Council Chair Welcomes News Of Big Names To The District

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is pleased to be hosting the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the end of May and preparations are in full swing. The European Tour have announced that ‘big’ name celebrities will be visiting the District during the Major competition. 

On Wednesday 27 May, The BMW PGA Celebrity Pro-Am will tee off at Royal County Down, Newcastle and celebrity names already confirmed are One Direction’s Niall Horan; Manchester United Favourites Phil Neville and Paul Scholes; Championship Jockey AP McCoy; Pat Jennings and Jamie Redknapp with more names to be released in the next few weeks.

Golfers confirmed to play in the Tournament include Rory McIlroy, Graham McDowell, Darren Clarke, Martin Kaymer, Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington.           

Speaking about the arrival of these global events and celebrities to the District, Cllr Naomi Bailie (Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson) said, “News of these world class tournaments and competitors coming to our District couldn’t have come at a better time - in the Council’s inaugural year. We aim to host many more international events in the area and are more than equipped to do so. The District boasts many areas of outstanding natural beauty and breath-taking scenery. In Newcastle you can virtually step off the sandy beach and on to the mountain slopes, or step off the same five-mile beach, on to Royal County Down Golf Course. Our people are friendly, our retail and hospitality sector is vibrant and I’m confident that celebrities and visitors staying here during the events will be eager to come back.”

The Council is also gearing up for the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia which races into Northern Ireland on 21 June. The ‘Mourne Route’ of the competition will see participants pass through areas in the District including Rathrifland, Hiltown, Spelga Dam, Bryansford, Castlewellan, Ballynahinch and Saintfield.

Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland have announced that Richie Porte (world’s No.2 Rider) will be taking part in the competition. Cllr Bailie commented, “The legacy of last year’s Giro d’Italia is still very much alive and has just been given another great boost with the news that one of the top riders in the world will visit Newry, Mourne and Down District.”