*The Walker Cup – Day Two
CLARE County Council has hailed a “monumental” fortnight of golf in West Clare, with councillors calling for the international exposure from the Walker Cup and Irish Open to be turned into a long-term tourism and economic opportunity for the county.
The Walker Cup was held at Lahinch Golf Club on September 5 and 6, followed by the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg from September 10 to 13.
Speaking at the September meeting of Clare County Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said it was a “very rare opportunity” for the county to host two prestigious golf tournaments within a fortnight.
He said the council had gone to “great lengths” to promote both events and praised the expertise of council staff in supporting them.
Cllr Killeen said the events provided an opportunity to promote the county internationally through golf, tourism and enterprise.
He said the exposure was particularly important for West Clare and that the opportunity now needed to be turned into long-term benefits for the area.
He linked the events to the need for employment and population growth in West Clare, saying he hoped new industry could be created in the area.
Cllr Killeen also referenced the increased ability for people to work remotely and said this could help build communities and vibrancy in West Clare.
Chief Executive Gordon Daly congratulated the event organisers and praised the work carried out in Doonbeg and Lahinch.
He also commended local communities and businesses, while recognising the support of Government and agencies including the HSE and An Garda Síochána.
Mr Daly highlighted the role of volunteers and paid tribute to Clare County Council staff who volunteered their time outside their normal working hours to support the events.
“Every department touched the events,” he said, praising staff for keeping their “own day jobs going” while also working on the tournaments.
Mr Daly said the work had involved months of preparation and hoped the county would see the benefits “in the months and years ahead”.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) said West Clare “haven’t come down from the clouds yet” following the events.
He said the past year and a half had involved a huge amount of planning and coordination, with around 30 agencies working together.
Cllr Shannon said the events had created an image of Clare which had been promoted around the world, while social media could be used to build on the tourism opportunities created.
Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) described the period as a “rollercoaster” involving an “amazing few months”.
She thanked council staff and the local teams involved, saying there had been “phenomenal work” carried out.
“We really are the home of golf in the county,” she said.
Cllr Shane Talty (FF) described the two weekends as “absolutely fabulous” and praised the agencies, volunteers and communities involved.
He noted that Lahinch had previously hosted the Irish Open in 2019, but said the area did not get the opportunity to build on that event’s legacy because the Covid-19 pandemic followed six months later.
He described the last two weekends as “monumental” for north and west Clare.
Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) said the people and preparation behind the events were more important than having a “world class” tournament alone.
He said Clare had demonstrated its capacity to deliver major international events.
Cllr Mary Howard (FG), who was outside the country during the Irish Open, said what she saw on television had been “absolutely extraordinary”.
“Clare was on, no matter what channel you put on,” she said.
Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said the Irish Open had put Doonbeg on the international stage and said he would like to see the tournament return to Doonbeg or Lahinch within the next 10 years.
Cllr John Crowe (FG) described both weekends as “outstanding” and said it was great to see Clare “shown so well all over the world”.
“If you want it done, Clare is the place,” he said.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
