Players, fans, a future host and a winner: The Irish at the Ryder Cup

The most prevalent flag in the opening grandstand was the tricolour. GAA jerseys and red heads littered the course eager for any opportunity to cheer.

UP AND COMING:Sean Keeling of Europe celebrates with the trophy. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

What better way to spend Christmas Eve than surrounded by friends and family? As part of Tourism Ireland’s trip to the Ryder Cup, they hosted Irish night on Thursday at a Rome city-centre Irish pub to give thanks and rejoice.

After a drawn-out and somewhat dreary buildup, it is finally here. Irish fans descended on Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in droves early this week and made their presence felt.