Tricia Mangan achieved her main aim of the year at the weekend when she was named in the nine-strong Vagliano Trophy team to take on the Continent of Europe at Co Louth GC next month.

"I am absolutely delighted - this is what I have worked for and now and I can really focus on the match," said the 29-year-old Munster champion from Ennis.

This season, as well as winning the Munster title, Mangan, a physical education teacher, has also won the Cork and Lahinch Scratch Cups.

While there was joy for Mangan, Beaverstown's Martina Gillen was naturally disappointed after being named as one of the two reserves. Gillen was also a reserve for last year's Curtis Cup match, and has just completed another excellent year on the US collegiate circuit with Kent State University.

Also in the team are three survivors from the 2002 Curtis Cup line-up. Emma Duggleby, Fame More and Vikki Laing all played against the US. The team is captained by Ireland's Ada O'Sullivan from Monkstown.

Laing, one of four Scots in the side, is joined by Vale of Leven's Anne Laing, Lynn Kenny, a 23-year-old from Sterling University, and Clare Queen (Drumpellier). The rest of the team for the Co Louth match are: Becky Brewerton (Abergele and Wales), Duggleby (Malton & Norton and England), Danielle Masters (Bearsted and England) and More (Chesterfield and England).

The Continent of Europe have won the last four Vagliano Trophy matches, covering 1995 to 2001.

Ladies Golf Union chairwoman Anne Wallace said: "I think our team is a good balance of youth and experience. We had nine players in the last 16 of the British Amateur championship, which I think was a very good effort, given the strength of continental golf these days, but I am optimistic."

Meanwhile, the Golfing Union of Ireland have appointed Geoff Dixon as their new full-time national coach. Dixon, who takes up his appointment this week, succeeds Howard Bennett, who retired at the end of March after 14 years in the position.

Dixon (41), from Newcastle in England, leaves his current position of PGA training manager based at the national training academy within The Belfry complex, where he has overseen the degree, diploma, continuous professional development and advanced programmes, but who has specialised in coach development and coach education.

A PGA qualified professional, Dixon, who has a Masters in sports management, has 21 years experience as a coach, and apart from his role at The Belfry was also adviser to the Argentine Golf Federation in the development of its national squad and the skills of the national coaching team.

In his career he has worked closely with numerous international performers, and, in conjunction with John Jacobs, Denis Pugh, Maureen Madill and Keith Williams (the English Golf Union's national coach) over a two-year period, was responsible for developing the PGA swing technique manual.

A former badminton international player and coach, Dixon, who is an accredited University of Birmingham lecturer, has a wealth of knowledge in the practical application of sports science disciplines, covering the areas of psychology, fitness, diet and nutrition and pedagogy.

His first duty will be to accompany the Irish team to the European championships which will be played a the Koninklijke Haagsche Golf & Country Club in Wassenaar, near The Hague, Holland, on July 1st to 5th.

Meanwhile, the Midland District Irish Senior Cup, sponsored by Suzuki, turned into a family affair when Carlow beat the Curragh 3-2 in the final at Birr last week with two matches being decided on tie holes.

Catherine Delaney, mother of the talented juniors Tara and Karen, won on the 20th hole against Mary McNally to tie the score at two matches each. And it was left to daughter Karen to see the Carlow club qualify for the All-Ireland finals for the first time when she beat international Sinead Keane at the 21st.

Earlier, the Curragh took a 2-1 lead with Maura Morrin beating Tara Delaney in the top match while Nicola Roughan was a 3 and 2 winner over Margaret McHugh. Madeline Brennan had Carlow first point with a 3 and 2 win over Ann Griffin and it was left to the Delaneys to secure the vital two points.

The Irish Youths team to play Scotland in Cork on June 25th and 26th is: G Bowden (Hermitage), C Doran (Banbridge), R McCarthy (The Island), D Ryan (Grange), R Kilpatrick (Banbridge) and N Turner (Muskerry). Captain: M Burns (Tramore).