AIG has strengthened its commitment to Irish amateur golf and women’s sport by announcing its title sponsorship of the AIG Irish Women’s Amateur Close Championship.

The Championship gets underway over the Old Course at Ballybunion today with 2018 winner Sara Byrne from Douglas, Kirkistown Castle’s Beth Coulter and Lahinch’s Aine Donegan the leading contenders to contest Sunday’s final

AIG is also the long standing sponsor of the AIG Men’s Irish Amateur Close Championship and the hugely popular AIG Men’s and Women’s Cups and Shields, which involves every club in the country.

AIG has been a long-time champion for women’s sport both in Ireland and globally, helping to prove that the effort, commitment and dedication of leading sportswomen is equal to that of their male counterparts.

Commenting on the announcement, Aidan Connaughton, General Manager at AIG Ireland said: “We have been proudly sponsoring and supporting Irish amateur golf for over 20 years taking great pride in supporting both the men’s and women’s games.

“This reflects and aligns with core AIG brand, diversity, equity and inclusion values along with supporting the communities and people we serve.”

While last year’s finalists, reigning champion Annabel Wilson from Lurgan and Lisburn’s Curtis Cup star Paula Grant are unable to take part, a formidable field has been assembled.

Hermitage’s Kate Lanigan, a recent quarter-finalist in the Women’s Amateur Championship, former champion Deirdre Smith from Co Louth, University of Louisville and Kanturk talent Mairead Martin and Elm Park’s Anna Foster are just a few of the top names in the 72-strong field.