Heaven open at Adare for fans

ENGLISHMAN Bob Avis arrived at the Irish Open yesterday and proclaimed he had discovered heaven on earth.

The semi-retired executive from Brighton said: “This is what I think it might be like when the grim reaper takes me. I don’t think they have golf courses above — so I like making the most of it down here.”

Bob, 67, has been attending the Irish Open for years.

He said: “Adare is just magnificent — the entire setting, the river, the woodlands and the rolling countryside. But it’s the atmosphere that makes golf tournament in Ireland so special. Tournaments in other parts of the world should look to Ireland if they want to know how to do it with style.”

And the staff at Limerick’s Jury’s Inn had also helped make it a fantastic visit.

He said: “I asked for a room overlooking the river but, instead, the room they gave me was looking into a car park. I went to the reception and immediately they got another room with a river view. Just great personal attention.”

Among the thousands who thronged to the tournament were Denis Sheridan, Joe Kerin and Colin Black who came from north Tipperary. Joe and Colin are married to two of Denis’s sisters.

Scotsman Colin, who works as an accountant, said: “The girls gave us special permission to come today. Denis and Joe don’t golf but they caddy for me at my home club Roscrea.”

And retired Los Angeles detective sergeant Fred Haptonstal, who now lives in Spanish Point with his Clare-born wife Josephine, said the Co Limerick course was “just awesome”.

Fred, 68, said: “We have been back living here for about 10 years. I haven’t played Adare but after what I have seen today I am definitely making it a priority.”

He was accompanied by David Fitzgerald, secretary manager of Spanish Point golf club.

Ennis Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Rita McInerney said the tournament would be a huge boost to tourism in the mid-west. She said: “I am here manning a Shannon Development tourism desk today to capitalise on all the visitors.

“There were shots on Sky of an angler fishing in the River Maigue. It was fantastic. I am confident this will be a huge promotion for Irish tourism and, hopefully, it will encourage people to stay longer. Adare has been a fantastic showcase for Ireland as a tourist destination,” said Ms McInerney.

Siobhán King from Shannon Developments tourism section said golf holidays will get a major lift from the TV coverage of the tournament.