Golfers of the year

There was further good news for the Maguire girls last weekend when they were announced as joint recipients of the "Women"s Amateur of the Year" award at a glittering bash in AIB Bank Centre in Ballsbridge, Dublin Leona and Lisa dominated women"s golf between them over the past 12 months, said the ceremony organisers. Leona won the Lancome Irish Women"s Close championship, defeating Lisa in the final; but Lisa was to gain a measure of revenge by defeating her sister in the Irish Girls" Close championship and by also adding the prestige European Young Masters championship to her list of honours. The girls, both members of the Slieve Russell club, were joined by superstar Padraig Harrington, who was voted as Golfer of the Year following a season which saw him scoop two majors. Other recipients includedShane Lowry , from Esker Hills Golf Club in Co Offaly, winner of the "Men"s Amateur of the Year" and Brendan Edwards, recipient of the "Distinguished Services" award.