Nation mourns gentleman Christy O’Connor Jnr an ‘absolute legend’ of Irish golf

One of the biggest stars of Irish golf, Christy O’Connor Jnr, has been remembered as a gentleman and sporting inspiration after he died on holiday in Tenerife.

The 67-year-old Galway man was best remembered for helping Europe win the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 1989 when he fired a stunning shot with his two iron to within a few feet of the 18th hole.

President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny led a flood of tributes to the sporting icon.