Padraig Harrington today vowed to take another major after his nail-biting victory in the British Open at Carnoustie.

Hundreds of people gathered at Weston Airport in Leixlip to welcome home the newly-crowned Open champion after landing in a private jet with his wife Caroline and young son Paddy. The Harrington family touched down shortly before 2.50pm

Without any delay or drama the champion came down the steps clutching Paddy in one hand and the cherished claret jug in the other.

"My name was destined to be on the trophy," he declared.

Although everybody else seemed sure of the Dubliner's place in Irish sporting history, it was clear it still hadn't sunk in with him.

"I don't want it to sink in. I want to savour it for a long time. Hopefully it will take years for it to sink in."

Harrington, who took his first major at Carnoustie after a thrilling four-hole play-off with Sergio Garcia, said the win will help him take another major.

"I believe I can do it. Not just because I've won this but I'm improving and I've got more to give in the game and I believe it will happen."

Still emotional after the spectacle in Scotland he paid tribute to his late father Paddy for guiding him towards his victory.

"All the time when I'm playing golf I feel that. I think he'd be very proud that I've won a major. He knows what I've put into it."

The 35-year-old was mobbed by his family and friends including his mother Breda as he arrived at the private airport in Kildare.