Irvinestown Lawn Tennis Club stalwart experienced the pinnacle of his long career when he represented Ireland at the World Veteran Championships in Key Biscayne, Florida last week. 
The games were played on the hardcourts at Crandon Park which hosts the Miami Open every year.
A superb year in 2016 saw John earn selection for the four man Over 55 Irish team that was one of 22 international teams from all over the world competing at these highly competitive championships. 
And, it was a great debut for Maguire who earned Ireland two points throughout the week as they finished a very creditable 16th out the 22 countries that took part. 
John was thrilled with the experience and enjoyed the challenge of playing at this level. 
“It really was a fantastic experience. 22 teams competed in our section and then split into two sections after two games,” explained John. 
“We lost narrowly to Canada in our second game and if we had won that then we would have made the top section of 14 teams. However, we did play well after that and got a couple of wins before finishing 16th overall which was a good effort. We also played the USA in our very first game and they went on to win the whole tournament which was another good experience.” 
Yes, it was a tough opener for John and team-mates Tony Davidson, Belfast; Mark Mulligan, Glasgow and Tom Barrie from Dublin as they lost 3-0 to the hosts with each match consisting of two singles matches and one doubles match with the players alternating between singles and doubles at the discretion of the team captain Barrie. 
A much closer second round game saw Ireland edged out by Canada before victories over Uruguay and South Africa during which John won both his games in the doubles, set up a decider against Switzerland for the top spot in the second section. 
John played in the singles but was edged out 6/3 6/3 and Ireland lost the tie 2-1 to finish 16th overall. 
All in all, though, John was delighted with his effort and that of the whole team. 
“The heat and the humidity was very challenging and that probably did not suit us but I thought we played well overall. I was happy with how I adapted and to get two points on the board on my debut. One of my team-mates said it took him two years to register his first point. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would go back again if selected,” enthused the veteran who had finance the whole trip himself. 
He concluded: “I must thank everyone who supported my fundraisers and made it possible for me to compete at these World Championships in Florida.”