Christy O'Connor Jnr to be laid to rest today

The funeral of Christy O’Connor Jnr, one of the biggest stars of Irish golf, takes place in his home town today.

The 67-year-old, best remembered for a lead role in the Ryder Cup win in 1989, will be laid to rest after a service at Galway Cathedral.

O’Connor Jnr had been on holiday in Tenerife when he died in his sleep last Wednesday.

Tributes flooded in from across the world of sport, society and politics, with the golfer fondly remembered for his good nature, generosity and most famously for defying the odds to help Europe beat the US, thanks to a stunning two iron from 200 yards to within feet of the 18th hole at The Belfry.

O’Connor Jnr is survived by his wife Ann, son Nigel and daughter Ann.

The golfer’s other son, Darren, died in a road accident in 1998 aged 17.

Ahead of the funeral service O’Connor Jnr reposed in the Church of St John the Apostle, Knocknacarra, Galway, on Monday afternoon before a removal service to the cathedral and a burial planned for Rahoon cemetery on the outskirts of the city.