Golfing events get €3.4m Fáilte boost

Fáilte Ireland have announced plans to pump €3.4m into a series of high-profile sporting events being held in Ireland this year.

Chief among them will be the Irish Open, due to be held in Royal Portrush, and the Ladies Irish Open Golf in Killeen Castle. Despite the men’s event being held in Northern Ireland, the Government body feels there is substantial benefit for the Irish golfing sector to be had by supporting the event.

“Fáilte Ireland continues its support for the event in recognition of the role the Irish Open plays in marketing the island of Ireland as a destination for golf tourism,” a spokesperson said.

The body will also support the Volvo Ocean Race (Galway), Tall Ships 2012 (Dublin), ISAF Youth World Sailing (Dun Laoghaire) and the Bavaria City Racing (Dublin), which sports minister Leo Varadkar believes will create one job for every 60 visitors.

“This is a very exciting range of events which will support jobs, generate spending and support the economy,” Varadkar said.

“Other big events are also taking place like the Notre Dame vs Navy American football game. These events market Ireland as a sporting destination around the world. The festivals and events held in 2010 attracted some 433,000 overseas visitors, generating €448m in economic activity and supporting 9,000 jobs’.