John gets to grips with the stars at Adare

DURING Irish Open week, John Greville did more greeting handshakes than a politician on the election campaign trail.

John holds the distinguished titled of Doorman/Greeter at the Adare Manor hotel. Over the last 11 years he has greeted the rich, the famous, the stars, some kings and presidents.

“I love meeting and greeting our guests. I’ve met them all, Tiger, the Clintons. But I suppose if I were to chose a favourite, it would be John Travolta. He is a really fine gentlemen, indeed all our guests are fine people and always so polite. My job is to make people feel welcome when the arrive. I just want to be nice to people,” said John, who is a native of Dublin.

The 62-year-old was at the manor when Bill and Hillary Clinton stayed during a presidential visit.

“I met them, but the security was very tight and they were always surrounded by members of the Secret Service.”

Across the road in the Dunraven Arms, Louis Murphy hosted a brunch for over 200 friends of the famous hotel.

Limerick ham and Clonakilty black pudding provided a formidable kick off to the day ahead. And some teed off with a few bucks fizzes which helped dispel the after effects of the night before.

“It’s been a great week for Adare and there was a festival in the village which delighted all our visitors.”

Among those brunching were race horse trainer Eric McNamara from nearby Rathkeale, his brother Jimmy and their families.

Meanwhile back at the manor, Marie Collins and Bekah Huie from the Doonbeg golf resort’s marketing department were doing the rounds.

Bekah who runs Doonbeg’s US marketing operation said bookings are good this year despite the weak dollar, the election and the war in Iraq.

There were more than a few Munster rugby fans flying the Red Army colours at the tournament.

Brian Flannagan and Tony Quinlivan from Limerick came out to cheer on Padraig Harrington. Next Saturday whey promised to be in full cry when Munster take on Toulouse.

Justin O’Connell, older brother of Munster star also took time out to watch the golf. But it’s touch and go whether he will get to Cardiff. His wife Linda is expecting their fourth child and doctors say the baby may arrive ahead of schedule.

Irish Open hosts, Tom and Judi Kane travelled through the thronged tented village in a buggy.

“Ireland has been looking great on Sky all over the world,” Tom said.

Last night as the European tour folded up tent to roll on to another town and another golf venue, the party continued in Chawkes and Collins pubs in the village, before the village started to catch up on some long lost sleep.