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Statement from President Michael D. Higgins – Christy O'Connor Jr.

Date: Wed 6th Jan, 2016 | 16:50

President Higgins said today
"I have learned with great sadness of the untimely death of Christy O'Connor Jr.

As a sportsman, and as an iconic figure in golf, Christy represented his country and its people on the international stage with distinction, dignity and great humour.

His outstanding and courageous win in the singles in the 1989 Ryder Cup will be recalled for decades to come.

He was always very proud of his Galway connections and gave support to so many admirable and humanitarian projects.

He will be missed by not only his sporting colleagues, but also by his community, and in particular by his friends. We will miss his warm personality, his generosity and his great resilience of spirit.

To his wife Anne, daughter Ann and son Nigel, and to his wider family and many friends, Sabina and I send our deepest sympathy.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."