Padraig Harrington begins the defence of his Irish Open title at Adare Manor on Thursday in the hope that the tournament can kickstart his season like it did last year.

Having become the first home winner since John O'Leary in 1982 after a play-off with Welshman Bradley Dredge, the Dubliner went on to claim the British Open title at Carnoustie.

That was Adare Manor's first staging of the tournament and the long, tough lay-out prevented all but three players breaking par over the four days.

Harrington and Dredge, who lost in sudden death when he ran up a double bogey seven on the 18th, had finished five under and England's Simon Wakefield one under.

It was an emotional victory for Harrington that "meant more than even I realised at the time," according to the Dubliner. "I always found it very difficult to handle the pressure, the distractions and the general hype of an Irish Open.

"Years of that building up, the fact that no Irishman had won it in 25 years, the media hype going into the event and then to actually finally win the tournament was ever so big for me.

"It was a relief, but overall there was a sense of euphoria to go on and win it. Winning the play-off was a beautiful moment for me and it definitely was a big catalyst for going on to win The Open.

"I definitely felt more comfortable and I gained self-confidence from that win. There is no question the Irish Open is the fifth biggest tournament in the world to me."

Harrington is still looking for his first win of the year - but four other Irishmen have all tasted success.

Graeme McDowell got the ball rolling in Korea, then came Damien McGrane and Darren Clarke in China and Peter Lawrie in Spain. All play this week.