The President and the Taoiseach have congratulated Pádraig Harrington on his victory at the US PGA golf championship in Oakland Hills.
Harrington followed his Open Championship triumph at Royal Birkdale with a two-shot win over Sergio Garcia and Ben Curtis last night.
It made him the first European to win not just the Open and the PGA Championship in the same year but to win any majors consecutively in the same year.
Mrs McAleese said his win was a “fantastic achievement”, coming hot on the hells of his British Open win.
“It makes him the first European golfer to win back-to-back majors,” she said. “Padraig just goes from strength to strength. The whole country is immensely proud of him."
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said his victory was “incredible”.
“I want to congratulate Padraig on his incredible victory in the USPGA Championship. To win two British Opens back to back is quite an achievement but to win two Majors back to back is absolutely incredible,” Mr Cowen said.
“To become the first Irishman to win a Major in the US ensures his place in sporting history and legend.
“He is undoubtedly one of the greatest talents this country has ever produced and has brought great pride and honour to Ireland. I salute Padraig on his outstanding achievement.”
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen said the victory at Oakland Hills was an outstanding personal achievement.
Speaking from Beijing, where he is attending the Olympic Games, Mr Cullen added: “As the first European to win the US PGA since Scotland’s Tommy Armour in 1930, Harrington’s accomplishment is an inspiration. He is also the first person since Tiger Woods to record consecutive major wins.
“I congratulate this truly gifted Irishman on the enormity of his victory. Harrington is a sportsman who has honed his talent to achieve true greatness and he is clearly Ireland’s greatest-ever sportsman.”
Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny also congratulated Harrington. “Padraig has proved himself to be the greatest golfer in Irishhistory, with all respect to his predecessors.
“Notably, Padraig is an outstanding role model for all people everywhere, playing with dignity and composure, while staying resolutely down to earth.”