Limerick Chamber CEO Dee Ryan has said that the announcement today that paves the way for the Ryder Cup to be hosted in Adare Manor will shed an unprecedented global spotlight on Limerick and the wider region.
Responding to news of the government commitment that will secure the event for Adare Manor in 2026, Ms Ryan said: “This is as big as it can possibly get for us in terms of events to be hosted in our region. The Ryder Cup is the pinnacle of world golf and we are beyond thrilled that it will be coming to County Limerick.
“There will be multiple economic impact assessments done, with estimates already out that it will be worth as much as €160 million but you really couldn’t put a number on the value of this for Limerick and the wider region. It’s that big.
“Everyone involved in securing today’s announcement, principally Mr McManus and his team at Martinstown and Adare Manor, deserve incredible credit. They have done a huge service to the region in securing what is a globally watched, prestigious sporting event.
“It’s up to us now as stakeholders – the business community, local authorities and government agencies – to ensure that we put the supports necessary in place to capitalise on this incredible opportunity for the Region. Given the need to put our best foot forward with this event when the eyes of the world are on us, it is essential, in particular, that we get the N69 completed, which will link the Wild Atlantic Way through Foynes to the motorway, by-passing Adare and giving much needed relief to the traffic congestion there.
“The Mid-West and wider West of Ireland is already an attraction for golfing enthusiasts and visitors looking for adventure, outdoors, scenery, attractions and, indeed, the incredible Irish culture that we have here. The exposure that Limerick will get in the run up to, during and, indeed, after the Ryder Cup being hosted here puts us on a global stage – it’s a spotlight that we simply could not buy.”
Ms Ryan said that the securing of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor is further evidence of the commitment by JP McManus to the county and region. “Mr McManus doesn’t only make charitable gifts to worthy causes through his foundation, he has consistently invested in projects that provide direct and indirect employment and enhance the regional offering, not least Adare Manor, one of the best hotels in Europe, and the planned development of a major visitor attraction ‘The International Rugby Experience‘ in the heart of Limerick City.
“On top of that, there’s his support for Limerick GAA, which has been a huge facilitator for the county’s All-Ireland success last year, something that instilled a renewed sense of pride in Limerick.
“This is a great time for Limerick. There’s so much happening on the jobs front, on the inward investment front, the city being rebuilt, a real confidence growing here and now, thanks to JP, we have one of the world’s leading sports event coming as well.”
She added “Our task now as a region is to get together and plan how we can maximise this for Adare Manor, for Adare, Limerick and Ireland. It is fantastic news and our hats off to JP McManus and, indeed, Government for underwriting the event. It was JP’s foresight, in particular, to acquire and invest so much in Adare that has made this happen. The region will be forever indebted for this.”