Harrington delighted to welcome old pal Lowry to the majors club

Pádraig Harrington toasted the double victory of Shane Lowry and Royal Portrush as a brilliant moment for Irish sport as the 148th Open Championship was declared a resounding success.

Harrington, 47, had set the ball rolling for Irish golfers when broke a 60-year major drought to win the 2007 Open at Carnoustie, paving the way for nine more in 12 years, a remarkable strike rate for such a relatively small population.