Cian O'Connor channels family legacy for fairytale win at Connacht Men's Stroke Play
The golfer held his nerve late on to claim the Connacht Men's Open Stroke Play Championship by a single shot at Galway Golf Club.
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Cian O'Connor claimed the Connacht Men's Open Stroke Play Championship on Saturday
Credit: INSTAGRAM @irish_amateur_golf_info
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Cian O'Connor's golfing roots run deep - his great uncle is the late legend Christy O'Connor Junior
The 22-year-old, whose golfing roots run deep at the Salthill course thanks to his family legends Christy O'Connor Snr and Jnr.
He fired a stunning final round 65 to finish on -3 - one ahead of Castleknock's David Reddan.
Home support roared him over the line, with his dad, sister and grandparents all there to witness his first senior victory.
Speaking after the historic win, O'Connor spoke of his emotion and joy at winning such as prestigious competition at the venue.
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He stated: 'This is where golf started for my family. It's a special place to win.
The University of Memphis student showed his bottle as he carded a gritty bogey at the last after a nervy provisional tee shot
He added: 'It wasn't over until the very last group came in.
'I was just relieved to get it done.'
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'This is definitely one of my best ever days on a golf course.'
Irish golfing royalty runs deep in the O'Connor family.
Amanda Balionis accused by Scottie Scheffler of 'trying to get him emotional' during live TV interview
Christy O'Connor Senior racked up an incredible 24 professional wins, including two British Masters and multiple Irish championships.
The Galway native never won a Major but was a Ryder Cup mainstay across four decades.
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Christy O'Connor Junior made headlines of his own, famously winning four times on the European Tour.
But it was that 2-iron at The Belfry in the 1989 Ryder Cup that cemented his legacy.
The shot is widely regarded as one of the most iconic shots in Ryder Cup history.
He also bagged two Senior British Opens in a glittering career..
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