Adare Manor to host Irish PGA Championship

The 104th Irish PGA Championship will be held at the historic Adare Manor Golf Club in Co Limerick for the first time from September 30 – October 5.

PGA in Ireland secretary, Michael McCumiskey said: “We are delighted to be able to bring the Irish Championship to a club with Adare Manor's rich tradition and history. This year's event will be supported by one of our key partners, the Down Syndrome Centre, and we look forward to another exciting and successful tournament.”

The Irish PGA Championship was won last year at Roganstown GC by Derry man Michael McGeady who edged out Damien Mooney (Ballyliffin GC) and Cian McNamara (Monkstown GC).

In the process, McGeady added his name to a list of Ireland's golfing greats including the likes of Christy O'Connor Snr, Harry Bradshaw, Des Smyth, Padraig Harrington and current Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley.

“Adare Manor Golf Club are privileged to be hosting the 2014 Irish PGA Championship at our picturesque 18-hole golf course. Our members are delighted to welcome Ireland's premier golfers to our recently voted 'Best Hidden Gem in Ireland',” said captain Richard Hickey.

“The venue provides an excellent location to spectators offering easy access to the course while also providing the highest quality hospitality within the Golf Club and Adare Village.

“Adare Manor are also privileged to be linked with the event partners - Down Syndrome Centre - who for many years have created a five star dedication to support families and carers of people with Down Syndrome.

“Finally, the officers and members of Adare Manor Golf Club are delighted to extend a warm welcome to all visitors during the week.”

The main goal of the Down Syndrome Centre is to provide vital services, to support parents in developing a knowledge and understanding of this intellectual disability, and to portray the positive life outcomes that are available for children born with Down Syndrome.

“We are delighted to be associated with this year’s Irish PGA Championship which is being held in the wonderful surroundings of the Adare Manor Golf Club," said Peter Gaw, founder of the Down Syndrome Centre.

"We have enjoyed our ongoing relationship with The PGA which is helping us to raise much needed funds to run a centre dedicated to people with Down syndrome.

“This is a very exciting time for us, having recently leased a premises we expect to have our doors open in early September. The centre is needed now more than ever and we are delighted to be so close to realising our mission of providing services to children with their Down syndrome, along with support and advice to their families.”