Maguire twins may clash

THE Maguire twins, Lisa and Leona, remain on course to meet in today’s final of the Lancome Irish Women’s Close Championship in Westport.

In yesterday’s quarter-final action Lisa impressed when defeating Mary Dowling (New Ross) 3 and 1. However sister Leona had a tougher test against Darragh McGowan. Leona looked in control when 5 up thru 13 but McGowan struck back and won the 14th, 15th and 16th holes. The 17th was halved but the teenager held her nerve and won the 18th and the match 1up.

Earlier in the day the duo accounted for current international Gillian O’Leary (Cork) and Carla Reynolds (Seapoint) respectively.

However Dawn Marie Conaty (Ashbourne) and Gemma Hegarty (Greencastle) hope to spoil the Maguire party in this morning’s semi-final.

Conaty who faces Leona had a marvellous 8 and 7 victory over Una Marsden (Tullamore) while Lisa’s opponent Hegarty (Greencastle) continued her fine run of form with three birdies on the 3rd, 4th and 8th holes on the front 9 and defeated Jenny Gannon from Co. Louth 5 and 4.

lToday’s championship semi-final draw 9am: Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell) v Gemma Hegarty (Greencastle).9:09am: Leona Maguire (Slieve Russel) v Dawn Marie Conaty (Ashbourne).