The Minister for Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht Affairs, Jimmy Deenihan TD, congratulated the winners of the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) 2011 Gala Irish Golf Awards, announced last night (Monday 24th October) at Thomond Park Stadium.
Six Irish companies were recognised for their high standards of service, quality and continued excellent industry standards. Paddy O’Looney, of SWING –South West Ireland Golf was awarded the “2011 Jerry Donworth Outstanding Contribution to Golf Award”.
“Paddy O’ Looney’s lifetime career has been built promoting the world class parkland and links golf courses of Ireland. He has been a leader in the creation, development and endorsement of the Irish golf tourism industry all over the world. His work has been hugely significant to the development of golf tourism sector in Ireland and his greatest gift to Irish golf will be its continued success” said the Minister.
Minister Deenihan stated: "These awards recognise the best in the Irish golf tourism industry, with awards for our national hotels, golf courses, golf resorts and golf secretary managers. Receiving an award from the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association is deserved recognition of the effort put in throughout the year to make the visitor experience as memorable and special as it can be.”
This year’s winners were:
“2011 Jerry Donworth Outstanding Contribution Award” -Paddy O’ Looney, CEO SWING.
“2011 IGTOA Boutique Golf Hotel of the Year Award” -Mount Falcon Estate, Ballina, Co. Mayo
“2011 IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year Award” -Hotel Europe, Killarney, Co.Kerry
“2011 IGTOA Golf Resort of the Year” – Glasson Country House Hotel & Golf Club, Co. Westmeath
“2011 IGTOA Links Golf Course of the Year” -Ardglass Golf Club, Co.Down, Northern Ireland
“2011 IGTOA Parkland Golf Course of the Year” – Killeen Castle Golf Club, Co. Meath
“2011 Golf Manager of the Year”– Vari McGreevy, General Manager, Ballybunion Golf Club.
The Minister continued: "The Government recognises the importance of golf to our tourism industry and through Fáilte Ireland has invested in a golf events strategy with a view to showcasing our product to our key international markets.”
Minister Deenihan also congratulated the IGTOA and its members on their hard work during the past year and wished them every success for the season ahead.