Cinderella story for Kane

By Brian Keogh

Adare Manor boss Tom Kane looked back on his first Irish Open and declared: "It's a Cinderella story."

The Brooklyn born businessman and former Marine Corps aviator could not have asked for a better finish to an event he stepped in to save from almost certain demise.

As Harrington left the Media Centre with the Waterford Crystal trophy in his arms, Kane looked on with pride.

He said: "It is a dream come true. It is a real Cinderella story and to have Padraig come through to win was just amazing.

"The play-off was a little tense and I told him to make it easier next time, I'm an old guy for crying out loud.

"We couldn't have asked for a better response from the fans and the players."

A massive 23,150 turned up at the Limerick track yesterday, bringing the total attendance to almost 60,000.