Paul Dunne can eventually take place amongst world’s best

It turned out to be a day too far for the Irish at St Andrews yesterday.

Although they got off to contrasting starts with Pádraig Harrington getting off to a flier and Paul Dunne looking decidedly nervous and error prone, it wasn’t long before both were out of contention.

Sport can be very cruel indeed and golf on the highest stage offers the players no respite – no hiding place.