Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last Friday saw the launch of a new golf course at Adare Manor in Adare, County Limerick. It was also the launch of the J.P. McManus Pro Am 2020. When the previous pro am was held in 2010, it raised almost €50 million for charities across the mid-west. I compliment Mr. McManus and his team of volunteers who are involved in organising the pro am.

Rory McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry attended on Friday and played 18 holes of golf. Approximately 5,000 spectators were at the launch and witnessed an exhibition of golf. Mr. McManus also announced that he hoped to host the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in 2026. This proposition was backed by all four of the golfers who were present on the day.The Ryder Cup was last held in Ireland in 2006. I ask the Leader to speak to the Taoiseach and to the relevant Ministers so that we can have a whole-of-government approach to bringing the Ryder Cup to Adare. Mr. McManus has put a lot of work into his bid application. He has submitted that bid and it is important that the Government would support him in order to promote not only golf, but also Ireland itself.