Former Irish Open champion John O'Leary passes away

O’Leary played in the 1975 Ryder Cup and helped to bring the tournament to Ireland in 2006.

John O'Leary in action during the 1982 Irish Open. Photo: INPHO / Billy Stickland

European golf veterans have been expressing their sadness for the passing of former Irish Open champion John O’Leary, who has died at the age of 70 following a long illness.

Dubliner O’Leary won the national open at Portmarnock in 1982, the first home player to do so since Christy O’Connor won in 1975 and it would be another 25 years before the feat was repeated when Padraig Harrington won at Adare in 2007.