International call-up for South of Ireland champion Jonathan Keane

Jonathan Keane he been called up for Ireland following his win in the South of Ireland Championship. Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Lahinch’s Jonathan Keane completed a dream 24 hours following his historic victory in the South of Ireland Championship by being named in the Irish men’s team for next month’s Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa.

The Kilfenora school teacher (25) beat Dundalk’s Caolan Rafferty one up in Sunday’s final, sparking joyous scenes as he became the first local member to win the South since his mentor JD Smyth in 1968.

He learned of his section for Ireland on Monday night and will play at Woodhall Spa from 6-8 August alongside Stuart Grehan (County Louth) and another new cap in David Howard (Fota Island), as they finished first and second in the Bridgestone Order of Merit to earn automatic selection.

Amateur Championship finalist, Gavin Tiernan (Co Louth), John Doyle (Fota Island), Thomas Higgins (Roscommon), Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint) and Sean Keeling (Roganstown) complete the nine man line up alongside Keith Egan (Carton House).

Rafferty was unavailable for selection, while Walker Cup player Matt McClean is playing the clashing US Amateur Championship.

Ireland will be defending the jointly calculated Men’s and Women’s title.

Another Lahinch golfer, Aideen Walsh, was the leading qualifier for the Women’s team alongside Olivia Costello (Roscommon), Rebekah Gardner (Clandeboye), Anna Abom (Edmondstown), Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle), Emma Fleming (Elma Park) and Anna Dawson (Tramore).

The R&A Boys’ and Girls’ Home Internationals take place at Cork next week with a strong Girls’ selection hoping to back up their recent third-place finish at the European Girls’ Team Championship.

Teams

Men: Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint), John Doyle (Fota Island), Keith Egan (Carton House), Stuart Grehan (Co. Louth), Thomas Higgins (Roscommon), David Howard (Fota Island), Jonathan Keane (Lahinch), Sean Keeling (Roganstown), Gavin Tiernan (Co. Louth). Captain – Damien Coyne (Tuam); Manager – Mark O’Sullivan (Laytown & Bettystown); Coach – Michael Collins.

Women: Anna Abom (Edmonstown), Olivia Costello (Roscommon), Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle), Anna Dawson (Tramore), Emma Fleming (Elm Park), Rebekah Gardner (Clandeboye), Aideen Walsh (Lahinch). Captain – Gillian O’Leary (The Island); Manager – Clodagh Walsh (The Island); Coach – Donal Scott.

Boys: John William Burke (Ballyhaunis), Caelan Coleman (Galway Bay), Adam Fahey (Portmarnock), Bruce MacDonald (Lisburn), John Moran (Portmarnock), Barry O'Connell (Douglas), Harry O'Hara (Clandeboye), Isaac Oliver (Glasson), William O’Riordan (Greystones). Captain – John Carroll (Cork); Manager – Martin Hynes (Athenry); Coach – Stephen Hood.

Girls: Ella Cantwell (Esker Hills), Kate Dillon (Oughterard), Lucy Grattan (Tralee), Hannah Lee-McNamara (Royal Portrush), Zoe McLean-Tattan (Romford), Ella Moynihan (Tralee), Róisín Scanlon (Woburn). Captain – Brenda Craig (Roganstown); Manager – Valerie Clancy (Killarney); Coach – Chris Jelly.