Padraig Harrington's outstanding achievement lauded by Irish Sports Council

 Ireland's Open Champion Padraig Harrington

The Irish Sports Council congratulates Padraig Harrington on his success at the 2007 Open Championship in Carnoustie. Harrington has been one of Europe’s leading professional golfers for a number of years, winning the European Order of Merit in 2006, securing a series of victories around the world and playing in four Ryder Cups.

His success at Carnoustie makes him the first Irish player in 60 years, and the only the second ever after Fred Daly, to win a major golf championship. It also sees him as the first European to win a major in eight years. 

John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council said: “Padraig’s success at the Open is one of the great achievements of Irish sport. It was a truly outstanding performance, well merited for his brilliant play during the tournament and fully deserved by a player who has dedicated himself to his sport over a long number of years.

His success is a great boost to sport in Ireland, golf in particular, and I can think of no better role model for young people who participate in sport”.