Padraig Harrington last night had the saddest reason of all to withdraw from this week's British Open at St Andrews. After a long battle with cancer, his father, Paddy, passed away in his sleep in St James's Hospital, Dublin.

A former All-Ireland finalist with his native Cork, losing back-to-back finals in 1956 and 1957 to Louth and Galway, Paddy was responsible for introducing his son to golf at Stackstown GC in the foothills of the Dublin mountains.

"He never wanted to live his life through me," remarked Harrington of his father, who was an inspirational figure throughout his career as both an amateur and professional.

Paddy is survived by his wife, Breda, and sons Tadgh, Columb, Fintan, Ferghal and Padraig. The removal takes place tomorrow night to Ballyroan Church with the funeral on Thursday to Kilmasogue cemetery.