Government extends sympathies to golfer

The Government last night joined leading figures in the world of sport in expressing sympathy to Irish golf star Darren Clarke on the death of his wife, Heather.

Heather Clarke (39) died at London's Royal Marsden Hospital early yesterday after a long battle with cancer. She leaves two children, Tyrone (8) and Conor (5).

In a statement issued by his management company, Darren Clarke said: "Heather's courage and bravery throughout the last two years when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer has been an inspiration. Heather never complained once throughout her ordeal and we will all miss her greatly. She was a wonderful and enormously supportive wife, mother and friend."

Clarke, who is from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, pulled out of the international golf circuit three weeks ago to care for his dying wife.

Last night, Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue said that he was very saddened to learn of Heather Clarke's untimely death.

"I wish to extend my condolences to Darren and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time," he said.

Irish golfer Paul McGinley, a close friend of Clarke, said last night that he would be pulling out of this week's US PGA championship in Illinois to attend the funeral, a move which could hurt his prospects of securing a place in next month's Ryder Cup at the K Club.

"Our two families are very much intertwined, obviously me and Darren out here, but Heather and Ali [McGinley's wife] were the best of friends and our kids are in the same class at school. You don't ever want to see anybody go. You always hold out hope right to the last minute. But boy she put up some battle, she put up some fight.

"It has been a tough ride for us all the last couple of years, but especially for Darren. He will have some issues to deal with now, but we will fully support him in any way we can," he said.

McGinley is in contention for the 10th and last automatic selection spot for Europe's Ryder Cup team. However, he said: "Some things are more important than the Ryder Cup and this is one of them."

European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam said: "All the players out here on tour have known that Heather has been struggling for a couple of years now and we just all feel very sorry for Darren and sorry for his family at this time."

Heather and Darren Clarke were honorary members of Dungannon golf club, where the flag flew at half-mast yesterday. Honorary secretary Seán Hughes said: "Darren and his family have had a long association with this golf club. He learned to play his golf here when he was a teenager. We are all truly saddened because she was a lovely, beautiful girl, who supported Darren throughout her illness."

George O'Grady, executive director of the European Tour, said in a statement: "Everyone connected with the tour will be immensely saddened by this news."