Open to boost county’s tourism

KERRY is set to capitalise on the huge international publicity given to the 3 Irish Open Golf Championship, held in Killarney.

The Killarney tourist information office has received a large number of enquiries and the hope is the level of interest will result in a hike in visitors, especially well-heeled golfers.

Other courses in the south-west are also set to benefit from the worldwide TV coverage of the Open which showcased the lake and mountain scenery.

The 82,000-attendance at the tournament was the biggest since 1989.

Following the successful staging of the Open, hosted by Killarney Golf and Fishing Club for the third time, the tourist town has also been urged to pursue other crowd-pulling events.

“We have the infrastructure to cater for those attending, we have indoor facilities for large scale conferences and events and we have sporting and outdoor facilities second to none,” said Killarney Chamber of Commerce and Tourism executive Jerry O’Grady.

A campaign is getting under way to get the country’s top golf championship back to Killarney next year.

A decision on next year’s venue will not be made for two to three months after a review of the 2010 Open.

Robert Finnegan, chief executive of 3, main sponsors, has praised local infrastructure, the Killeen course and the quality of Killarney hotels.

“The unanimous print and broadcast media view was that Killarney was a superb choice and delivered a memorable Irish Open on and off the course,” said local chamber president Tom Randles.