LPGA star Leona Maguire Presents $25,000 from the Irish American Partnership, marking over $250,000 received by thirty-five Primary Schools so far in 2023

Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare, August 30, 2023 – Leona Maguire, two-time LPGA tour winner and #14 in the world, today appeared at Dromoland Castle to announce additional Irish American Partnership gifts in the amount of $25,000 to four primary schools.

 The Cavan star presented a $10,000 grant to Catherine Bockett, the school principal of Dunsany National School in Co. Meath. Additional grants were made to Feakle National School, Parteen National School, and Fanore National School, all located in County Clare. Maguire said, “Education is huge in my family, and I really value working with the Irish American Partnership to give back to schools and students. Their impact at the grassroots level is outstanding. Together, we want to make sure that every child has the resources they need to learn and grow.” Maguire continued, “By investing in education, we are really investing in the future of Ireland – our young people.”

 This award tees off Maguire’s appearance in the 2023 KPMG Women’s Irish Open, following her second triumph at the LPGA Meijer Classic, and her automatic qualification to play for Team Europe at the Solheim Cup in Andalucía, Spain in late September. Irish American Partnership Chief Executive Mary Sugrue said, “To us, Leona’s formidable success on the golf course and her commitment to education are equally inspiring, particularly for the young women and aspiring golfers across the island. We are so proud to work with her again this year and wish her the very best at the Women’s Irish Open this weekend!”

Maguire has championed the charity’s mission of investing in Ireland’s future, largely through educational initiatives and scholarships. Through the Partnership’s hallmark ‘O’Neill School Grants’ program, thirty-five schools have received $250,000 in funding so far in 2023.

Principal of Dunsany National School Catherine Bockett said, “Thanks to our hero Leona, and to the incredible generosity of the Irish American Partnership supporters, our school will be well resourced coming into the new school year. We are very grateful.”

The Irish American Partnership’s collaboration with Maguire builds upon the success of previous initiatives including nationwide university access scholarships, empathy education in secondary schools, education centers for homeless youth, STEM resources to primary schools, technology apprenticeships as a gateway to employment, and an Outdoor Play & Learning program, launched by Partnership Patron and fellow professional golfer, Pádraig Harrington.

ABOUT LEONA MAGUIRE

Leona entered the professional game in 2018 off the back of a record-breaking collegiate career with Duke University. The proud Irishwoman has been a serial winner ever since she took up the sport in Co. Cavan but it was her decision to move to America, inspired by her life-long ambition to play on the LPGA Tour, that catapulted Leona into the big leagues. As an amateur, she was nothing short of sensational. A three-time Curtis Cup player with GB&I, Leona is a two-time Olympian representing Ireland in the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In 2017 she captured the Ladies British Amateur Championship title, becoming serial winner on the collegiate circuit. Maguire sat atop of the world amateur golf ranking for an incredible 135 weeks during her amateur career. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take this born winner long to claim her maiden ‘W’ on the professional scene with Leona getting over the line, not once, but twice in her first full season at the Symetra Tour’s 2019 Windsor Golf Classic and the Symetra Classic. That blistering form meant she comfortably qualified for LPGA Tour promotion for 2020. 

Leona became the first Irish woman to represent the winning Team Europe in the 2021 Solheim Cup. Leona was a crucial player becoming the greatest Solheim Cup rookie when she went unbeaten. In February 2022, Leona followed this feat up by winning her debut title on the LPGA at the Drive On Championship and in doing so became the first Irish Women to win on the LPGA in history. Not stopping there, Leona recorded her second LPGA victory in June 2023 winning the Meijer LPGA Classic shooting a final day 64 to win by two strokes. More: www.modestgolf.com/talent/leona-maguire

ABOUT THE IRISH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP

Dedicated to connecting Irish America and friends of Ireland to their heritage through targeted giving – we invest in education, community development, and peace initiatives across the island of Ireland. Since our inception in 1986, our supporters have raised more than $56 million for young people and communities, North and South, empowering and educating the next generation of global leaders. For more information visit irishap.org.