Cormac Sharvin in action at the Irish Amateur Close Championship. Picture by Pat Cashman. Irish Close champion Cormac Sharvin and Irish Amateur Open winner Robbie Cannon failed to make Ireland’s six-man side for the International European Amateur Championship at El Prat in Barcelona from August 7–10.

Instead, the selectors opted for the in-form Paul Dunne (Greystones), Jack Hume (Naas), Rory McNamara (Headfort), Gavin Moynihan (The Island), Kevin Phelan (Waterford Castle) and Reeve Whitson (Mourne). And while it’s difficult to argue against any of those selections, the decision to leave out Sharvin and Cannon does little to enhance the prestige of Ireland’s top two events.

On a positive note, it could be argued that Ireland could have fielded two competitive teams for the Europeans given the strength in depth in the men’s amateur game right now.

Either way, Sharvin and Cannon are likely to make the Irish side for the Home Internationals at Ganton from August 14-16.

In the meantime, 20-year old Ardglass star Sharvin has other events to keep him sharp, such as his defence of the North of Ireland Strokeplay title he won at Galgorm Castle 12 months ago when he defeated Massareene’s Tiarnan McLarnon in a play-off.

The North of Ireland Strokeplay has quickly built up a strong reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s top amateur events, attracting the game’s leading amateurs to compete at the championship parkland in Ballymena.

The 72-hole strokeplay tournament, which carries R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking Points, takes place from July 15-16 and Sharvin is looking forward to competing for a win that would also earn a place in the Northern Ireland Open Challenge on the European Challenge Tour at the same venue from August 29 to September 1.

Entries for the North of Ireland Strokeplay are limited to 72 players with a cut after 36 holes where the top 40 players and ties qualifying for the final two rounds.

Entry costs £35/€40 and the closing date is Monday, July 1.

Full entry details for the North of Ireland Strokeplay can be obtained from www.galgormcastle.com or by contacting Galgorm Castle on +44 (28) 256 51151 or email golf@galgormcastle.com.