Rugby connections run deep at Lahinch

Rugby players in an Irish Open Pro-Am are not an unusual sight. Along with GAA stars and jockeys, they are a staple of the pre-tournament entertainment at this annual stop on the European Tour. Yet today’s Pro-Am at Lahinch should resonate more than most with the rugby community for there are strong bonds between the iconic Clare golf club and doyens of the oval-ball game, and those from Munster in particular.

Former British & Irish Lions heroes Keith Wood and Paul O’Connell will be teeing it up this morning in the company of former Ireland team-mate Shane Byrne and their flamboyant professional Andrew “Beef” Johnston, while ex-Leinster and Ireland wing Luke Fitzgerald will play in the company of last year’s runner-up Ryan Fox (himself the son of All Black legend Grant Fox), former Kerry footballer Tomas Ó Sé and sports broadcaster Joe Molloy.