Widespread jubilation at Leona Maguire LPGA win in Florida

Congratulations for Leona Maguire on becoming the first Irish golfer to win on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour, have been led by President Michael D Higgins, who described it as an “historic achievement.” The 27-year-old woman from Ballyconnell in Co Cavan was “another fantastic Irish sportswoman leading the way internationally,” he said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described her win as "a brilliant achievement" while Co Cavan born Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, in offering her "comhghairdeas", described Ms Maguire's win as a "great day for Irish golf."

Former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill tweeted "comhghairdeas Leona - you've done our island proud" while Cavan TD Brendan Smith tweeted "brilliant. What a win and heartiest congratulations, Leona."

For her own part Leona Maguire tweeted on Sunday that she had “dreamt about this moment for a long time and we’re only getting started. Couldn’t have done it without the help of my incredible family & friends.”

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After the win on Saturday she posted a picture of herself with her prize and said "it's my Mom's birthday tomorrow so I guess this is a pretty good present for her." He mother Breda responded "....bursting with pride."

Sister Lisa Maguire said "she has done it.Words can't even describe how proud we all are. Her hard work and perseverance are truly second to none. An inspiration to us all."

The Slieve Russell Hotel at Ballyconnell, where Ms Maguire learned the game, tweeted "...she's going into the history books, we all knew this day was near...so much more to come."

Official Cavan GAA described her win as “a sensational display” and noted it as “a proud moment for you, your family and our county.”

Pádraig Harrington, European team captain at the 2021 Ryder Cup, said he was "delighted" at Ms Maguire's achievement and that "nobody deserves it more. Years of hard work and pressure have gone into this win. Leona is trailblazing a way for all Irish golf." He was also delighted for her caddy, Dermot Byrne.

Winning captain of Europe in the 2014 Ryder Cup , Paul McGinley, greeted Ms Maguire's achievement as a "great breakthrough win" and that "while not unexpected she continues to impress." He added "a special shutout too to her caddy Dermot - things have gone to another level for Leona since he started with her."

Among others to congratulate Ms Maguire were Golf Ireland, Labour Party leader Alan Kelly, singer Niall Horan, comedian Mario Rosenstock, rugby pundit Brian O’Driscoll, and novelist Cauvery Madhavan who hoped there were a lot of people watching Ms Maguire’s performance on Saturday, “with big smiles on their faces and little girls watching and hoping that they can hold a putt like that.”