“Americans, Internationals, it doesn’t matter. We’re all here out of respect for Arnold Palmer and we’re all having the best fun. I don’t think anyone has stopped smiling the whole week.
“You don’t remember how you play in these weeks; you remember who you played with and we’re making the best friends we ever could. I honestly think it’s the most special week I’ve ever had.
“So, two more days, let’s see what we can do. Trying to get the W is the biggest goal for the week, but golf is golf and we’re all just here enjoying the whole experience.”
Griffin and Lanigan were three up with three to play against Campos and Ford but lost the 16th and 17th to head down the par-five 18th with the slimmest of leads.
In the end, Griffin made an eight-footer for birdie to win the hole and give the Internationals a one-point lead heading into Saturday’s double session of foursomes and mixed foursomes.
“Some finish, I’m just thrilled for Ryan and Kate,” said Maynooth’s Barry Fennelly, the International team’s head coach.
“They battled so hard. They went on a birdie streak, Kate had three in a row on 11, 12 and 13 and Ryan birdied 14 to get control of the match.
“It was fantastic matchplay at 3 up with three to go. But it’s never over until it’s over, so thrilled for them to get it done.
“We wanted them at the back of the pack, and they really came through at the end in front of a big crowd.”
As for day one, Fennelly was pleased to head into Saturday with a lead.
“Overall, that puts us a point ahead, and to be honest, that’s a great result for us because through nine today, it was quite calm this morning, and the Americans came out really hot, as we expected,” he said.
“In those conditions, they made a ton of birdies on the front nine, and at one stage, it looked like we were going to be lacking one or two points here today.
“So for our guys to turn it around, and credit to them, down the stretch in the clutch moments, we got a lot out of 16, 17 and 18; they were very good to us. So, a great day’s work, and we’ll come out fighting tomorrow.
“Sara and Max were great. We strategically put them in the middle, hoping they would be the heartbeat and get a lot of people out watching and they started really strongly and they just kept going, so great.
“Two Irish wins on day one, exactly what the doctor ordered and importantly, we’re a point ahead, so I’m pretty happy after day one.”