Play
Tributes as ex-Irish Open champ O'Leary passes away at age of 70
Tributes have been paid to former Ryder Cup player John O'Leary, who has died aged 70.
The Irishman played on the European Tour for more than two decades, winning twice, including the 1982 Irish Open at Portmarnock, and represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 1975 Ryder Cup.
When O'Leary retired as professional, he joined the European Tour's board of directors, on which he sat until March 2019, and was credited with playing a significant part in bringing the Ryder Cup to Ireland for the first time in 2006 when Europe won at The K Club.
"More sad news in the passing of my friend and fellow Irishman 'Jonno' O'Leary - always a dedicated follower of fashion and all round great guy," victorious 2014 Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley tweeted.
Sam Torrance wrote: "So sad to hear of the passing of one of my dearest friends and roommate for 10 years on tour RIP my old pal John Oleary."
Most Read
- Craigyhill bonfire: Councillor describes pyre as ‘engineering feat’ as others raise concerns
- Four more Northern Ireland schools begin integrated education route after parental ballots
- NI poultry farmers ‘used falsified documents’ in planning cases
- NI motorists being fined £80 for untaxed vehicles despite being unable to renew tax due to MOT backlog
- Queen's Birthday Honours 2022: Full list of Northern Ireland recipients
Top Videos
Play
Play
Play
Latest Golf
- Matt Fitzpatrick relishing Scottish Open return after Brookline triumph
- Justin Thomas: Beating LIV Golf rebel would make Scottish Open win even sweeter
- Rory McIlroy hits out at LIV players who want best of both worlds
- Rory McIlroy confirms he will make Irish Open return at K Club in 2023
- Tiger Woods feeling stronger as he warms up for Open Championship at St Andrews
Latest
- Government to lose its majority as Fine Gael TD resigns party whip as mica scheme pushed through Dáil
- Michelle O’Neill says ‘so much more to be done’ on LGBT issues
- Johnson vows to remain in No 10 despite Cabinet calls to quit
- Nottingham Forest sign defender Moussa Niakhate from Mainz
- New report details missed chances to stop Uvalde school shooting