Cavan County Council honours Leona Maguire

Cavan County Council has honoured Cavan golfing hero Leona Maguire with a civic reception in recognition of her tremendous achievements on the global stage. The reception took place at the Council Chamber, Cavan Courthouse, Farnham Street, Cavan on Monday, 19th December. A two-time Olympian, Leona played a starring role in Europe’s Solheim Cup victory in September 2021, and recorded an historic victory at the Drive-On Championship in February 2022, becoming the first Irish woman to win an LPGA tour event, going on to record a string of top-ten finishes this year, including a hard-fought second place finish in the CME Group Tour Championship last month.

Civic Receptions are afforded under Section 74 of the Local Government Act (As Amended), which provides that “A local authority may confer a civic honour on a distinguished person,” and this reserved function to grant the Civic Reception was exercised by councillors, following a nomination by Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Councillor John Paul Feeley.

“Leona Maguire’s record in recent years marks her out as a leading Irish sportsperson. Representing Ireland internationally, she is wonderful ambassador for her county and her country. I am delighted that Cavan County Council, on behalf of the people of Cavan, is getting the opportunity to recognise her extraordinary achievements,” said Cllr Feeley.

Receiving the honour, Leona, a native of Ballyconnell, spoke of her pride at being recognised in her home county, and commented on the fantastic support she has received from Cavan people, at home and abroad, noting there is always a Cavan jersey to be spotted in the crowd, no matter where in the world she is playing.