Adare to host Irish PGA

The Smurfit PGA Irish Region Championship continues its trip around the country with the news that this year's event will be played at the Adare Manor Golf Club in Co Limerick.

It's the first time that the event has returned to the Limerick area since Jimmy Kinsella (Skerries) won the tournament in 1973.

Paul McGinley won the title for a third time at Westport, Co Mayo, last April and the European

Tour player is likely to defend the crown.

This is the 14th year of Smurfit's sponsored of the Irish Championship and is the richest domestic championship in Europe.

As usual, there will be a qualifying tournament at a venue and on a date still to be announced.

"I am delighted that the championship is returning to Munster," says PGA

Irish Region secretary Michael McCumiskey. "The last time it was held in

Munster, Paul McGinley won the title for the first time at Fota Island. That

was in 1997."

Other notables to have won the title are Padraig Harrington, Des Smyth,

Darren Clarke, Philip Walton and Eamon Darcy. The last time a local club

professional won was in 1999 when Neil Manchip topped the leaderboard at The

Island.