Reaction to Padraig Harrington's win

Ronnie Delany

(Olympic gold medallist, Melbourne 1956)

It was an extraordinary performance, and I think captured all the courage and adventure he has shown as a golfer over the years and also the realisation of all his potential. It was his ability to go for the shot that won it for him.

I've been following Padraig for years, and remember seeing him a few years ago at The K Club, at the old seventh. He didn't lay up, he went for the green, and even though he ended up in the water I always knew he had the ability to hit the shot.

It is one of the great achievements in the platform of world sport. You have the Olympic Games, but the Open in golf is up there as well, and to win the British Open is the ultimate.

I'm proud of him, delighted for him, and look forward to congratulating him. I feel we've all shared in his golfing dramas over the years, and I'm so happy for him now.

And he had some lovely words to say to Garcia there at the end, about him being so young, when of course Padraig is still so young as well.

Brian O'Driscoll

(Leinster and Ireland rugby captain)

There is a certain irony in the fact that I spent the day (yesterday) filming a commercial for O2.

The last occasion I was called upon to perform a similar undertaking was the O2 golf commercial starring Padraig Harrington in which I had a cameo role.

The shoot was supposed to be finished at 3.30pm and I had planned to zip back and watch the final nine holes.

The thing didn't end until 6.30pm but I resolved that I wouldn't look at any text messages or return phone calls and looked forward to the highlights.

I called into a shop to get something and the cashier leaned across and said: "Wasn't it great to see Harrington win the British Open."

It was only then that I started to scroll through the text messages.

It's a marvellous achievement for Padraig and another great moment in Irish sport. It's been 60 years since our only other victory in a golf major championship so that underlines the magnitude of this win.

When you consider then that Rory McIlroy won the silver medal for leading amateur, it illustrates what a wonderful tournament it was for the Irish.

I'm delighted for Padraig - he's worked very hard to get where he is in the sport and has received the ultimate reward for that dedication.

Pat Ruddy

(Owner and president of the European Club)

"It's a proud day to be Irish. I'm delighted for Padraig and for Rory McIlroy.

It's hard to quantify the magnitude of Padraig's victory. I thought he showed tremendous character to get over the finishing line. You have to be more than a good golfer.

There was an air of pre-destination to the afternoon as if invisible strings were being pulled from above.

The last time he prepared in The European Club for the British Open was in 2002 and he missed out on the playoff by one shot.

Last week he won the Irish PGA here and Rory (McIlroy) won the Irish Amateur Close Championship here last year.

Even Stewart Cink, who came to practise here last week, acquitted himself superbly.

On a more serious note, I wish Padraig the same happiness that winning the British Open brought to my friend Henry Cotton. When I asked him what was the best thing about winning those championships he said, "Never having to buy lunch again."

I wish Padraig the best of fine dining for the rest of his life time.

It was a wonderful occasion from an Irish perspective, enjoying the privilege of basking in the performances of Harrington, McIlroy and Paul McGinley."

Kieran Donaghy

(Kerry All-Ireland-winning footballer)

We had training in the morning and then I was stuck to it after that. Brilliant.

On the 18th I thought he had blown it but the hole had been playing tough all week so there was always a chance Garcia would bogey the last. Even he was unlucky to see his putt lip out.

From the first play-off hole, when he hit a seven iron to 10 or 12 feet and then sank the putt, I knew he was going to win. That was a two-shot swing right there.

Harrington was like a man possessed from the moment he went to seven under. You could see it in his eyes. Man, was he tuned in. He showed great bottle.

I feel a little sorry for the young Argentinian (Andres Romero) - 10 birdies and then to see what happened to him coming down the last. He went a bit mad. Inexperience. His caddie should have calmed him down.

Kevin Moran

(Former soccer international)

I contemplated playing golf this morning but due to the weather I decided to follow the Open for the whole day. I made the right choice.

The drama is what makes Padraig's performance so memorable. His second shot into 17 on the third play-off hole, even though he missed the putt, stands out for me.

I've met Padraig a few times at his classic and he is always proud of representing Ireland and being from Dublin.

He did us all proud this time.