Pressure won’t faze Harrington

"Of course I hope I’ll be nervous playing the 72nd hole on Sunday. If not, then I know I’m not winning the Irish Open."

This was Pádraig Harrington adopting a cautious but positive approach last night as he heads into the final two rounds of the Irish Open at Fota Island on six under par and ideally poised to challenge for a second win in the event. He has played very solidly for the opening 36 holes and believes he can challenge over the weekend.

If he does, the 24,000 people who thronged the Cork venue yesterday will be in the background when the People’s Champion tees it up shortly after lunch tomorrow.