Harrington opens new account

Padraig Harrington has signed a megabucks deal with Bank of Ireland - and landed precious rugby tickets.

The Dubliner has signed up for three years and joins Leinster Rugby, the GAA and the Irish Cricket League on the bank's list of partners.

Harrington joked: "I should be able to get tickets to a few rugby matches and a few other matches too."

But the world No 12 refused to reveal how much he was getting paid.

He said: "It is obviously a substantial figure."

Bonuses for achieving goals have been written into the contract.

Bank of Ireland's Tom Hayes said: "I personally believe that a major is not that far away for Padraig."