In spite of his disappointing performance at Wentworth last week, Rory McIlroy will inevitably be very much the focus of attention at Royal County Down this week. Even so, the fans and television viewers will also keep more than one eye on several other Irishmen, and most especially Darren Clarke, Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington.

WITH the incentive of a Lions tour at the end of the season, this year’s Six Nation’s championship takes on even more significance for players from the four home countries.

BOTH Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo have expressed their surprise at Pádraig Harrington’s decision not to contest this week’s Volvo PGA championship at Wentworth.

EAMONN SWEENEY was rather critical of the RTÉ coverage of the All-Ireland football final with regard to incorrect names, etc.