Leading ladies set to star at Killeen Castle

This year's Bord Failte-supported Ladies Irish Open at Killeen Castle, Dunsany received a major boost with a host of Europe and America's top female professional golfers confirming their participation in the event that will be a huge draw from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th August. With one eye on the Solheim Cup - due to take place at the prestigious Meath venue in September - America's Stacey Lewis who is third in the current US standings and a Major winner already this year, three-time Solheim Cup star Angela Stanford, Christina Kim among others will bid for glory at Killeen Castle while hoping to nail their place on the US Solheim Cup team. Spectators will also see 16-year-old sensation, Lexi Thompson, in action. Thompson is the youngest ever golfer to compete in the US Women's Open, having qualified at just 12-years-old. As expected, an extremely strong European contingent will be on show including legendary English golfer Laura Davies, who currently tops the European leaderboard, will make the trip and will be joined by Melissa Reid, recent winner of the Dutch Open. Diana Luna from Italy and Swedish rookie Caroline Hedwall, both having won twice already on this season's Ladies European Tour, will bring good form into the event. As will European winners on the US Tour this season, Sweden's Maria Hjorth who captured the Avnet LPGA Classic, and Germany's Sandra Gal, who won the KIA Classic. Sweden's Sophie Gustafson will attempt to defend her Ladies Irish Open crown at the magnificent Dunsany venue. There will also be plenty of home grown talent on show including Ireland's top player Rebecca Codd, who lies 25th in the European Solheim standings. Codd will be joined by fellow Irish professional, Martina Gillen. Ireland's top amateurs, Danielle McVeigh from Down and the sensational 16-year-old twins from Cavan, Leona and Lisa Maguire, who will relish of the chance of competing against the world's best professionals. "This is an extremely important year for both the players and ladies golf in Ireland as we prepare to stage the 2011 Solheim Cup and I am delighted with the strength of this year's Ladies Irish Open field. The large crowd that attended the event at Killeen Castle last year witnessed an amazing tournament and with an even stronger field this year, spectators are in store for a feast of world class golf," commented tournament director Roddy Carr. "For Ireland to stage both the Ladies Irish Open and the Solheim Cup in one year is a major boost for Irish golf, the Irish economy and indeed the Boyne Valley region," enthused head of golf tourism for Fáilte Ireland, Keith McCormack. "The events will showcase some of the best golfing talent in the world and will be witnessed by millions worldwide, providing Ireland with the perfect platform to showcase itself in terms of tourism. We encourage the Irish public to support both events in this unique year for Irish golf." The public are urged to go to Killeen and support the girls in their quest for glory. Tickets are priced at €10 daily or €25 for a season pass (children and oaps free). Public parking will be available on site and tickets can be purchased on entry or by www.ladiesirishopen.ie.