The Ireland team who claimed the Home Internationals at Woodbrook earlier this year. (Photo: Tom O'Hanlon/Inpho)
The Golf Ireland Men’s and Women’s High Performance Panels for 2027 have been announced today with 25 players gaining selection.
Ella Cantwell (Esker Hills) and Hannah Lee-McNamara (Royal Portrush) make the step up from the U18 Girls High Performance Panel after both players recorded remarkable 2026 seasons which saw Cantwell crowned the inaugural West of Ireland Women’s Amateur Open champion while Lee-McNamara claimed her first Bridgestone Women’s Order of Merit title.
Fairhaven Trophy winner Isaac Oliver (Glasson) moves straight from the U18 Boys to the Men’s HP Panel with Adam Fahey (Portmarnock) also making the same move for 2027.
Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open champion Patrick Keeling (Roganstown) also joins a new look men’s selection that welcomes West of Ireland champion Mark Cadden (Roganstown), North of Ireland champion Dylan Keating (Seapoint), Ulster and Connacht Stroke Play champion David Kitt (Athenry), Bridgestone Men’s Order of Merit winner Gerard Dunne (Co Louth) and Dutch International Junior Open champion Gavin O’Neill (Malahide) to the fold.
Stuart Grehan (Co Louth) has also been selected once again after an incredible 2026 season that saw him not only claim individual glory at the Amateur Championship, but also team success at the European Amateur Team Championship in Estonia and Walker Cup at Lahinch.
Fellow Co Louth member Gavin Tiernan joins Grehan on the panel and becomes the third player to progress to Golf Ireland's professional pathway programme.
The 2025 Walker Cup star follows in the footsteps of Áine Donegan and Beth Coulter who made their way through the pathway before going on to make strong starts in their professional careers.
Fionn Dobbin (Malone), John Doyle (Fota Island), Dylan Holmes (Greystones), Keith Egan (Carton House) and David Howard (Fota Island) round out the men’s selection.
The women’s panel sees AIG Irish Women’s Amateur Close champion Katie Poots (Knock), Flogas Irish Girls’ Amateur Open champion Olivia Costello (Roscommon), South of Ireland Women’s champion Anna Abom (Edmondstown) and East of Ireland Women’s champion Kate Dillon (Oughterard) all selected once again after their impressive seasons.
They are joined by Zoe McLean-Tattan (Romford), Rebekah Gardner (Clandeboye), Emma Fleming (Elm Park) and Ellen O’Shaughnessy (Co Louth) who complete the ten- strong selection.
“The last 12 months have been another outstanding year for Irish amateur golf, with team success at European level, strong performances across our international programmes and several players continuing their progression towards the professional ranks,” said Golf Ireland High Performance Director Neil Manchip.
“Winning the European Amateur Team Championship for the first time since 2008 was a particularly special achievement and a testament to the quality and commitment of the players, Damien Coyne and all of the support staff involved.
“Stuart Grehan had a phenomenal year, and we are delighted to have him back on the panel in 2027, while his 2025 Walker Cup teammate Gavin Tiernan is now on the professional pathway.
“The High Performance Panels feature a strong mix of experienced performers and emerging talent, with players like Ella Cantwell and Hannah Lee-McNamara rewarded for an amazing year.
“The depth of talent coming through our pathway continues to grow and we’re looking forward to working with this group as they prepare for another busy international season.”
Professional Pathway
Gavin Tiernan (Co Louth)
US based Men’s HP Panel
Fionn Dobbin (Malone)
John Doyle (Fota Island)
Adam Fahey (Portmarnock)
Dylan Holmes (Greystones)
Patrick Keeling (Roganstown)
Gavin O’Neill (Malahide)
Irish based Men’s HP Panel
Mark Cadden (Roganstown)
Gerard Dunne (Co Louth)
Keith Egan (Carton House)
Stuart Grehan (Co Louth)
David Howard (Fota Island)
Dylan Keating (Seapoint)
David Kitt (Athenry)
Isaac Oliver (Glasson)
Captain - Damien Coyne (Tuam)
Selector - Mark O'Sullivan (Laytown & Bettystown)
Coach - Michael Collins
US based Women’s HP Panel
Zoe McLean-Tattan (Romford)
Kate Dillon (Oughterard)
Rebekah Gardner (Clandeboye)
Katie Poots (Knock)
Ellen O’Shaughnessy (Co Louth)
Irish based Women’s HP Panel
Ella Cantwell (Esker Hills)
Hannah Lee-McNamara (Royal Portrush)
Anna Abom (Edmondstown)
Olivia Costello (Roscommon)
Emma Fleming (Elm Park)
Captain - Gillian O'Leary (The Island)
Selector - Clodagh Walsh (The Island)
Coach - Dónal Scott