Portrush signs set to honour hero McDowell

An online campaign by Radio Ulster DJ and close friend, Alan Simpson, will now become reality as road signs are erected on the thoroughfares leading into Portrush in homage to the recently-crowned US Open champion.

Alan's mocked-up sign, "Welcome to Portrush, Home of US Open Champion Golfer Graeme McDowell" received huge backing on Facebook and the concept has now been formally approved by Coleraine Borough Council.

Council officers met to discuss the matter last week and have agreed to mount the dedicated signage "within the next few weeks".

A Coleraine Borough Council spokeswoman, said: "At a Senior Management Team meeting yesterday Council Officers agreed, in principal to dedicated signage at the entrance to Portrush in honour of US Open champion, Portrush man Graeme McDowell.

"Council are now drafting up the layout of the sign to be made and mounted within the next few weeks.

"Graeme was the first European in forty years to win the US Open, one of golf's four Majors. He is also the only Northern Irish man to ever win this championship and Coleraine Borough Council is proud to mark this historic occasion.

"The Senior Management Team discussed a number of options including the dedicated sign, which was proposed by fellow Portrush man and DJ, Alan Simpson."

Alan admitted he was "chuffed" his novel idea would soon be viewed by all commuters travelling into the town.

He said: "I found the 'Welcome to Portrush' sign and along with a friend, the two of us put together an actual mock-up.

"I put it up on my Facebook site and the feedback was great. The next thing I had various people ringing me - MLAs and councillors - asking where the sign was. The council have now given it the green light."

A spokeswoman for Coleraine Borough Council said: "There will be three signs in total; one at the entry from Portstewart, one at the entry from Coleraine and the third at the entry from the Bushmills direction.

"The exact wording of the signs has yet to be agreed, but in essence will encapsulate Graeme's great achievement and his close affinity with his home town."

McDowell received a hero's welcome when he returned with the trophy to Rathmore golf club last week.

A civic reception was also held for the 30-year-old in Portrush town hall.

Meanwhile, sports minister Nelson McCausland has indicated a congratulatory event will be held for the winning golfer in the coming weeks.

In response to a written Assembly question, Mr McCausland said: "I have already written to Graeme to congratulate him on his tremendous victory in the US Open Golf Championship at Pebble Beach, California.

"I have also asked my officials to take forward the arrangement of a reception at the earliest possible date to celebrate this outstanding achievement."