The Irish Olympic effort was dealt another blow today, with the announcement that Graeme McDowell would not compete in Rio.

Following yesterday’s withdrawal by Rory McIlroy – the erstwhile World No. 1 and current No.3 – McDowell was the next in line, on the basis of his current standing in the world rankings. However, as already pointed out on hotpress.com, the Portrush man’s commitment to the Irish Olympic cause had, in any event, been in some doubt.

That has now come to a head. McDowell has cited the birth of his second child, due close to the end of August, as his reason for not taking up the position on the starting tee alongside Shane Lowry. McDowell explained to the media that he had decided not to play outside the United States in the period before and after the birth of his child.

The next in line for the team is Padraig Harrington and the three-time Major winner had already talked about his ambition to represent Ireland at the Olympics. This has now been confirmed, leaving the finalisation of the team as a mere formality

“It would be a huge honour for me to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games,” Harrington said in an Olympic Council of Ireland statement issued on Thursday.

So, barring further upheavals, the team will be Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington.