Harrington begins build up for 2014 Irish Open

Harrington begins build up for 2014 Irish Open
Ireland's Golf Ambassador Padraig Harrington with Minister Ring and Tony Lenehan, Fáilte Ireland

Ireland’s Golf Ambassador Padraig Harrington was joined today by Michael Ring, Minister of State of Tourism and Sport in Stackstown Golf Club to begin the build-up for this year’s Irish Open and encourage all golf fans to get behind the event.

Speaking today Ireland’s Golf Ambassador, Padraig Harrington said -

"As Ireland’s Golf Ambassador I travel the globe, visiting and experiencing some wonderful places and playing some of the world's best courses, but I always look forward to returning home and playing the unique golf courses of Ireland. 

"I look forward to returning to Fota Island in June to play in this year's Irish Open, which I'm sure will be a fantastic few days for the region."

The 2014 Irish Open will take place in Cork at the magnificent Fota Island’s Deerpark Course from June 19-22nd.  The Irish Open was last played in Cork in 2002 when Denmark’s Søren Hansen took the title at Fota Island. The resort also hosted the Championship in 2001, when Colin Montgomerie won the last of his three Irish Opens.

Looking forward to this year’s event, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring T.D.

“With the renaissance in Irish Golf over the last decade, the Irish Open is a fantastic opportunity for Ireland to show what it has to offer. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland continue to work together to promote the island of Ireland as a great golf destination, and as a home of golfing champions. Fáilte Ireland remains committed to the Irish Open and fully appreciates its value in terms of global advertising and exposure.”

Golf is one of Ireland’s most important tourist activities with 160,000 overseas visitors take part in golf during their visit to Ireland every year, contributing €202 million to the economy. The Irish Open in Cork will provide a massive opportunity to showcase Cork as a place to visit to a global audience through worldwide television coverage over the four days of the tournament and will no doubt provide a significant boost to the local economy and tourism industry. 

Tony Lenehan, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Golf -

“Golfing is a big draw for high spending visitors to Ireland and the Irish Open is a great calling card to allow us to create awareness of the Irish golf experience globally and attract even more visitors to our shores – not only from our traditional golfing markets in the USA and Great Britain but also from emerging golfing markets such as China.”

Irish Open Tickets
Advance tickets for the 2014 Irish Open are on sale now at a special promotional price of €25 for Adult Day Tickets and €60 for Adult Season Tickets (concessions €15 and €40).

A limited number of tickets at those promotional prices – saving up to €10 for a day pass and €20 for a season – on the gate prices are currently available on a first come first served basis. Golf fans are encouraged to apply now for tickets on www.europeantour.com/tickets or www.irishopen.ie

Follow us on Twitter @Fáilte_Ireland @golf_ireland #irishopen

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Louise Tolerton - Press Officer
086 6086578 / 01 8847135

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