Maguire twins fancied for Schools title
The twins are fresh from their recent heroics at the French U21 and U18 Championships. Leona claimed first in the U-18 Championships, while Lisa was beaten on the 18th hole of her semi-final by Curtis Cup reserve, Rachel Jennings, who went on to win the U-21 title.
The Maguire twins also contributed significantly to Ulster’s defence of their fourth consecutive U18 Interprovincials at Bangor over Easter and it is difficult to imagine the 2008 title heading anywhere else but Loreto College Cavan.
Second favourites The High School Rathgar field underage International Ciara Butler and Amy Jones while Tara Dunne and Emma Dunne lead Presentation Wexford’s challenge. The final two contenders see Amy Gaynor and Aisling O’Connor represent Ursuline College Sligo while Crescent College Limerick's hopes rest with Vicki Morris and Eimear McManus.
This year’s tournament coincides with the National launch of the SUZUKI Senior Cup, the finals of which take place at Galway in late August. With the tournament entering its 81st year, all eyes will be on the draw for the 2008 Championships Southern District’s Draw. Champions Ennis will begin the defence of their national title at the Monkstown qualifiers in early May. The Eastern and Northern District Draws will also take place while the Western and Midland Draws will be held in June.
Chief Executive of the ILGU, Sinéad Heraty, believes Suzuki’s sponsorship of the competition and continued support of the game has provided a great opportunity to accelerate the development at a national level, “The Senior Cup competition is now firmly established as an important fixture on the national golfing calendar and we have seen it go from strength to strength with Suzuki’s support. We look forward to continuing to grow the competition this year and for many years to come,”
Niall O’Gorman, General Manager of Suzuki Ireland, expressed Suzuki’s delight to be associated with the ILGU and hopes to build on the success of previous years, “We are delighted to be associated with the Irish Ladies Golf Union and this prestigious sporting event for the sixth year. We would like to take this opportunity to wish each member of the competing teams the very best of luck,’ O’Gorman said.
IRISH SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS – MILTOWN GC, 28th April
9:00: Vicki Morris (Crescent College Limerick), Amy Gaynor (Ursuline College Sligo)
9.10: Tara Dunne (Presentation Wexford), Leona Maguire (Loreto College Cavan)
9.20: Amy Jones (The High School), Eimear McManus (Crescent College Limerick)
9.30: Aisling O’Connor (Ursuline College Sligo), Emma Murphy (Presentation Wexford)
9.40: Lisa Maguire (Loreto College Cavan), Ciara Butler (The High School)
SUZUKI SENIOR CUP – DISTRICT QUALIFIERS
10-11 May Southern Monkstown GC
23-25 May Eastern Woodbrook GC
26-27 May North Bangor GC
20-21 June West Longford GC
4-5 July Midland The Curragh GC