All four of Ireland's recent major champions will be in the field at Killarney this week. Skysports.com picks out six likely contenders.
Harrington, McDowell, McIlroy and Clarke all present at Killarney
Ireland's quartet of modern major champions are all in attendance at this week's national open at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in County Kerry.
Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke all tee-up at the Irish Open which remains one of the longest-running and most prestigious titles on the European Tour.
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Presented this year by Discover Ireland, the tournament was first held in 1927 and, over the years, has been won by a large array of great champions that include Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie.
Built along the banks of Lough Leane, this stunning venue is hosting the event for a second straight year - won in 2010 by Englishman Ross Fisher.
Opened in 1972 and re-modeled 34 years later, Killarney has attracted another good field on a course where water comes into play on 11 holes.
So who looks likely to be contending this weekend?
Darren Clarke: Golf's newest Major winner whose last seven starts on Irish soil have all yielded top-20 finishes. Tied-12th in Killarney last year.
Jamie Donaldson: One of the Tour's most consistent current performers. His last seven starts have all produced top-25 finishes including a tie-for-10th in a windy Stockholm at the weekend.
Simon Dyson: Without a win since the autumn of 2009, the Yorkshireman was a top-10 finisher in The Open at Sandwich two weeks ago and is one of the most underrated pros on Tour.
Paul Lawrie: Tends to prosper when conditions get tough and if the wind blows this week over Lough Leane, the former Open champion could end up near the top of the leaderboard.
Graeme McDowell: In 16 Tour starts in Ireland, as a professional, he is yet to post a top-10 finish. Time to put that right this week!!
Rory McIlroy: After a disappointing week in Kent, the 22-year-old will be keen to contend on Irish soil.
