Former Ryder Cup-winning golf captain, Paul McGinley is to be granted the freedom of Donegal for his help in promoting the county as a golf destination.
Donegal county council unanimously agreed to bestow its greatest honour on the Dublin-born golfer due to his close links with the county. Born in Rathfarnham, McGinley’s father, Mick is from Dunfanaghy and is a former Donegal county GAA player while his mother, Julia is from Rathmullan.
The first Irish man to captain the European Ryder Cup team, McGinley led the team to victory over the US in 2014. Twelve years earlier, he entered European golf superstardom when he held his nerve to hole a ten-foot putt on the final hole to win the Ryder Cup. At this week’s meeting of the council, Fianna Fáil's Ciaran Brogan said the golfer had made a huge contribution to the county.
The council has previously bestowed the freedom of the county on musician, Phil Coulter, Irish goalkeepers, Packie Bonner and Shay Given, singer, Daniel O’Donnell, Irish athletics coach, Patsy McGonagle and the 28th Infantry Battalion of the Irish Army.
Arrangements are to be put in place for the official presentation of the honour.
