The world of elite sport is one of extremes, from the highest of highs to dark days when all the work and all the effort seems to count for little.
The Maguire Sisters in golf have been through both of those together but while Leona’s career has blossomed into winning a place on the LPGA Tour, her twin Lisa has struggled and has now decided to quit the professional game.
They were the twin sensations from Cavan that captured the imagination and the headlines. They both won scholarships to the prestigious Duke University in the United States but the success began to diverge and it must have been as hard from Leona as it was for Lisa.
There is always the hope that things will improve. look at Shane lowry who went through some dark moments of his own before emerging on top of the world as the open Champion in July.
But for Lisa, she has taken the decision early that her future in golf lies away from the first tee and the 18th green.
She announced her decision to Irish Golfer last week that she was going to end her nascent professional career and join Modest Golf management, the business that had been representing her and which is headed by Niall Horan, once of One Direction.
“I’d love to get more involved in growing the ladies game, even back home here in Ireland,” she said.
“Obviously, we’ve two members on the LPGA Tour now in Leona and Stephanie Meadow but in five years, it would be nice to see five girls on the LPGA, in 10 years, 10 girls on the LPGA. Anything I can do over the next number of years to turn that dream into a reality, I’m all for it.”
Maguire was also keen to recognise the support of her commercial sponsors over the course of her career.
“To have the likes of KPMG, Allianz and Davy involved so heavily in my development, and supporting and investing in young Irish talent has been incredible. They do so much for young people.”
“I’ve visited the KPMG offices a few times and have seen first-hand the work they do to invest in young people and their careers – it’s really special.”
“Davy and Allianz have been great at opening their doors to me too. To be able to meet their staff and see the inspiring work they’re doing for young people in this country is honestly just amazing.”
“All of these companies have been so supportive of my decision to start a new chapter in my career and although I won’t be playing tournament golf anymore, I look forward to our relationships continuing in my new role.”
A very dignified moving from one chapter to another in her life. we wish her the very best of luck in everything that follows.