'The planning starts now': Limerick and Adare prepares to host 'amazing and magical' Ryder Cup

AFTER the last putt was holed late last night in New York and Europe won the Ryder Cup in a nail-biting finish, all thoughts turned to Adare Manor in two years' time.

Minister for Sport and local TD, Patrick O’Donovan accepted a ceremonial putter in Bethpage Black during a handing over ceremony on Sunday to symbolise the transfer of the contest's honour and history to Ireland. 

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Ryder Cup fever hits Limerick as Adare Manor to become official host venue

Mr O’Donovan was part of a select group from Limerick which included members of the McManus family, Mayor John Moran, members of Limerick City and County Council, councillors, senior gardai and a delegation from Adare Manor 

Mr O’Donovan, who was speaking on the golf course, said that Ireland, Limerick and Adare is looking forward to hosting the centenary of the golf competition between Europe and America in September 2027.

“We know that based on the work that we have already done it will be an absolutely amazing tournament, and we're looking forward to seeing all of you in Adare. 

“On behalf of the government, the people of Ireland and, more particularly, on behalf of the people of Limerick, I want say a huge word of thanks to JP and Sue Ann and all of the McManus family for making this happen because without the Adare Manor Golf Resort we wouldn't be in a position to host one of the world's major sporting events in our small little community in the west of Ireland,” said Mr O’Donovan.

He thanked Mr McManus on behalf of everybody at home and on behalf of all the golfing enthusiasts across the world who will “experience something amazing and magical in Limerick and Adare when we get to meet again in 2027”.

Mayor Moran said it's all happening in America at the moment and he has heard it's all happening back in Adare as well. A community engagement day took place in Adare on Sunday with watch parties of the closing stages of Ryder Cup 2025 in pubs across the village.

“The reality is it's a two year countdown now, so it's got to be Team Limerick. We’ve got loads of things to do but I think if we can get communities behind us, that's what will make the difference.

“If I think about the differences between where we are in Bethpage Black and Limerick, I think it's going to be that all of Limerick are going to be participating in this,” said Mayor Moran, who added that “we’ve got to just pull together”.

“It's been really great to be here. I've seen the team break up into different spaces. The guards are doing their thing, tourism are doing their thing, people doing the organising, our comms team, really picking up tricks to make sure that when it comes to Limerick we're just going to do it so much better.

“You can see a real interest already in people wanting to come to Limerick for this event which is great and we're just going to build on that,” said Mayor Moran.

Dr Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, said the trip is a reminder that “we’re going to be staging one of the world's biggest and best supported events in two years”. 

“The planning starts now. Limerick is the sporting capital of Ireland and I think people are going to embrace it.

"What we want to make sure is that people are thinking now about how they can participate, how they can help, how they can  support the event and put Limerick on the world stage,” said Mr Daly, who highlighted the backing of the government and the pivotal role played by the McManus family to bring it to Limerick.

Cathaoirleach of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, Cllr Ger Ward said it was a “real privilege to be here”.

“It’s huge. The work that’s put in here is just amazing. I’m counting down the days to September 2027. I'd like to acknowledge the McManus family, especially Noreen and JP, because without their investment in Adare Manor we wouldn't be even having this conversation,” said Cllr Ward.