The Irish Open - Showcase of champions

WHAT a great pleasure it is to welcome the latest two sportsmen from this island to confirm their world-class credentials to this week’s Irish Open in Killarney.

That British Open winner Darren Clarke and US Open winner Rory McIlroy will be joined by two other Irishmen — Pádraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell, who have already won four majors between them — puts the event in an unprecedented, almost surreal context.

As we celebrate and appreciate their commitment to the Irish Open, especially one without a main sponsor and greatly reduced prize money, it might be worthwhile reflecting on the level of effort required by each of these men to be as successful as they are. Though the rewards are very great, so is the commitment required. They have proved, in the most spectacular and inspiring ways, that the harder they practise, the luckier they get.