Paul McGinley is set to lead Ireland’s golf team at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
McGinley, who was hailed for his performance as captain of Europe’s utterly dominant Ryder Cup-winning team this year, will lead the Irish charge as golf returns to the Olympics in two years time.
“It was a great honour for me over the last two years to represent Europe as captain and I am now delighted to have the opportunity to assist my country as team leader of the men’s and ladies Irish golf team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games," McGinley said.
"I’m really looking forward to working with the Olympic Council of Ireland in the build-up to Rio over the next 18 months and representing our country at this phenomenal event.”
Olympic golf will be a 72-hole stroke play competition, with a field of 60.
Qualification is based on the official world rankings, with the top 15 ranked players eligible, with a limit of limit of four players per country.
Outside of the top 15, players will be eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top-15.
World number one Rory McIlroy has declared his intention to play for Ireland in Rio and has praised McGinley’s tenure as Ryder Cup captain.
Based on the current ranking, Ireland's men's team would be McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, with Stephanie Meadow the Irish representative in the women's field.
Also named were Tom Reidy (badminton), Ike Jacob (canoeing), Jeffrey C McCready (clay pigeon shooting), Triona Connors (horse sport), Ciaran Ward (judo), Lindsey Weedon (modern pentathlon), Morten Espersen (rowing), Gillian McDarby (rugby sevens), James O'Callaghan (sailing) and Chris Kitchen (triathlon).
The leaders are "the person having the overall responsibility for that sport", the Olympic Council of Ireland said.
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