Big celebrations planned to honour Harrington

PÁDRAIG Harrington might have to start clearing his diary, with local authorities and golf clubs queuing up to hail his historic British Open Championship win.

On a day of tributes, the 35-year-old was probably unaware of the deluge of invites pouring in, but he soon will be.

His native Dublin is a likely starting point, with various local politicos anxious to get the ball rolling.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Paddy Burke said he had contacted his counterparts in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown — where Harrington lives — and in South Dublin County Council — where his late Stackstown Golf Club is located — to try and organise one central celebration in honour of the new British Open Champion. He also sent his wishes to Harrington on behalf of the city council.

“What we hope we can do is combine some big celebrations for Pádraig Harrington in the city,” he said.

He said Harrington had already received the Lord Mayor’s Award in Dublin and that he would not rule out moves to grant him the Freedom of the City.

Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Denis O’Callaghan said that he had not yet had an opportunity to discuss celebration plans with representatives of other local authorities.

He too had sent his congratulations to Harrington and said he would consider whether the local man would receive the highest honour the local authority can confer — an equivalent to the Freedom of the City.

At Harrington’s golf club in his hometown, Stackstown near Rathfarnham, rumours abounded that the new champ would be dropping by last night for some celebrations.

A club spokesperson was tight-lipped about the possibility, but the club itself wasted little time in sending its congratulations.

Harrington might also be making a visit down to his father’s home place of Beara in Co Cork.

Berehaven Golf Club intend to make Harrington an honorary member, with Captain John Harley claiming the Irishman’s win was a “magical moment” for Castletownbere.

Berehaven GC was also played regularly by Harrington’s father Paddy.

He has visited the club previously, but has yet to play a round.

The club hierarchy hope that will change in the near future, although they may have to wait a while.

Yesterday, Harrington said he fully intended to make the long trip down to west Cork, but not in the immediate future.