Padraig Harrington played a splendid round of golf today, at the Murphy's Irish Open in Fota Island, to finish at 13 under par and in a tie for 2nd place.  Weather conditions couldn't have been better for both player and spectator alike. Starting at 6 under par today - in joint 6th place, Padraig again had huge support from the attendance there.  Because of the closeness of the course to Beara, a large number travelled to lend their support to a brilliant golfer, a lovely person and a son of a Beara Man.  Beara relations of Padraig at Fota included his Uncles Jerome and Tadgh, and his first cousin Mike - of Harrington's Plant Hire and his wife Julie. Padraig's father, Paddy is one of the Harringtons, from Bawrs and  I had the pleasure of meeting him for the first time today. He is a retired Garda, and a very proud Dad (justly so), who travels to most of his matches lending his support as does his lovely wife Caroline.

For someone who has lived his adult life in Dublin, Paddy hasn't lost his Beara 'blas' and certainly does not have a Dublin accent.  It was now easy to see where Padraig brought his gentle nature from - it's in the genes.
Unfortunately, due to camera restrictions, I was unable to take a close up photo of Padraig during his round and he was departing from Fota as soon as his round was completed. I learned during his match, that the best time to catch up with him would have been at the practice area before his match.  Something to keep in mind for next year, if I don't manage to meet with him before then. The Irish Open will again be played at Fota next year - very deservedly so.  The event organisers should take a bow - as the services there were second to none - far exceeding other Irish venues. 
Padraig shot an excellent 64 to finish in a tie for 2nd place alongside Darren Clarke and Niclas Fasth.  He got a wonderful round of applause as he approached the 18th where he sank his fourth shot for a birdie.  He is now at the top of the leader board in points qualifying for the Ryder Cup later on this year and 4th in the Volvo Order of Merit for this year.  Well done and best of luck for the future.  We will certainly keep watching your progress, albeit not in person, but on TV.

Paddy (Padraig's dad), yours truly, Jerome (Padraig's Uncle) and cousin 
Mike Harrington from Beara at Fota Island.