Francis is on par at Ryder Cup

Third time was a charm for Bishopstown man Francis Hynes who was spotted by millions enjoying a spot of golf in his Cork jersey last Friday at the Ryder Cup. Francis, who is over in Chicago for the week playing golf, made a chance TV appearance when he managed to get to the front of the crowd at day one of proceedings at Medinah much to the amusement of thousands who were watching at home in Ireland.

“I had been at a couple of the practice days with my father,” says Francis, “but that particular day I was on my own, I didn’t even think about it to be honest with you. I was walking along and a guy with a camera asked if he could get a photo of me and I thought that was it. I also saw three Kerry jerseys and there was a Mayo and a Wexford jersey there as well so it didn’t even cross my mind that people at home would see it.”

This was Francis’s third Ryder Cup and so far luck is on his side as Europe have won the contest each time he has gone, although heading in to Sunday, a win seemed almost impossible.

“I had a lovely couple of days and we got the right result as well which was great. It was nice to be out there and to have seen a bit of it but I’m a bit immune to everything that is happening at home. My daughter texted me and told me that I was trending on twitter and then I saw there was a Facebook page about it as well.”

The Francis Hynes Appreciation Page was set up soon after Francis’s appearance on TV and so far has gained over 300 fans. Francis will return to Cork on Saturday just in time to see his club Bishopstown play in their first ever hurling county title.

“I think I owe Joe Canning a pint for that one,” says Francis “as the county final was supposed to be on a week earlier and only for the All-Ireland replay pushing it back a week I would have missed the match. I’m looking forward to the match and hopefully we can get a result on the day.”

Francis was unable to confirm that it was his Cork jersey that helped the Ryder Cup team to their infamous win over USA on Sunday but given his recent exploits, Bishopstown fans are hoping that he can bring a bit of luck to the team when they play Sarsfields on Sunday.

A laughing Francis said: “No I don’t think all these wins are down to me, I’m just out here enjoying a spot of golf, my parents are out here as well so it’s great preparation for the weekend! My wife is great for keeping me up to date on everything back home so fingers crossed for another great result but I’ll be in the Bishopstown colours for this one!”