'False, offensive' article caused great distress

In a statement issued afterwards, Ms Nordegren Woods said the "false and deeply offensive" article and accompanying photograph had caused great personal distress to herself and her family. She was "delighted" with the outcome of the case "and relieved that we may now put the experience behind us".

"It was always my intention to donate to a charity of my choice any monies recovered in these proceedings," she said. "I am therefore pleased to confirm that all payments received from the defendants will be donated to cancer support charities, in memory of the late Heather Clarke. This regrettable episode in our lives in no way detracts from the great love of Ireland that Tiger and I share," she added.

"We look forward to experiencing the extraordinary warmth of its people and our many friends in Ireland again in the future." Ms Woods had sued The Dubliner and Mr White over an article and photograph published in the magazine in September 2006.

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times