The return of Eileen Rose Power and the dominance of Alison Coffey in several of this year's major amateur championships should have a positive influence on the complexion of Ireland's challenge this week in the Home Countries Championship.

Carlow golf club, being no stranger to the Irish team, should also add muscle to the home effort as Scotland, Wales and England hurriedly familiarise themselves with the playing demands of the midlands course. England seek to retain the title they won last year at Royal St Davids.

In truth, they have dominated the event for the last nine years, 1999 being the only year since 1992 when any team (Wales) was able to break their run.

Ireland have not won the series since 1986 at Whittington Barracks when this season's team captain Eavan Higgins was a key player.

"Interestingly, the thing at Whittington Barracks was the first day we went out and lost to Wales. But we turned it over the next two days. That we haven't done it since then is disappointing," says Higgins. "But the players have been here since Sunday and were also here two weeks ago. All of them have a great knowledge of Carlow, which I think will help because it means we can concentrate on other things.

"Absolutely, the players will look to Alison (Coffey). She is our best player, is very professional and has a fantastic attitude.

"She always does well. But Eileen Rose Power is also back after two years. As a Curtis Cup player her attitude and experience is as equally important to us."

Warrenpoints's Coffey has had a remarkable season. The 28-year-old civil engineer from Belfast won the Ulster Championship in May for the fourth successive time.

She also defended her Irish Ladies Close Championship and won the prestigious St Rule Trophy at St Andrews, holing a three wood for an albatross on the second hole on her way to the title. A place on the Curtis Cup team next year looks more a probability than a possibility.

"When you have good players at the top you feel they will do the biz. It takes a bit of pressure off. They are proven winners and are capable of beating everyone who is here this week," says Higgins.

England arrive with seven players who competed in the nine-player Vagliano Cup team, a competition involving Britain and Ireland against the Continent of Europe.

But the elite side will not play Ireland until tomorrow in a morning format of three foursomes and an afternoon series of six singles matches. Ireland first meet Wales, who have a strong side and play Scotland on Friday.

A poor showing at the European Team Championships in Spain, where Ireland finished behind the three other home countries, has now been firmly left behind.

"England are all full-time amateurs while our girls work. It makes it tough," says Higgins. "But it doesn't mean we won't win or do well."

IRELAND

Yvonne Cassidy (Dundalk), Allison Coffey (Warrenpoint), Claire Coughlan (Cork), Elaine Dowdall (Wexford), Martina Gillen (Beaverstown), Hazel Kavanagh (Grange), Sineβd Keane (The Curragh), Eileen Rose Power (Kilkenny).

Captain: Eavan Higgins (Douglas).

Manager: Mary Culliton (The Heath).