Hi °C | Lo °C A row has broken out over DUP Sports Minister Edwin Poots' refusal to recognise Irish golfer Padraig Harrington's Open win.
Harrington stunned the golfing world last month when he lifted the coveted Open title.
On the same day Bangor teenager Rory McIlroy claimed the best amateur title.
South Down MLA PJ Bradley hit out after the minister refused to recognise both Harrington and McIlroy's achievements in a reception at Stormont.
He said: "Minister Poots has missed a unique opportunity to honour two Irish sportsmen that have carved a place for themselves in the history of the Open Golf Championship and in Irish golfing history.
"It is unlikely that we will ever again see a repeat of the day when the professional title and the amateur title came to Ireland on the one day."
He added: "I have also requested the First and Deputy First Minister to honour Padraig and Rory but I have not received a reply as yet."
In a letter to Mr Bradley, the minister recognised both sportsmen but ruled out formal recognition of Padraig Harrington.
He said: "As Padraig is a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, it would be more fitting for the government of his home country to determine how it wishes to mark his achievement.
" In Rory's case, in my role as Sport Minister I have recently sent a letter congratulating Rory on his success at the British Open Championship.
"I am also arranging a lunch reception to recognise recent sporting achievements by some of Northern Ireland's leading sportspersons and I have invited Rory to attend this reception, at which, I hope to have the opportunity to personally offer him my congratulations."
