An incredible year for Ireland’s sporting Women became even more so over the last three days as Leona Maguire played the starring role in Team Europe’s underdog victory in the Solheim Cup.
The Cavan native scored 4.5 out of a possible five points playing in every match as Europe secured a 15-13 win, only the second ever on US soil. She is the first Irish player to have been selected for the team.
It was a day teed up for drama with Europe taking a 9-7 lead into the final day singles but Europe’s strong start effectively retained the trophy in the opening matches. Maguire was to the fore in that, going out third in a match against Jennifer Kupcho put the first Blue mark on the board and while the US never gave up, they were always chasing and when Finland’s Madelene Sagstrom saved par on the 18th to defeat Lizette Salas the trophy was won.
Maguire’s performance was the best ever from a rookie in the competition on either team and secures her personal spot in the history of the tournament.
She was accompanied by her sister and manager Lisa throughout, something that has not been possible on many occasions through the past two Covid hit seasons and the pair were in flying form after the win.
“I mean, It’s just been incredible,” said Lisa “I knew Leona is incredible, everyone at home knew that Leona was incredible. And now, the whole world got to see how incredible she really is – we all couldn’t be more proud.”
“It’s been a fantastic week and a fantastic win for Team Europe.”
With Kellie Harrington, Rachael Blackmore, Ellen Keane, the Meath Footballers and so many more star performances over recent months it has definitely been a year like no other for Women’s Sport in Ireland.
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