Padraig Harrington is preparing himself for a "different sort of pressure" when he defends his Irish Open title next month.

The Dubliner has not set foot on an Irish tee box since winning The Open in July last year and claims to have always found it hard to cope coming into his 'fifth major'.

However, he feels July's success in Carnoustie and the fact that in May last year he became the first Irishman in 25 years to win his home tournament, may stand him in good stead.

"It will be the first time I actually tee it up in Ireland as the British Open champion so it will bring a different sort of pressure," he told the European Tour's official website ( www.europeantour.com) today.

"I think I have to say after last year that I have the wherewithal to handle it."

Harrington can expect a hero's welcome from the fans when he takes to the Adare Manor course on May 15th looking for a repeat performance.

The 36-year-old added:  "The Irish Open victory last year meant more than even I realised at the time. I had been trying for at least 10 years, with many frustrations.

"I always found it very difficult to handle the pressure, the distractions and the general hype of an Irish Open. Years of that building up, the fact no Irishman had won it in 25 years, the media hype going into the event and then to actually finally win the tournament was ever so big for me.

"The Irish Open is the fifth biggest tournament in the world to me. You have the four majors and then to win an Irish Open is right up there."