International golfing legend Christy O’Connor Senior, more affectionately known to the golf industry as simply “himself” was honored at this year’s 12th Annual IGTOA “Gala Irish Golf Awards” dinner which was hosted last Monday night at Carton House, only one month before he is to be inducted into the “World Golf Hall of Fame” in November. The gala black tie event is the largest gathering in the Irish golf tourism industry and was attended by the Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism Mr. Martin Cullen T.D and was hosted by international sports TV commentator and presenter Shane O’Donoghue.
The event was well attended by international golf and tourism organisations such as the Fáilte Ireland, the European Tour, Ryder Cup Travel Services, Irish Open and 3 mobile, the International Green keepers Association and the Irish Region of the PGA. Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism said that he was delighted to attend, “the largest gathering of Irish golf tourism industry professionals on the night where they recognise the best in Irish golf.” He also said:
“I am delighted and honored to accept the Jerry Donworth Outstanding Contribution to Golf Award on behalf of Christy O'Connor Senior and his wife Mary. It is an honour for me to receive it from Mrs Bina Donworth. Christy O Connor Senior is a true legend of Irish golf and Irish sport and his achievements on the golf course during a career that spanned four decades were a forerunner for the success our golfers are having today. I am delighted that Christy has been selected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. He will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida, in November as part of the Class of 2009. He will become the second Irishman to enter the Hall of Fame, behind the late Joe Carr, who was inducted in 2007. It is a fitting honour and tribute.”
Minister Cullen also said: “As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, I fully appreciate the important role golf plays in our sporting life and in attracting high numbers of tourists to our shores. I would like to congratulate the Ireland Golf Tour Operators Association and the fantastic work your members have undertaken going back to your foundation in 1996, to develop and maintain Ireland's position as a key golfing destination.”
The very best in Irish golf also received accolades on the night with winners in the hotel, golf course and golf resort categories. The companies accepting awards on the night were:
Randles Hotels, Killarney | 2009 Large Hotel of the Year Award |
The Ice House, Ballina, Co. Mayo | 2009 Small Golf Hotel of the Year Award |
Old Head of Kinsale | 2009 Golf Course of the Year Award |
Adare Manor | 2009 Golf Resort of the Year Award |
Denis Kane, Druids Glen | 2009 Golf Manager of the Year Award |