Harrington, Power and Maguire confirmed for the Olympics

Stephanie Meadow misses out but has been placed on the reserves list

Seamus Power will join Padraig Harrington and Leona Maguire at the Olympics in Rio. Photo: Hunter Martin/Getty Images
Seamus Power will join Padraig Harrington and Leona Maguire at the Olympics in Rio. Photo: Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Ireland will be represented by Padraig Harrington, Seamus Power and Leona Maguire at the Olympics in Rio.

The cut-off in terms of the qualification was on Sunday night and following the withdrawal of Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell due to concerns over the Zika virus, Harrington (148th in the world rankings) and Power (290th) will tee it up in the men's event, having confirmed their intention to participate.

In the women’s Olympic golf tournament, Ireland will be represented by the world amateur number two Leona Maguire - the primary basis for her qualification was on the rankings points earned for her second place finish in the Ladies British Masters last year - and in what is very much a family affair, she will have her twin sister, Lisa, caddying.

Ireland had hoped to have two golfers in the women's event but 24-year-old professional Stephanie Meadow, who finished third at the 2014 US Women's Open, is currently on the reserve list and may make Rio subject to withdrawals.

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan is an Irish Times sports writer