Young golfers earn places at prestigious East Lothian event thanks to strong performances on the Irish junior tour circuit, with backing from Dundalk Credit Union
Dundalk, Co. Louth — Three proud families from Dundalk Golf Club are thrilled to share the news that their sons will be competing at the 17th annual US Kids Golf European Championship, taking place from 26 – 28 May 2026 on Scotland’s East Lothian Golf Coast. Among the four boys are a pair of brothers, each competing in their own age category, all proudly wearing the colours of their club, and their community.
A Premier Stage for Junior Golf
The US Kids Golf European Championship is one of Europe’s most prestigious junior golf tournaments, attracting more than 500 of the world’s best young golfers aged 5 – 18 from over 50 countries. This year’s event will be played across some of Scotland’s finest links courses, including Craigielaw Golf Club, Longniddry Golf Club, The Musselburgh Golf Club, Glen Golf Club, and Royal Musselburgh Golf Club.
Hard-Earned Qualification
The four boys, Finn McDonnell (12), brothers Daniel Cronin (14) and Emmet Cronin (11), and Lewis Smith (11), secured their spots through a series of strong performances on both the US Kids Golf East of Ireland Tour and the US Kids Golf North of Ireland Tour. Their consistency and dedication across the tours earned them the qualifying standard needed to represent their club on the European stage.
“We are absolutely bursting with pride. To watch our boys, earn their places at the US Kids Golf European Championship through their hard work and dedication on the tours has been incredible. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them and for us as families, and we can’t wait to cheer them on in Scotland.”
— Hanna McDonnell, parent of Finn McDonnell
Community Support from Dundalk Credit Union
The boys have received generous sponsorship from Dundalk Credit Union, who have provided the team with their tournament tops. This community backing reflects the strong local support for grassroots sport in the Dundalk area and underlines the Credit Union’s commitment to investing in the next generation.
“We are thrilled to support these young golfers as they take on Europe’s best. Seeing local talent from Dundalk compete at this level is inspiring, and we hope our support gives them that extra boost of pride and confidence as they step onto the course in Scotland.”
— Kate Crowe, Dundalk Credit Union
The families and the wider Dundalk Golf Club community will be cheering the boys on as they tee it up in East Lothian at the end of May.
