Corner forward Joe Deane, an All Star on three occasions, has won five Munster titles and three All-Irelands with the Cork hurlers.

Who will win and why?

Europe. There's little doubt the top three or four players in the American team are the best in the world at the moment on an individual basis, but taking the full side into account I believe Europe have the stronger team. Home advantage will be a substantial asset in terms of the support and I think that will lift the European team. They have a proven ability in the Ryder Cup and, as history shows, they have little difficulty bonding as a team.

What appeals to you about the Ryder Cup?

There is a huge sense of occasion in Ireland because the Ryder Cup is coming here for the first time. The fact that there is a two-year build-up and that every player is competing week in week out to be part of it is something that would appeal to any sportsman. It's a real pressure environment and anyone who plays golf can't help but marvel at the manner in which the players are able to function. In a game that's all about you as an individual, it suddenly becomes an arena where you have responsibilities to other golfers: your team-mates. There's no prize money but it's obvious how much it means to the players.

Who are the key players?

If the Irish trio of Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley are going well, it will enhance what promises to be a tremendous atmosphere generated by the home support. In particular, you would like to see Darren Clarke do well after the last few months. Again I think it will add to the team spirit. If the players involved in the matches against Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson can emerge victorious, it would be a huge boost for Europe.

Favourite Ryder Cup memory?

There have been so many good Irish memories over the history of the Ryder Cup: Christy O'Connor Jnr's two iron in 1989, but the one that sticks out the most is the Paul McGinley putt in 2002, his reaction and the reaction of the whole team. Then there's that picture of McGinley, Harrington and Clarke with the Irish flag around them, a great moment in Irish sport. On a personal level, it has to be getting my photo taken recently with the Ryder Cup and Padraig Harrington.