ON WITNESSING one sporting opening ceremony, high on the wish list in the immediate aftermath is to never see another. The circumstance of the pomp though must be observed and at Killeen Castle yesterday traditional checklists were very much in evidence in a colourful preamble to the start of the 12th staging of the Solheim Cup.

A flypast, anthems, flag-raising, captains’ speeches, team introductions, a shout-out to the caddies, the announcement of the foursomes pairings and some traditional, local music helped to while away an hour. First impressions were that there were a great deal more American supporters than those supporting what is ostensibly the home team, a situation that may be redressed this morning when pageantry gives way to sport.

It is estimated that about 2,000 Americans travelled on Solheim Cup packages and on yesterday’s evidence most attended the opening ceremony; patrons of a certain vintage. The proliferation of star spangled material on view in the form of hats, flags, jackets, glasses and other creations could have lined the first hole from tee to green.

The USA team came dressed for the prevailing conditions in tightly belted cream/beige coats and gloves. The Europeans, dressed by Irish designer Paul Costelloe, sported striped jackets and purple scarves: sensibly everyone wore trousers for it was both windy and chilly.

The formulaic nature of proceedings extended to mini-flags that the US team waved as they meandered their way to the stage on the arm of their caddies, preceded by a piper and followed by their European counterparts.

President Mary McAleese spoke warmly to the assembled gathering in the shadow of Killeen Castle. Between musical interludes, largely masterminded by iconic Irish musician Donal Lunny, the American captain Rosie Jones and her European counterpart Alison Nicholas, took to the podium. In the high-pitched shriek-off – dogs in neighbouring counties may have been startled – that followed, the visiting team definitely finished one up.

Jones spoke eloquently of her team, her vice-captains, the place the tournament holds for her and the welcome she had received, but it was Nicholas who levelled the match, so-to-speak, in opening and closing her speech in Irish.

There will be a surfeit of tears, joy and disappointment, during the Solheim Cup; there were even some at the opening ceremony in the eyes of the patriotic, colourful and entertaining Christina Kim.

For the next three days the country can look forward to watching and one hopes supporting the Solheim Cup.