tullamore’s Stuart Grehan is unavailable for selection as he is competing at the US Amateur Open but there is no shortage of experience in the side. Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint), John Ross Galbraith (Whitehead) and Robin Dawson (Tramore) have featured on the last three winning teams. Campbell secured the decisive point against England in 2016.
 
North of Ireland champion Rowan Lester retains his place in the team along with three other members of last year’s victorious side: Alex Gleeson (Castle), Conor O’Rourke (Naas) and Conor Purcell (Portmarnock). Colin Fairweather (Knock) regains his place in the team, having previously been capped for the 2015 Home Internationals at Royal Portrush.
 
Team captain Tony Goode is feeling confident: “I’m very happy with the team that we’ve selected. I’m really pleased with the two new caps, Peter O’Keeffe and Caolan Rafferty. They both deserve their place in the team. It is an experienced team and hopefully the boys can bring their A game. You need your A-game at the Home Internationals.”
 
Ireland team (Home Internationals, Moortown, 16-18 August): Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint), Robin Dawson (Tramore), Colin Fairweather (Knock), Alex Gleeson (Castle), John Ross Galbraith (Whitehead), Rowan Lester (Hermitage), Paul McBride (The Island), Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas), Conor O’Rourke (Naas), Conor Purcell (Portmarnock), Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk).
 
Team Captain: Tony Goode (Lucan)
Team Manager: John White (Co Armagh)
National Coach: Neil Manchip