The Ryder Cup

In 2027 Ryder Cup fever will hit Ireland in a big way when Adare Manor plays host to one of the most exciting golf tournaments. This weekend it is already looking good for the European team as they try and win ‘away’ from home. OF course, the European heroics at the K Club in Straffan in 2006 will live long in the memory. Have you other Ryder Cup memories? What about this one from 1989:

HARDENED golfers embraced and wept uncontrollably in realisation that Europe had retained the Johnnie Walker Ryder Cup at The Belfry yesterday. There was a special Irish flavour to the scenes of jubilation as Christy O'Connor Jnr and Ronan Rafferty contributed two critical points that ensured Europe's supremacy.

The emotional reaction was supercharged, given that Rafferty's morale had been shattered by the sudden death of his father Des just a Fortnight ago. His mother Maria and brother Stephen were on hand to share a very special family moment.

"I was so nervous out there — but I told myself to remember what I had learned as a 15 year old to keep the head down and swing slowly" said a beaming Rafferty.

There was a touching family scene, too, when the O'Connor clan danced a jig on the 18th green to salute Christy Jnr. Wife Anne, brothers Sean, Eugene and Albert and, of course, famous Uncle Christy were all there to celebrate.

It was understandable that Christy should indulge, given that he was labelled a surprise choice in the first instance!

"I have had to take a lot of stick about my selection and it was unfair. I had  proven myself in a 19 years career but some critics wanted me to prove it all over again — and I did" said the happy Galwayman, mocking the arguments of some sections of the British media, who claimed he was not good enough for the job.

"The British people took me to their hearts and teamed up with the Irish to give me a big welcome on the first tee. Then they followed me around every hole. This is the greatest day of my life" O'Connor said.

Christy's performance. "I hope there will be a civic reception for him when he returns but whatever happens he's assured of a rousing welcome from the people of Gort.

For more information search the pages of the Irish Newspaper Archive (www.irishnewsarchive.com )