Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, and Fáilte Ireland Chairman Redmond O’Donoghue extended a warm welcome to the world’s media during a reception after the opening day of the Irish Open.
The media in attendance were treated to a Céad Míle Fáilte – or ‘One Hundred Million Welcomes’ – in the Gold Salon & Drawing Room at the splendid Carton House Hotel.
The function, called “A golf media Gathering”, was organised in conjunction with The Gathering, a year-long event which welcomes all friends of Ireland from around the world to return to the island for a showcase of Irish culture, tradition and fun.
In their speeches, Minister Varadkar and Mr O’Donoghue spoke of their pride in Fáilte Ireland’s strong association with the Irish Open, one of the annual highlights on The European Tour International Schedule, and its importance for tourism in the country.
With the Irish Open being beamed to a cumulative TV audience of more than 450 million around the world and receiving major media coverage due to the strength of the field, the tournament only serves to enhance Ireland’s reputation as one of the world’s great tourism destinations, both in golfing terms and general terms.
James Finnigan, Commercial Director of the Irish Open, said: “We must thank Minister Varadkar for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend tonight’s dinner and extend a personal welcome to those present for this ‘Golf Media Gathering’.
“Without the support of the Irish Government, through Fáilte Ireland, we would not be able to put on such a world class event here at Carton House and, therefore, bring the spotlight of the world’s media to this wonderful tournament and this great country.”
Photos of the event can be viewed to the right of this article…
