Portugal has lost a great friend with the sudden death of golfing legend Christy O’Connor Jnr while on holiday in Tenerife with his wife Ann. Born in County Galway, Christy loved Portugal spending much time in the family home near Loulé and also had his own Alentejo wine label. He will forever be associated with the magnificent Ocêanico Amendoeira golf course he designed and which bears his name. A particularly memorable highlight in a fantastic career was of course the 1989 Ryder Cup when his miracle two-iron to the Belfry’s 18th hole secured the point needed for victory. On the news of his untimely passing Irish President Michael D Higgins described him as “an iconic figure” who possessed warmth and generosity, adding: “As a sportsman, and as an iconic figure in golf, Christy represented his country and its people on the international stage with distinction, dignity and great humour.” Christy is survived by wife Ann, daughter Ann and son Nigel.