Donegal Daily
  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Politics
  • Features
  • Donegal County Council News
Sunday 17°CMonday 16°C

Donegal Daily Donegal Daily

sponsor banner
sponsor banner
  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Politics
  • Features
  • Donegal County Council News
Golf

Ballyliffin – The Legacy when the Grandstands are gone

written by Chris McNulty July 17, 2018
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

The 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will live long in the memory of TV viewers all over the world and will be cherished forever by the people of Donegal who delivered a spectacular sporting and cultural showcase that has put the county and region firmly on the world stage.

John Farren, General Manager at Ballyliffin Golf Club, reflects on the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

The stunning aerial images broadcast to a worldwide audience of almost 650 million homes in over 90 countries and witnessed by over 94,000 spectators over five days in Ballyliffin have catapulted Donegal to be one of the most sought after destinations in Ireland- and not before time.

Those who doubted the wisdom of bringing an event of this scale to Ballyliffin had underestimated the spirit of Ballyliffin and were stunned by the overwhelming success of the event and the glowing pride and hospitality of the people of Donegal.

This area was devastated by serious flooding less than a year earlier but through the determination of Donegal County Council and the can-do attitude of the community, Donegal seized its moment in the spotlight and dazzled the world in radiant sunshine.  

The local community got behind the event from the outset and virtually moved mountains to ensure the event was a success. This was one of the most celebrated Irish Opens ever with huge crowds enjoying a festival atmosphere in glorious weather on The Wild Atlantic Way.

With parking on site for over 10,000 cars and a traffic management plan that seemed effortless, despite the limited road infrastructure in Inishowen, visitors to the area, many in Donegal for the first time ever, were gushing in their praise of this undiscovered paradise.

Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray raved “If there is a course in heaven then I suspect Ballyliffin’s Glashedy Links is the prototype”.

The Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock masterpiece was presented in impeccable condition for the event and as Tournament Host, Rory McIlroy departed on Sundayhis words echoed the seemingly universal view of everyone who experienced the week.

“It’s been incredible. A lot of people were asking me what Ballyliffin was like and I was telling them that it’s a hidden gem. Ballyliffin has now been showcased in all its glory.”

The economic impact and legacy of the successful delivery of a world class sporting event must now be seized upon by the people of the region, working together with national and local government and agencies such as Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland.

It is critical we build on the success of the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and reap the economic benefit which Donegal so richly deserves. We have earned our seat at the table and must now command our fair share of government investment and international visitors through tourism focused capital and marketing projects in the region.

Ballyliffin – The Legacy when the Grandstands are gone was last modified: July 17th, 2018 by Chris McNulty
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Tags:
2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish OpenBallyliffinBallyliffin Golf ClubJohn Farrenrory mcilroy
Chris McNulty

Author of 'Boxing In Donegal: A History (2021)' - the definitive history of the sport in County Donegal - and 'Relentless: A Race Through Time', the 2019 memoir of former Irish Athletics Team Manager Patsy McGonagle. From St Johnston and now based in Letterkenny, Chris was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Play-off heartbreak for Donegal golfer in prestigious...

2 days ago

Portsalon Golf Club Ladies to the fore...

3 days ago

Golf classic for Ronald McDonald House to...

1 week ago

Another busy week for Portsalon Golf Club...

2 weeks ago

Portsalon’s Aoife Browne, 18, selected for Ulster...

2 weeks ago

Golf: Ciaran Williamson takes top spot at...

2 weeks ago

Youngs stars guarantee bright future for Dunfanaghy...

3 weeks ago

Letterkenny Golf Notes: Robert T. J. Brown...

3 weeks ago

Golf: Plenty of smiling faces at Letterkenny...

4 weeks ago

Busy week for Portsalon Golf Club Ladies...

4 weeks ago
Advertisement
Advertisement

Donegal County Council

Facebook
Donegal County Council
Advertisement
Advertisement
Donegal Daily Jobs

Read More

  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Sales & Services
  • Obituaries
  • Features
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Council News

Information

  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise WIth Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Our Sites

Donegal Woman
Donegal Woman
Donegal Daily

© 2025 Donegal Daily. All rights reserved.
Website by owenod


Back To Top.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.