*Padraig Harrington meets Team Ireland Clare golfers, Jean Molony and Mairéad Moroney at the Portmarnock Links Hotel in Portmarnock, Co Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 

Ennis golfer Mairead Moroney and her playing partner Jean Molony met with Europe Ryder Cup captain, Padraig Harrington as they prepare to tee off in Abu Dhabi for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Harrington offered some words of wisdom to Team Ireland as they continue their preparations for Abu Dhabi and he also signed some golf balls that they will in the World Games in March.

Hailing from across Ireland, the Team Ireland golfing squad also features Dubliners Mark Claffey (29), John Keating (26), Andrew Simmington (30) and playing partner, Phyl Kelleher (80); Simon Lowry (27) from Loughrea and Jill Connery (33) Co. Armagh. They part of a 91-strong Team Ireland squad that will compete at the Games.

Padraig Harrington, a long-time supporter and worldwide ambassador of Special Olympics, said “Irish golfers are now rated as some of the best in the world. This March, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi when our inspirational Team Ireland athletes will be teeing off to achieve personal bests on a world class golf course.

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