Victorious Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley says he’s been inundated with congratulatory messages in the days since leading Europe to victory at Gleneagles.

While McGinley would not go to lengths in mentioning  those who have been in contact the Dubliner did single out Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny, who the Dubliner singled out for special praise.

Kenny had been due to attend McGinley’s announcement earlier this year of his first two vice-captains in Sam Torrance and Des Smyth, and with McGinley afforded the use of Parliament House in Dublin for the announcement.

However parliamentary duties meant Kenny was unable to be present for the annoucement.

Irish PM Enda Kenny presenting 2013 Irish Open winner Paul Casey with the trophy. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

But then McGinley revealed today on the eve of the 2014 Dunhill Links Championship his relationship with Ireland’s leading politician.

“The Taoiseach has been texting me over the past two years and he’s been incredibly supportive in terms of facilitating the announcement of Sam (Torrance) and Des (Smyth) as my first two vice-captains,” he said.

“And he was one of the first to text me on Sunday so I am grateful for all his support and encouragement.”

And while McGinley intends to sit down and write a personal letter to all 12 players and the dozen caddies plus the five vice-captains, he revealed he presented each one of his team with the momento of a Veritas mechanical watch case that holds six wrist watches.