Friday 15 January 2016 14:13, UK
Paul McGinley has described Christy O'Connor Jr's funeral as 'a sad day for Ireland', as he attended the ceremony for the former Ryder Cup winner.
McGinley and Sam Torrance were among thousands of mourners at Galway Cathedral to pay tribute to the Irishman, who died on January 6 aged 67.
O'Connor, best remembered for playing a lead role in Europe's Ryder Cup win in 1989, had been on holiday in Tenerife when he died in his sleep.
Those in attendance were told how O'Connor would be remembered as 'one in a million' and had been reunited with his son Darren, who was 17 when he died in a road accident in 1998.
"I think it's a sad day for Ireland," McGinley said. "He was a character, much loved, and I'll miss the fun.
"He was a big part of Ryder Cup history and folklore as we know. It's nice to be able to bring it here. He showed me how to have fun, that's the thing I'll remember most about Christy."
The service was led by Father Michael Kelly, a close family friend, who noted the flood of tributes when news broke of his death and the faith he retained following his son's untimely death.
"He spoke openly and confidently of his conviction that he would meet Darren again - not quite so soon, I imagine," he said.
"He prayed to him and for him and was convinced that Darren came to his assistance more than once."
Fellow Irish golfer Eamonn Darcy and John Mulholland, former mayor of Galway and a close friend of O'Connor, gave personal reflections on his life ahead of the Mass.
Among the gifts presented were the Ryder Cup Trophy marking O'Connor's triumph at The Belfry in 1989, when he hit one of the most famous shots in the tournament's history.
The Irishman fired a stunning 2-iron from more than 200 yards to within a few feet of the hole to beat Fred Couples and help Europe retain the trophy.
The golfer leaves behind his wife Ann, son Nigel and daughter Ann and will be buried in Rahoon cemetery.
