Maguires get chance to emulate Lowry

Twin sensations Lisa and Leona Maguire will get a chance to emulate Shane Lowry in next month’s AIB Ladies Irish Open at Portmarnock Links.

The Cavan sisters, 14, have the chance to put one over on the Europe’s top women professionals after the tournament promoters and the Ladies European Tour agreed with the Ladies Golf Union to invite all nine members of Vagliano Trophy side to tee it up from June 26-28.

Great Britain and Ireland skipper Mary McKenna said: “I am delighted that my team will be together and have the experience of testing themselves against the best players in the game.

“This opportunity will also allow us to get together for a dedicated team day at Killeen Castle which will be of great help in our preparations for the matches in July.”

It won't be the first time that the Maguires tee it up against the pros.

In 2007 the Slieve Russell pair played in the Northern Ireland Ladies Open as mere 11 year olds and missed the cut.

But after taking amateur golf by storm over the past few years they are fancied to put in a serious challenge this time.

Just two weeks ago Lisa succeeded Leona as Irish Women’s Close champion and they will have plenty of pals for company this time with Royal County Down amateur Danielle McVeigh and US-based Stephanie Meadow also set to play.

The €500,000 AIB Ladies Irish Open is a vital part of Ireland’s build up to the 2011 Solheim Cup matches at Killeen Castle.

Norway’s Suzann Pettersen captured the title last season but this year’s top attractions are four-time major winner Laura Davies and European No 1 Gwladys Nocera of France.

Ireland’s tour players will be out in force with Martina Gillen, Rebecca Coakley, Claire Coughlan-Ryan, Hazel Kavanagh, Marian Riordan and rookie Tara Delaney all set to play.