Sophie the star as Ladies Open attracts 35,000 to Killeen Castle

The leaves in the centuries-old woodlands and groves rustled as the breeze blew through them. There was complete silence, apart from the birdsong and the out-of-sight grasshoppers. And then, in the fields around the Killeen estate, rounds of applause could be heard. And, a few moments later, from across another hedge, more applause came floating across. Except that they weren't fields and hedges anymore. But greens, fairways and planting, and other such terminology associated with a championship golf course. And instead of lords-a-leaping on horseback at the former Fingall castle, it was ladies-a-leading. Just over a year after its official opening by its designer, Jack Nicklaus, Killeen Castle hosted its first major international tournament, the 2010 AIB Ladies Irish Open, a prelude to next year's big event there, the 2011 Solheim Cup between Europe and the United States. Most of the top international players from both sides of the Atlantic were present, and will expect to be back again next year for the clash of the two continents. Some, like Suzann Pettersen, have become very familiar with the Dunsany estate by now, having dropped in over the past few years for launches and photocalls. Seventeen Solheim Cup players were in action at Killeen over the weekend, out of the 127 lady golfers who teed off on Friday. By Sunday morning, this had been reduced to the 64 who made the cut for the final round, including Ireland's Rebecca Coakley and amateurs, the Maguire twins, and Danielle McVeigh. Following a wet and dreary Friday, the sun came out on Saturday and Sunday, providing a glorious weekend which saw thousands come through the gates of Killeen. There was something for the non-golf fans, too, as a tented village in front of the castle provided music, food, drink and various stands offering everything from John Deere tractors and mowers to Jackie Lavin's latest perfume. Stands doing well were Marie Cooney's Tipperary Water, thanks to the heat and the crowds following the golfers around the course, and the Marie Keating Foundation tent, offering advice on skin cancer and suncream for spectators. The late mother of Boyzone singer Ronan lived on the outskirts of the estate for some years. There were queues, too, for Bernie Burke's homemade ice cream, while drink and speciality foods were available on the lawn. The organisers had made everybody welcome, with tickets distributed to local households, and customers of sponsors AIB also receiving free access. Members of local golf clubs were involved in volunteering for marshalling the course during the three rounds. Leading after day one was Swedish golfer Maria Hjorth, five under par with a score of 67. Following Saturday's action, Korean In Kyung Kim had taken over at the top of the leader board, and on Sunday the galleries were following the leading groups of three. The Maguire girls were also attracting large galleries as many wanted to witness the child prodigies from Cavan in action. By the time Kim got to the 14th hole on Sunday evening, the title was slipping from her grasp as she ended up in the bunker on the par three hole, and Swede Sophie Gustafson birdied to go 12 under and into the lead, which she was to hold as she arrived on the 18th with its impressive castle backdrop and thousands of spectators, for another birdie. Among those excited about the finale was Kilmessan woman and Killeen Golf Club member Marie Cooney, of Tipperary Water, who had played with Gustafson in the pro-am on Thursday morning, along with Matthew Reilly and Paul O'Brien, also of Gleeson Group. Tipperary were the official water suppliers to Killeen and will have the supplying rights and pouring rights for Solheim in 2011. She was delighted when Gustafson holed out to win the 2010 title. Present for the finale after a busy day around Meath was Sport and Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin, who was welcomed by event manager Roddy Carr for the prizegiving, along with John Rice of AIB and Alexandra Armas, executive director of the Ladies European Tour. Killeen Castle Golf Club ladies' captain Roisin Mac Sullivan presented the leading amateur trophy to Lisa Maguire, who finished +2. Joint second went to Norwegian Marianne Skarpnord of Norway and Korean Kim, both -11, before Gustafson received the €75,000 first prize and Tipperary Crystal trophy. Alexandra Armas said it was touch and go until the final putt and thanked the leading players for making it so exciting at the end. She described the event in Killeen as "the beginning of a dream" and looked forward to coming back in 2011 for a wonderful event. Minister Hanafin said that there had been an aggregate attendance of 35,000 over the three days, and thanked the huge crowds for coming "and putting pressure on the players". She added: "In return, they gave you their best for your support along the way." The minister said the event was a positive result for the investment made by Failte Ireland in it, and that 100,000 people were expected for next year's Solheim Cup at the venue. But, for this year, as the crowds dispersed, there was time to bask in the sun and success of the first major golf event held at the new Dunsany course. See also http://host2.ladieseuropeantour.com/~ladies/content/let_article_item.php?Id=28010