Leona Maguire is used to winning trophies. She has already shared a 'Fermanagh Herald' Young Sports Personality of the Year with her twin sister, Lisa and although she collects this award as an individual, her sister is never far away in conversation;
"Lisa and myself would be very competitive, even in practice and even though I might win one day she might win the next. We are very close but the rivalry is there on the golf course. It is nice having your sister with you when you play and we push each other to be better each time."
Leona and Lisa are twin golfing sensations but, this month it was Leona who earned the 'Fermanagh Herald' Sports Personality award. The highlight of her March was her terrific win in the French Under 18 open. After two qualifying rounds, she won four consecutive matchplay rounds to take the title and was ecstatic with the win.
"Yes, It was just great. It was a really tough field and I was just delighted to come through it."
Tough indeed, and older as well.
"Most of the girls were 17 and 18, so they had a few years advantage over me, so that made the win even better."
In her two qualifying rounds, Leona shot level par in the first and 5 over in the second. This was enough to place her in the top 32 and a chance in the matchplay. And, as she cruised to the final she beat a French competitor 4and 3, a German girl 2 up a Spanish girl 4 and 3. This set her up for the final against a strong Belgian golfer and it was here that Leona played her best golf.
"I was one down after 14. I then won 15, won 16, halved 17 and won 18 to win the match 2 up. I finished really strongly, and was delighted with my game in those final holes."
She should be delighted with her game over the entire competition but one thing about Leona is that she always sees that there is room for improvement.
"I did play well but there is always room for more and I have to keep trying to get better."
Leona and her sister have just won the Irish Schools Scratch tournament and both girls will now be going on the offensive for the Irish Ladies Closed Championship. Again, this competition will take on the format of two rounds of qualifying and a series of matchplay rounds until only one lady remains.
As for the future, the 13 year old year has her feet firmly planted on the ground. When asked about the chances of turning pro, she talks about it as a dream.
"Well, I suppose that would be the dream some day, but it is a long way off. You can't turn pro until you are 18 so, until then I will just have to keep practising hard and hope that things go well for me."
Leona's and Lisa's achievements have been a constant source of pride for their parents, Breda and Declan.
"They are a great support", Leona confirmed. " They look after all the background stuff and it is great to have them with us when we play."
And, little brother Odhrán, who is eight, and who 'can play a bit' of golf too according to big sister Leona makes up the close knit family.
