News
Aiming for Above Par Tourism Performance as Top Golf Media Tee off on the Wild Atlantic Way
Sports Media with an Audience Reach of over 9 million
Building on the success of the recent Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Fáilte Ireland is this week hosting a group of predominantly US golfing media to Ireland to play a number of courses on the Wild Atlantic Way. The promotion is being carried out in partnership with Tourism Ireland who market the island of Ireland overseas.
The group includes writers, broadcasters and online media (such as Yahoo Sports) from the US as well as Ben Smith a top UK blogger. With a combined audience reach of over 9 million, the travelling media wo have just arrived from the British Open, will play and experience first-hand a range of courses on their visit, including the course selected for next year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Lahinch Golf Club. Other courses on the itinerary include the Doonbeg Golf Club in County Clare, Dooks Golf Links Killarney Golf Club (Killeen course) and the Tralee Golf Links in County Kerry.
Commenting on the importance of the trip, Martin Donnelly, Business Development Manager Fáilte Ireland said:
“Golf plays a significant role in Irish tourism and it is important that we do all we can to support the industry to reach key overseas markets, helping to boost visitor numbers across the country. We in Fáilte Ireland feel that it is important that we fully promote what is available by assisting these top golf media in showcasing what Ireland has to offer. We know we can provide world class golfing, great value for money and fantastic holiday experiences to our international visitors with more than 400 golf courses throughout Ireland, many providing a great showcase for our spectacular scenic landscapes.“
“Assisting overseas media provides us with a platform to promote the rich golf offering we have in every corner of Ireland. We very much believe that golf can deliver increasing numbers of tourists into Ireland and we can ensure this happens through trips such as this which help develop relationships with influential golfing media in key markets such around the world. “
Golf tourism is an extremely lucrative sector for Ireland with golfers being amongst the highest yielding visitors to Ireland. Ireland is home to a third of the world’s links golf courses, and over 200,000 overseas visitors take part in golf during their visit every year, contributing almost €270 million to the economy and driving over 1.7 million bed nights right across the country. 2017 was a record year for the Wild Atlantic Way with over 3.5m international and 4.3m domestic visitors to the region.
Bruce Selcraig, former investigative reporter for Sports Illustrated and currently with Yahoo Sports, USA, commented on his visit:
“I've been returning to Ireland every year for about 20 years now not only because of the world's finest links golf and the genuine welcome, but also the glorious smoke-free pubs, indie film houses, newly-abundant ethnic food joints..”
Killarney Golf Club’s General Manager, Cormac Flannery, said:
“The North American market is undoubtedly the most important market segment for Irish golf tourism. This market is primarily focused on our great links layouts so we are just delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our Killeen course to members of the US media, particularly as we celebrate our 125th Anniversary at the club this year. It is vitally important to us that groups come and experience our top class championship golf offering on the shores of Lough Leane under the shadow of Ireland’s highest mountain range. An unrivalled setting just five minutes from Killarney town and is a must for any group playing the great courses of the South West.”
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher and former ASTI President Donal Cremin at a function held in the Brehon Hotel.
Donal had been a member of the teaching staff since the school opened in 1998, working initially as a metalwork and technical graphics teacher before transitioning into his role as a school guidance counsellor. His career in education spans several decades, including 15 years at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney. Prior to entering teaching, he worked as a senior craftsman at the Sugar Factory in Mallow.
Throughout his career, Donal was a prominent advocate for workers’ rights within the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI). He held multiple positions within the union, including school steward, Board of Management representative, and regional representative. In 2023, he became the first Kerry person to be elected as President of the ASTI.
Outside of his professional life, Donal has been a long-standing volunteer within the credit union movement, serving in various local and national capacities over several decades.
The retirement event was widely attended by past and present colleagues. Donal was joined at the celebration by his wife Maureen and their children, Aidan, Maria, and
Amateur drama group Four Esquires Productions has announced ambitions to record a full-length feature film, with the ultimate goal of shooting the project entirely in Kerry using a local cast and crew.
The group has been working on various side projects, including short films, and has successfully pitched a potential feature film script.
Before embarking on the film project, the group will return to the stage for a three-night summer run at Courtney’s Bar on College Street from Monday, June 22 to Wednesday, June 24.
The upcoming production features four new short comic plays focused on dark humour and off-beat reflections on human behaviour.
Tickets for the performances are available via Eventbrite, and the group has also launched a new Instagram page to provide updates on both the live shows and their film ambitions.
“The summer is here that means two things. Warm rain and Four Esquires Productions have four new theatrical plays at Courtneys,” said spokesperson Brian Bowler. “The group have been busy on side projects including short films and successfully pitching a potential feature film. The end goal is to have it shot in Kerry utilising Kerry cast and crew. But before they do that we are back with new material and performers. We encourage all to get tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Audiences can expect off beat reflections on human behaviour.”
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May...
Four Esquires Productions’ ambitions for a full-length feature film in Kerry
Amateur drama group Four Esquires Productions has announced ambitions to record a full-length feature film, with the ultimate goal of...
Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures
Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures Concerns have been raised following the revelation that the main visitor centre for...
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy By Eamonn Fitzgerald Killarney won the overall national award as Ireland’s Tidiest...
HIQA registration delays opening of new hospital
HIQA registration delays opening of new hospital Confusion surrounds the opening date of the new 130-bed Killarney Community Nursing Unit,...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
