OCI Statement on Graeme McDowell's unavailability for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

The Olympic Council of Ireland respects the decision taken by Graeme McDowell to make himself unavailable for consideration for the Irish Olympic Golf Team. It is important to re-emphasise that Graeme’s decision was taken for personal reasons as Rio 2016 is a matter of weeks before the birth of his, and his wife Kristin Stape’s, second child.

This now presents a significant opportunity for another talented Irish golfer to represent his country and participate in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games after a 112-year absence.

In particular, we are very fortunate to have a global star in Pádraig Harrington who is now in contention for automatic selection for Rio 2016. Three time major champion Harrington commented:

"Based on the current ranking points I am next in line for automatic selection to the Irish Olympic Team for Rio 2016. I will work very hard over the next few weeks to achieve this selection as it would be a huge honour for me to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games, having played an active role in golf’s bid to be re-included in the Olympic Games programme."

The Irish Golf Team will be announced in mid-July.

For more information, please contact:

Jon Tibbs

Jon@jtassocs.com

+44 (0) 7909 974 727

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