Prior to 2026, Greenacres had never entered a team into the Whirlpool Irish Mixed Four-Ball. Now, four months on from their first ever match in the competition, Amanda Pollock’s side are facing into one of the biggest weekends in the club’s history as they aim to secure the club’s first All-Ireland pennant at Westmanstown.
The Antrim club, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, have mounted a remarkable challenge for the Mixed Four-Ball title this season. A club with just over 300 members, 26 of those women, secured their Ulster North pennant against Roe Park in August before booking their place in Friday’s semi-final after a 2.5-1.5 victory over Cahir Park.
For Pollock and her team, the journey has been a memorable one and with them now within two victories of a first All-Ireland triumph, the dream is firmly in sight.
“The people, the teams that we have met and that we have played and games we have won, we actually really can’t believe it,” said Pollock.
“We beat Moyola Park, Galgorm Castle, Roe Park, they’ve all amazing teams so for us to come through as the Ulster North winners, that meant everything to us and to get to the All-Ireland quarterfinals and to win it, we absolutely are overjoyed.”
“We’ve made it to the semi-finals, we’re over the moon and to get further would be a dream but we’re so proud of ourselves.”
Pollock has not only captained the side to this stage but has also been a key part of the squad alongside Ian McCullough, Damian Silo, Victoria Green, Anthony Daly, Julie Thompson, Kevin Patton, Lucy Fagan and Dylan Johnston.
Support from the club and its members has also been an integral part of Greenacres’ run to the semi-final stage with another strong travelling contingent expected to turn out again this weekend.
“Greenacres is run by a family and the support from them has been amazing,” said Pollock.
“The team are so grateful, for everything that the Greenacres Golf Centre and the men’s and ladies’ clubs have done to support the team.”
“It’s only a wee small club. We are so proud to represent them and they’re so proud of us as well and how far we have gone.”
Greenacres will face Dromoland Castle in Friday’s semi-final, with Ardee and Mount Juliet set to square off in the other last four tie.
The Flogas Irish Mixed Foursomes All-Ireland Finals will also be decided at the Dublin venue, with Ardee taking on Bearna before Cushendall face Wicklow.
Having come this far in their first season in the competition, Pollock knows the challenge will only get tougher, with Dromoland Castle standing between Greenacres and a place in Saturday’s All-Ireland final. However, rather than looking too far ahead, the team are determined to embrace the occasion this weekend.
“We can’t believe that we’re actually going to meet these teams on the golf course,” said Pollock.
“We know what they’re capable of, but we have gotten this far as well so all we keep saying is, we take one match at a time and we’ll see what happens.”
“We would love to bring the green pennant back to Greenacres. There’s nothing that would make us more proud, but we’re proud of what we have already achieved. We have had the most fantastic time from the start of this journey, and we can’t wait for Friday.”
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