Ballyconnell, Co Cavan golfer Leona Maguire has made history by becoming the first Irish lady to be selected for the European team to contest this year’s Solheim Cup competition.

The match, which takes place every two years, is ladies golf’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup. Therein, the pick of Europe’s female golfers against their contemporaries from the United States.

Maguire – who studied at Duke University, a famous production line for NBA stars, – received a wildcard selection from European Captain Caitriona Matthew of Scotland. The fixture takes place in Toledo, Ohio from September 4th to 6th.

The Cavan lady – who along with her sister Lisa has blazed a trail for ladies golf in Ireland – has strong links to the Dunderry area of Meath. She and her colleagues in blue and gold will be hoping the connection to the Royal County can once again bestow a change of fortune for the continent.

Those representing the stars and stripes – who this time will include World Number One and recently crowned Olympic Champion Nelly Korda in their ranks – have dominated the event since its inception. Winning 10 of its 16 incarnations.

However, one of the occasions when the stars and stripes did come unstuck was when the biennial event took place at Kileen Castle in Dunsany in 2011 when they triumphed by 15 points to 13. Hopefully the link to the green and gold – however tenuous – can see them strike it lucky again.