Ballyconnell Set to Shine on European Stage
Ballyconnell Set to Shine on European Stage as Slieve Russell Wins Prestigious Championship
Big news for our community: PGA National Slieve Russell will welcome the continent’s top amateur golfers next summer after being selected to host the 2026 European Ladies’ Team Championship.
The European Golf Association has entrusted our local venue with this significant event, scheduled for 7-11 July, following what Golf Ireland describes as a competitive bidding process. Twenty national teams from across Europe will converge on Ballyconnell for five days of elite competition—a remarkable opportunity for our town to showcase what we have to offer on an international stage.
For those of us who’ve watched our children learn the game on these fairways, or simply enjoyed walks around the stunning 300-acre estate, this recognition feels particularly meaningful. The championship course, which has already hosted two European Tour events, clearly stands among Europe’s finest—and now the golfing world will see that once again.
A Homecoming of Sorts
Perhaps most exciting for local families is that this championship returns to a venue that has nurtured homegrown talent. Leona and Lisa Maguire, both products of Slieve Russell, represented Ireland in previous championships—Leona in 2011, 2013, and 2016, with Lisa alongside her in the earlier years.
“Our current players are continuing that tradition,” notes Neil Manchip, Golf Ireland’s High Performance Director, “and having the opportunity to compete at home next summer will be a real boost as they measure themselves against Europe’s best.”
It’s the kind of circle that makes a community proud—local young people developing their skills here, competing on the world stage, and now a new generation getting the chance to do the same in their own backyard.
What This Means for Ballyconnell
Beyond the sporting prestige, hosting twenty European nations brings tangible benefits to our area. Local accommodation providers, restaurants, and businesses can expect an influx of visitors during what’s typically a busy summer period anyway. More importantly, it puts Ballyconnell firmly on the map for golf tourism—something that can pay dividends for years to come.
Mark Kennelly, CEO of Golf Ireland, emphasised that Slieve Russell provides “an ideal setting for one of Europe’s greatest amateur events.” That confidence in our facilities should give the entire community a sense of pride.
A Chance to End the Wait
Ireland hasn’t claimed this particular title since 1983—a 43-year drought that the national team will be eager to end. Last year’s fourth-place finish at the European Team Championship in Killarney, and a thrilling victory over England in France, suggest the current squad is competitive.
Tony Walker, General Manager at PGA National Slieve Russell, captured the dual feeling many locals will share: “While we will give every team our warmest welcome, we will be hoping that Ireland’s 43-year wait for the title will end next year on Irish soil.”
Looking Ahead
This championship follows Slieve Russell’s designation as one of only eight PGA National resorts worldwide—a status that reflects genuine excellence. The course has produced memorable moments before, and next July promises to add another chapter to that story.
For parents raising children in Ballyconnell, events like this offer something beyond entertainment. They provide young people with tangible examples of what’s possible, inspiration that starts right here at home. When Europe’s best amateur golfers arrive next summer, they’ll be competing on the same course where local juniors practice their swings.
That’s not just good for golf—it’s good for our entire community.
