THE EUROPEAN TOUR announced its schedule for next year yesterday.
But the Irish Open was omitted from the list.
The tournament has been hosted in Killarney for the past two years and though it remains without a title sponsor this time around, US Open champion Rory McIlroy has already committed to playing, thus boosting the profile of the event.
RTÉ report that an announcement will now be made today about the venue for 2012 – and the Kingdom is said to lose the marquee date.
Carton House in Co Kildare will instead be awarded the Open. The exclusive resort – often home to Ireland’s rugby players when in camp – hosted the tournament twice before; in 2005 and ’06.
Next year’s event has been moved to the weekend of 28 June because of concerns of clashing with the London Olympics.
Last year, Englishman Simon Dyson took home the trophy.
A tad disappointed to see Eddie take the Cuala job. It’s a bit of a handy number really. I can understand his frustrations in Laois but this feels like a cop out. What he wouldn’t bring to a Carlow, Westmeath, Meath etc. It also saddens me to think that Cuala have the big bucks to throw at the big names and Eddie has probably been tempted by the €s.
@Johnny B: Tempted by €s? Is that such a bad thing? If he had taken over a county team with a few bob there would be purists implying he’s a mercenary too. He’s endured a tough time coping with the structures in Laois. Can’t blame him for joining a well run club with good players where he will probably do more for his reputation that spinning his wheels at a Carlie, Westmeath, Meath etc.
@Johnny B: I’m sure there is a bigger picture to look at here. Surely just a stepping stone into the Dublin hurling manager.
@EnKy: I don’t blame him either. Think he’s a real genuine hurling man. It’s just his attributes would be a real asset to a developing county. But you’re probably right = straight into the Dubs from here.
Would like to have seen Eddie in the Clare job. See how far he could actually bring them.
@Billy: would you not give Lohan a chance and try get the players missing this year back into the squad?
Best of luck to them,John was a fablous hurler ,thats some managment set up for a Club.
@Gerry Campbell: What about Ballaghaderreen baby?