Inspired by McKenna, arguably Ireland’s greatest ever female golfer and a Curtis Cup legend, the competition – hosted in Woodenbridge each year – promotes competitive dynamics between the four provinces and provides a unique opportunity for clubs from different regions to meet, with the scotch foursomes match-play format adding a strategic and collaborative element to the competition.
Battling it out against each other and the elements on the day were the four provincial finalists for what was the ninth edition of the tournament: Castlebar Golf Club (Connacht), Carton House Golf Club (Leinster), Charleville Golf Club (Munster) and Belvoir Park Golf Club (Ulster).
The draw took place for the two semi-finals at the opening ceremony on Friday evening. On Saturday, in sunny, fresh weather, Castlebar emerged victorious, beating Belvoir Park 3-2, while the second finalist, Carton House, triumphed over Charleville with a nail-biting finish on the 20th hole to win.
In the final played in atrocious conditions, all five matches could have gone either way. The third-place play-off resulted in a win for Belvoir Park over Charleville, with Castlebar crowned 2025 All-Ireland champions in a very competitive match against Carton House.
The high standard of golf on display from all the teams over the two days was truly worthy of an All-Ireland, with players showing resilience and skill in the way they managed the difficult weather conditions on Sunday.
Belvoir Park Golf Club (Ulster), 3rd Place in the 2025 Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy, with Mary McKenna MBE at Woodenbridge Golf Club in County Wicklow.
Offering her encouragement and emphasising her role as an inspiration for senior women golfers, Mary McKenna, who was awarded an MBE (member of the British Empire) in June 2012 for her services to golf, was in attendance at the matches throughout the weekend, with all the participating ladies thrilled and honoured to be in her company.
“The finale of the event was a gala dinner where Woodenbridge Golf Club hosted all four teams, attended by Mary McKenna MBE and our treasured sponsors Catherine and Don Arnold from Nurse On Call, Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge & Cassidy Wines, whose sponsorship and support make the tournament such a success,” tournament committee member Deirdre Byrne said.
“The four teams celebrated having a fun evening, and many new friendships and party pieces were forged over the weekend.
“We would also like to thank Declan and Andrew and the team from Links Catering for their lovely food and hospitality.”
Woodenbridge Golf Club lady captain Pauline Smith said that club members were very proud to host the prestigious event in the golfing calendar, along with the J B Carr Diamond Trophy for men over 60.
“Woodenbridge is a gem of a golf course in south Wicklow since 1884, and has a rich heritage and beauty which our members and many visitors love and enjoy,” Pauline added.
