Corkman to thank for Prince’s visit

HE may have failed to win a seat in the local elections but a Corkman has pulled off a major diplomatic coup that could have huge spin-offs for Irish tourism.

Plans are being finalised for Prince Albert II of Monaco to visit Ireland for the first time later this year and play in a golf tournament in memory of his late mother, Princess Grace.

It is expected the high-profile event will result in a huge boost for the ailing Irish tourism sector because hundreds of super-rich yacht owning supporters follow the prince wherever he goes.