2013 tourism expo sends Open north

PLANS to bring the Diaspora home for ‘The Gathering’ festival to boost the Irish economy in 2013 have helped to send the Irish Open north of the border this summer.

European Tour officials confirmed at Royal Portrush yesterday the national championships will return to Carton House in June of next year.

Many felt Carton would host this year’s event before Portrush staged a dry run in its bid for the Open Championship by holding the Irish Open in 2013.

Irish government plans dictated otherwise, however, with the coalition keen to stage the 2013 Irish Open at Carton House to coincide with The Gathering, a huge homecoming event for the Irish abroad.

“The Gathering will be the biggest tourism festival ever held in Ireland and the Irish Open at Carton House will be a special and unforgettable element of that programme,” explained Failte Ireland chairman Redmond O’Donoghue at yesterday’s press conference in the Royal Portrush clubhouse.

“Given the success of Ulster golfers in recent years, it is very fitting that we stage the Irish Open in Portrush this year and we are four square behind the decision.

“But the Irish Open is our baby and we will be welcoming our child back in 2013 when the tournament returns to Carton House for the first time in six years.”

Carton’s golf guru Conor Mallaghan said “We have waited six years for the Open to return to us.

“Everyone remembers 2006 for the dreadful weather and we hope to put that right next year but there is also so much more about Carton House now compared to then and we look forward to hosting a fantastic Irish Open in 2013.”