Padraig Harrington tees off at the Deutsche Bank Championship Friday knowing he will have plenty of Irish support in the crowd at TPC Boston.

Harrington, who had another very solid showing at The Barclays last week, tying second with Tiger Woods,  Ernie Els and Steve Stricker one shot behind surprise winner Heath Slocum, knows he might hear a Celtic Tiger roar from the Irish fans that will turn up in their droves to shout for one of the country’s top sportsmen.

“Obviously being Irish coming to Boston is not a bad thing. I had a great week in New York last week, and obviously I probably expect even more support up here. So it is fantastic for me.” said Harrington on Wednesday.

Harrington is well used to seeing familiar faces in the crowd as he plays around the world. 

At a recent appearance at Irish America’s Wall Street 50 Dinner in midtown Manhattan, the Dubliner, who turned 38 on Monday, joked that he recognized the Irish in the crowds by their “heads” or the “black shoes and the white socks," but mostly by the amazing support and pride that they show when they come to support him.

Harrington went on to say that he can always count on this support wherever he plays around the world, and it was another reason why he was so proud to be an Irishman competing at the very highest level of his sport.

The Triple major winner will have to continue his good form at the TPC Boston course as it is not one where he has performed well at in recent years.

“[I am] looking forward to making the cut for once. Obviously the last two years I don't think I've made the cut here.

“I like the golf course. I have no problem with that. It's in great condition. So hopefully a bit of form coming into it will carry through to the week.”

The Irish and Irish-American community in the Boston area will need something to cheer about after a sad few weeks with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, and Harrington might just be the man to bring a smile back to their faces with a win.

If he needs a little cheering to gee him up while in Boston he need not fear, there will be plenty tricolors and Irish heads to provide a little inspiration!