14 July 2016 – Dublin, Ireland:
The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) and The Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI) are delighted to announce that Padraig Harrington, Seamus Power and Leona Maguire will represent Ireland at the Olympic Games in Rio this August.
Redmond O’Donoghue, Chairman of the Confederation of Golf in Ireland said:
“It is fantastic to see Leona qualify for the Games as an amateur golfer. She has such wonderful talent and now she has an opportunity to capture a medal at the Olympics so early on in her career.
“Of course it’s very fitting that Padraig has made the team. He has been pivotal in the campaign to have golf reintroduced to the Games. His experience will add another dimension to Team Ireland I’m sure.
“With Seamus we have one of the rising stars of the professional game. He has made great strides this year and has tasted victory in America.”
He added “I wish them all well in Rio.”
Team Ireland’s Chef de Mission for Rio 2016 Kevin Kilty said:
“We’re delighted with today’s Team Ireland golf selections and are fortunate to have a three time major champion and global star in Pádraig Harrington – a man who played an active role in golf’s bid to be re-included in the Olympic Games programme.
It’s also the first time that Irish golfers will compete at the Olympics, so it’s an exciting time for the team.”
The Olympic golf competition will consist of 60 players on both the men’s (11-14 August) and women’s (17-20 August) side, competing in a 72-hole stroke play competition to decide the winners of the gold, silver and bronze medals.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The selected athletes are:
Men’s golf:
Padraig Harrington
Seamus Power
Women’s golf:
Leona Maguire
For more information:
Contact: Nick Dawes, Olympic Council of Ireland
Telephone: +447557435851
