Marian Byrne celebrates her Irish international open triumph

Marian Byrne, Ireland

The Irish star Marian Byrne reflected on her Irish Open success for fippa.net. "It was a great sense of achievement winning the Irish Open. I was delighted to win it for a number of reasons: It was my first (full) International Open and it is quite special that it was the Irish Open. Because it was won in Glenville, the location of my first national title, it brought back some great memories of a (few!) years ago and it has given me the confidence hopefully to push on and build from it."

Clearly, Marian values and will treasure her Irish Open success on the famous Kiltipper Road course. "It is right up there alongside the national titles I have won. Winning a title for the first time is always very special and I felt a great sense of achievement winning the 2014 Irish Open against great players such as multiple All Ireland winner Margaret Hogan, and fine players such as Tracey McGrath and my good friend Tara Dillon who have both had great successes in Glenville. I knew before I played it would be a hard fought challenge and very close to call. And to come out on top, I am really delighted."

There was no particular turning point in her win. "I can't pinpoint a particular shot or round in the game, I was just trying to play one shot at a time in the final round, trying not to give away any shots because it was so close and playing very difficult. I just remember being very nervous playing 16, 17 and 18 and being so relieved to get over the line."

Glenville must be a 2nd home to Marian at this stage. Her thoughts on that course? "I have always loved Glenville, particularly because it was the site of my first All Ireland win in 1998. It's a course that is always in immaculate condition and tests all competitors at every championship it hosts. I have played it quite often in Scratch Cups and opens and each time I get a great welcome and the courtesy and shown by its members and committee to me will always bring me back."

Marian's view on international Pitch and Putt is overwhelmingly positive. "From the first time I played for Ireland against Catalonia in IGB back in 2000 the standard of Pitch and Putt has risen dramatically internationally. It is a great honour to play the game you love on an international level and for your country. And to win a Challenge, European or World medal is what every sports person aspires to. To have that opportunity to play against great international players and to see the game developing on a world level makes me very proud to be a Pitch and Putt player."

Trips to future European and World Strokeplay Championships are definitely within Marian's contemplation. "I am very much considering it should I get the opportunity to go."

There are some unfulfilled Pitch and Putt ambitions for Marian Byrne. "I would love to win the Leinster Strokeplay Championship. It is the only championship that is omitted from my CV. It would be nice also to win the National Inter County with Kildare again."

Is Marian's son Jack going to be a Pitch and Putt player? "He already is, and a great supporter of the game too. He likes to watch and comment on good and bad shots. When I practice Jack comes with me. He had his first set of clubs before he could walk and has since developed a fine swing. He can reach the second hole in St. Bridget's playing with a hybrid."

Sister Chrissie's and partner Derek's successes obviously motivate Marian. "It is always brilliant to see each other succeed in the sport we love. It is a great topic of conversation in both houses so there is always a great interest in discussing aspects of the game even when we aren't playing. We all have a great will to win. It's the competitive streak in us but we always support each other too."