McGeady to defend title at Adare Manor Golf Club

Michael McGeady will return to defend his Irish PGA Championship crown at the historic Adare Manor Golf Club in Co Limerick from September 30 – October 5.

Last year, the 36-year-old from Derry edged out Damien Mooney (Ballyliffin GC) and Cian McNamara (Monkstown GC) to lift the title, adding 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.

“To be honest, I didn't realise just how prestigious a title it was until I had a look at some of the former winners,” said Michael who recently became a father for the second time.

“It was a very important victory for me. I was considering hanging the clubs up but winning the Irish Championship helped me through the winter and also helped to get the 2014 season up and running.

“Playing the Irish region events and winning certainly builds confidence and while I haven't been able to get over the line on the Europro Tour, I've given myself chances to win and that's all you can really ask of yourself.”

Michael has had three top-five finishes in his last four Europro tournaments but his current focus is on making it through the first stage of Q-School in France next week.

“I really want to do well and I am preparing as best as I can, working on my short game and distance control, trying to get everything as tight as possible for going away,” he said.

“When I get back I'll start thinking about Adare Manor. I've never played it before and I believe it's very tight. In an ideal world I would be playing some tournament golf leading up to the Irish Championship but that's simply the way my schedule is at the minute.”

The full field for the Irish Championship, supported once again by the Down Syndrome Centre, has yet to be confirmed but Christy O'Connor Jnr has indicated that he will play in the tournament pro-am on October 1.

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. 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,” says Peter Gaw, founder of the Down Syndrome Centre.

“This is a very exciting time for us, having recently leased a premises we expect to have our doors open this autumn. 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.”