THE silent invasion has been stymied. Over the past decade or so, increasingly fancy imported battery powered golf trolleys have graced Irish fairways - but a home produced device, the Golf Glider, has proven to be a match for all comers, purring its way into many a player's heart, old and young alike.

This heaven sent contraption is the result of many years of research conducted by the Dublin engineering firm, Keswicks, who are a family operation based in a factory at the rear of their house in Dundrum. Although founded back in 1972, Keswicks (with a background in light engineering specialising in high precision jig and tool making) first mooted the concept of a powered trolley some 14 years ago; however, the actual end product (after years of market research, prototype testing and, generally, the self stated "pursuit of perfection") didn't hit the market until six years ago.

In good, old Irish golfing tradition, it has proven to be a winner!

Electric trolleys have established a sizeable niche in the golf market with approximately 5,000 being sold here annually, North and South. Given the high standard of the import versions, it is to Keswicks credit that they have managed to claim one third of the market share and, indeed, to hit the export trail. Their product is now in demand in Denmark and the Netherlands,

"We have a proven product, designed and manufactured completely in Ireland. The only part that is not produced here is the motor, which comes from Canada," said Stan Sturdy of Keswicks.

"The road to perfecting the Golf Glider was long, with several years of testing and redesigning to ensure we had the best possible product. We don't cut any corners when it comes to the quality of materials or the actual assembly, which is reflected in the high level satisfaction level we receive," he added.

Weighing a mere nine kilos and with no requirement for dismantling or unplugging, the trolley has been manufactured by a golfing family with golfers in mind - it has a lightweight aluminium frame, puncture proof drive wheels and, according to Sturdy, its built in recoil action gives the smoothest ride over rough surfaces" and stops the bag moving, eliminating the need for golf bags to be strapped to the trolley. The trolley, which retails at £395 (including VAT), is car friendly.

The electric trolleys of different shapes and sizes have proved to be exceptionally popular with senior golfers and players recovering from illness - and those with bad backs!

And, even with some courses implementing a trolley ban during winter months in an effort to "save the course", the powered trolley market - like many other aspects of golf, especially in Ireland - is one which appears to show no sign of abating. It is especially pleasing to note that a guaranteed Irish product has managed to secure a place in such expansion.