For too often in recent years many of the biggest events and festivals in Ireland have been dogged by bad weather, which is such a pity given the amount and energy, money and good will which goes into delivering each event.
The Irish are famous for their parties and this week fingers have been crossed that lady luck would shine on us so that we could all party in the sun during the 3 Irish Open.
When we set out on our journey to select a venue for this year’s tournament, we were also embarking on a journey, which we hoped would change the template for this wonderful event. Critical to that plan was the selection of a venue which could be showcased to the world, which offered an accommodation package on par if not better that anything on offer around the world and most importantly which would be embraced by the community as a whole.
Killarney has proven to be an inspired choice. Not only is it is a town of stunning beauty but it is also steeped in a tourism tradition, where the proprietors and staff are supremely professional, and they understand the value of a proper welcome.
Killarney Golf and Fishing Club is not the sternest test as a golf course, nor can its presentation be likened to the likes of some of the more famous Irish names such as Mount Juliet or the K Club, but it offers something far more special in my eyes in that it has a back drop in the lakes and the mountain ranges that are second to none in the world. On top of that it is located close enough to Killarney town itself so that spectators can seamlessly touch both the tournament and the town depending on their criteria.
Of course none of this would be possible without the goodwill of the Killarney town itself. The community has worked tirelessly with the sponsors 3 and Failte Ireland and the European Tour to make sure that no stone has been left unturned in terms of preparation for the event. Killarney is wise enough to know that the opportunity to showcase itself to the world in these trying times is an opportunity not to be missed. Failte Ireland also understand this and their work on the ground, working with the local industries has been truly impressive.
The 3 Irish Open could not succeed without a sponsor that is true, but as important as a sponsor is, the event also has to be consumed by the locality hosting it. That community has to understand the objectives of the sponsors in terms of delivering a consistent message to everyone touching the event, regardless of their custom.
The Thursday of each tournament week is the most critical day of all because it provides a barometer of whether all the work has been justified or not. Thursday was a resounding success. The sun shone, showcasing one of the world’s most beautiful venues. The galleries arrived in droves and the players really enjoyed the buzz around the tented village and on the course. Once again Ireland could be counted on to deliver. We are a social nation who loves nothing more than a bit of craic. Behind that fun, we have the professional pride to make sure that no stone in untouched in our desire for perfection.
If only we could be guaranteed a little more sunshine!!
