Just reward for O’Looney

THE country’s golfing Oscars were handed out last night, with an outstanding contribution award for the man credited with packaging the south-west of the country into one of the most formidable golfing brands on the globe.

Ireland’s Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) honoured Paddy O’Looney, the chief executive of SWING (South West Ireland Golf) with its 2011 Jerry Donworth Outstanding Contribution to Golf Award.

Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht Affairs Minister, Jimmy Deenihan, described O’Looney as “a leader in the creation, development and endorsement of the Irish golf tourism industry all over the world”.