Ciarán WhelanA member of the Dublin football team that retained the Leinster Championship title and reached the All-Ireland semi-finals.

Who will win and why?

I would have to go for Europe, purely on the amount of experience in their team. They have tried-and-trusted partnerships, which should give them an advantage on Friday and Saturday in the fourballs and foursomes.

The four American rookies will be under pressure to deliver. But, then, the European rookies delivered in the Belfry four years ago and again at Oakland Hills in 2004 so it's possible the American quartet could play a significant part. However, I think this Ryder Cup will go to the wire, unlike the 2004 match.

What appeals to you about the Ryder Cup?

I think we see golfers in a different light at the Ryder Cup, where playing as a team creates a special atmosphere.

I think the first shot played by everyone on the Friday is special. You can sense the tension and the nerves that the best golfers in the world are feeling at that time.

Sundays on Ryder Cup weekend I believe are particularly special, as every shot can change the look on the scoreboard.

Who are the key players and why?

Obviously Tiger Woods is a main player for the United States - his form is just incredible.

It will be interesting to see if he can improve his Ryder Cup record, and his partnership with Jim Furyk will be interesting.

Monty for the Europeans has been phenomenal over the last few Ryder Cups. He's a real inspiration. I would expect him to be in Europe's first grouping on Friday morning and to set the tone, just as he did with Padraig Harrington in 2004.

Favourite Ryder Cup memory?

For me, it has got to be Paul McGinley's winning putt in the Belfry in 2004.

He halved his match with Jim Furyk but won the cup for Europe.

I've obviously got to know Paul well through the Allianz sponsorship and also through our strong GAA connections, so it was a proud moment and a day that I will never forget.