Ireland's Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has paid tribute to the "skill, courage and nerve" of Open Champion Padraig Harrington at a reception in Government Buildings in Dublin.
Harrington won his first Major Championship and become the first Irish golfer to win The Open in 60 years when he beat Spain's Sergio Garcia in a four hole play-off at Carnoustie.
Harrington was accompanied by his wife Caroline at the reception which was also attended by the Minister for Sport Seamus Brennan.
Mr Ahern said to Harrington: "We salute your skill and courage, and the manner in which you maintained your composure.
"Of course the brutal reality of golf is such that when you are standing over a putt to win The Open, and a nation's heart is skipping a beat, there is no place to hide, and nobody to take the burden from you.
"We admired the brilliant yet calm and calculating way you played. It truly was a privilege to watch you rise to the occasion in the climax to one of the finest Opens in history," he said.
Harrington turned professional in 1995 and has since claimed 12 European Tour titles, been on the winning Ryder Cup Team three times in his four appearances, won The 2006 European Tour Order of Merit title and won the World Cup with fellow Dubliner Paul McGinley in 1997
Describing Harrington as a "national sporting hero", Mr Ahern said the moment the golfer lifted the famous Claret Jug ranked "alongside the greatest achievements in our country's sporting history".
Mr Ahern also acknowledged the part played in the victory by caddy Ronan Flood and Harrington's late father, Paddy.
The Taoiseach also paid tribute to leading amateur at the Open, 18-year-old Rory McIIroy from Co Down.
A delighted Harrington, accompanied by his wife Caroline, said: “"This is very special. It really is.
"It is a formal thank you from the Taoiseach on behalf of the people. It's lovely not only to get recognition like that but also to have the opportunity to say thank you as well."
Harrington will also be honoured by his local authority, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in the autumn.
