McAleese and Cowen lead tributes to Harrington

The Taoiseach and the President have both paid tribute to golfer Padraig Harrington following his victory in the USPGA Championship last night.

The Dubliner picked up his second major title in three weeks at Oakland Hills after securing a two-shot win over Spain's Sergio Garcia.

Harrington has now won two British Opens and a USPGA Championship in the space of just over a year.

President Mary McAleese has issued a statement expressing the pride of the whole country is the 36-year-old's achievement, while Brian Cowen says the win will ensure his place in sporting history and legend.

The Taoiseach also says Harrington's performance on the back nine holes epitomised everything about the man's skill, courage, determination and sheer class.

Sports Minister Martin Cullen, meanwhile, has described Harrington as Ireland's greatest-ever sportsman, saying he has honed his talent to achieve true greatness.