The Golf Ireland Men’s and Women’s High Performance Panels for 2025 have been announced today with 20 players gaining selection.
Fionn Dobbin (Malone) is making the immediate step up from U18 Boys HP Panel to the Men’s Panel. On the women’s side, Anna Abom (Edmondstown) was the winner of Bridgestone Women’s Tour for 2024 and moves straight from the U18 Girls HP Panel to the Women’s Panel. Marina Joyce Moreno (Llavaneras) and Ellen O’Shaughnessy (Co Louth) also make the same move from U18 Girls HP Panel to the Women’s Panel for 2025.
Mullingar Scratch Trophy winner Brian Doran (Millicent) and Munster Strokeplay winner Paul Coughlan (Castleknock) earned automatic selection to the Men’s Panel having finished first and second respectively on the Bridgestone Men’s Tour for 2024. Additionally, automatic spots from the World Rankings were secured by Walker Cup players Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) and Matt McClean (Malone).
Golf Ireland is also pleased to announce a new category for both male and female High Performance (HP) squads, with the aim of assisting those outstanding amateur golfers who set their sights on the professional game.
The Professional Pathway programme will sit alongside the HP squad, and will be tailored for players who intend turning professional in the following two years, and who have either achieved Golf Ireland Professional programme amateur criteria, or are on track to do so.
Players who are selected for the programme will have priority access to professional tournament invitations, Tour School support, mentorship from existing or former Tour players and logistical support from Golf Ireland.
This is a significant and important initiative following a period of detailed consultation with aspiring, current and former professional players, as to how Golf Ireland might greater assist our amateur golfers as they prepare for the challenges of life on tour. Notable former Tour players and Irish champions Peter Lawrie and Lisa Maguire have helped to guide the initial framework and will be part of the consultation group going forward.
Ireland’s amateur teams will be in action early in the new year with players contesting the South American Amateur in Chile from January 9-12 and at the Octagonal team event in Costa Ballena Spain at the end of the month.
“2024 was another really successful year with outstanding team and individual performances from our Men’s and Women’s HP players,” said Golf Ireland High Performance Director Neil Manchip.
“One of the highlights was seeing our combined team secure the overall title at Home Internationals. In doing so our Men’s team had a double success, where they also ended an eight-year wait for the European Nations Team Championship.
“In September Golf Ireland had three representatives on the winning Curtis Cup team, with Sara Byrne, Beth Coulter and Áine Donegan leading the charge at Sunningdale.
“Our Mid-Amateur team ended the year on a high with a fantastic double bronze medal at the inaugural European Championships.”
Men’s
HP Panel
Paul Coughlan (Castleknock)
Fionn Dobbin (Malone)
Brian Doran (Millicent)
Ryan Griffin (Ballybofey & Stranorlar)
Thomas Higgins (Roscommon)
Joshua Hill (Galgorm Castle)
Sean Keeling (Roganstown)
Matthew McClean (Malone)
Gavin O’Neill (Malahide)
Luke O’Neill (Connemara)
Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk)
Captain – Damien Coyne (Tuam)
Selector – TBC
Coach – Michael Collins
Women’s
HP Panel
Anna Abom (Edmondstown)
Emma Fleming (Elm Park)
Rebekah Gardner (Clandeboye)
Marina Joyce Moreno (Llavaneras)
Kate Lanigan (Hermitage)
Ellen O’Shaughnessy (Co. Louth)
Katie Poots (Knock)
Professional Pathway
Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle)
Áine Donegan (Lahinch)
Captain – Gillian O’Leary (The Island)
Selector – Clodagh Walsh (The Island)
Coach – Donal Scott