Leona’s win dedicated to grandfather
Reflecting yesterday on her remarkable 14 under (274) victory at the Aroeira Club in Lisbon, which yielded her a runaway 15-shot winning margin over a strong field, the Cavan teenager said: “he was definitely looking down on me, especially for a couple of those putts.
“We (Lisa and I) were in America (at the Harder Hall International Championship in Florida) when he died and we had to come home. It certainly gave us a bit more determination when we played last week and I was just saying that to dad on the phone last night. It was nice to win this one for him, he was a big supporter of ours.”
Her four under bogey-free final round of 68 on Sunday followed equally stellar rounds of 70 on Friday and Saturday, and 66 on Thursday. She attributes much of her success to diligent coach Shane O’Grady.
“I played really well from start to finish,” said Leona. “I’d have to say that the hard work I have been doing with my coach is really paying off. ”
Her mother Breda was at home at the weekend and said the tension was unbelievable as the family were being updated by text.
“We were at the end of the phone and we were getting text messages every two holes,” said a very proud Breda. “Leona played wonderfully, especially at that level. It is something you dream about. I am very proud of both girls.”
Lisa also produced an impressive finish on 292 (10th place). Charlene Reid ended on 306 while Gillian O’Leary had a final tally of 308. In conjunction with the tournament Ireland went on to win the Nations Cup by nine shots from France.
Next up for the twins is the Spanish Ladies Amateur Championship at the beginning of March.
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