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Hugely successful JP McManus Pro-Am expected to raise up to €30m for Limerick charities
UP to €30 million will be raised for Mid-West charities following this year's hugely successful JP McManus Pro-Am.
Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke won the prestigious event, which organisers say broke all previous attendance records.
Heavy rain showers didn't stop over 45,000 golf fans, and celebrity hunters, from flocking to the course yesterday.
According to gardai almost 90,000 people attended the event over the two days.
Celebrities who took to the fairways again yesterday included Hollywood stars Michael Douglas, Samuel L Jackson, Hugh Grant and Kyle MacLachlan. Sports stars such as Ken Doherty, Jamie Redknapp, AP McCoy, Niall Quinn and Martin O'Neill also received huge support as did Westlife stars Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan.
However, world number one Tiger Woods was the star attraction yesterday as more than 10,000 people followed him throughout his round, which began at 8am.
Speaking during a packed news conference, which was beamed across the globe, he paid tribute to the tournament host. "JP and I have become great friends over the years. I think it is a testament to what he has done and is trying to do for all of Irish golf and Ireland in general," he said, adding that the huge crowds were phenomenal.
"I think everyone is just so privileged and honoured to be part of this," he said before he departed for Shannon Airport to return to the United States to spend some time with his children before next week's British Open.
Tournament host JP McManus said he was thrilled with the success of the event and he thanked everyone who supported the Pro-Am. "We are thrilled. We have had great support from everybody within the county and the Mid-West and throughout the country, and it is very pleasing," he said.
JP declined to be drawn on whether or not he will host another charity pro am in 2015. "I have enjoyed myself (this week], the adrenaline is very high at the minute and this isn't the time to make those decisions. But someday we will, God willing."
Following the conclusion of the tournament last evening, over 1,300 people attended a gala dinner at a specially erected marquee on the grounds of Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort. The majority of those who took part in the Pro-Am attended the dinner as did a number of invited guests such as Dr Martin McAleese, husband of President Mary McAleese.
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Weather for Limerick
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South east
