Ireland down holders Sweden in Killarney

Stuart Grehan (Co Louth) secured the all-important third point that sent Ireland through to the European Amateur Team Championship semi-final. Photo: Laszlo Gezco/INPHO

Ireland beat defending champions Sweden 5-2 and now face Denmark in the semi-finals of the European Men’s Amateur Team Championship in Killarney.

As leading qualifiers England hammered Finland 6-1 to earn a clash with Italy, 4.5-2.5 winners over France, Damien Coyne’s troops impressed on another scorching day at the Killeen Course.

While Matt McClean and John Doyle lost their foursomes, Stuart Grehan teamed up with Caolan Rafferty to win the top match and leave the sides level at lunch before going on to lead from the front in the singles.

After McClean beat Albert Hansson 5&4 and Gavin Tiernan came from two down to beat Jakob Melin 3&2, Grehan claimed the winning point with a 2&1 win over Simon Hovdal.

“Fantastic,” said Irish captain Damien Coyne on a day when the Danes beat Germany 4.5-2.5.

“Delighted to get through because it’s always tough to get through a quarter-final against the defending champions.

“Hopefully we’ll get through tomorrow and build up for a really exciting day on Saturday here then, hopefully we’ll get a few supporters around the place, and it will be a fun day.”

With The Open Championship teeing up in Royal Portrush next week the six strong Irish team will hope to channel the memories of 2008 and 2007, when two former Open Champions, Shane Lowry (2008 & 2007) and Rory McIlroy (2007) were a part of the victorious Irish team on those occasions.

Ireland fell 4-3 to Sweden in the European Ladies’ Team Championship at Chantilly, but the girls’ team beat hosts England 5-2 at Slaley Hall and meet Italy in the semis as Spain face Germany.

View the European Amateur Team Championship scoring here