Golf

Irish Open organisers at Fota putting final preparations in place ahead of next week

Between 25,000 and 30,000 spectators are expected each day from June 18th to 22nd,

Shane Lowry at an Irish Open press briefing at Fotal Island Resort last month. Photograph: Donall Farmer/INPHO
Louise Roseingrave
Sat Jun 14 2014 - 01:00

Organisers of the 2014 Irish Golf Open at Fota Island Resort in Cork are putting in a final weekend of preparations ahead of next week’s event.

Some 100,000 spectators are expected to attend one of the European Tour’s most prestigious golf events, taking place at Fota for the fourth time.

It is all hands on deck on site, with an additional 80 staff drafted in to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Fota’s head concierge, Seán Collins, has yet to receive any unusual requests, although it is part of his job to deal with any that might arise.

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“It’s going to be exceptionally busy. It’s a huge event for us. What a tournament to be hosting,” he said.

Between 25,000 and 30,000 spectators are expected each day from June 18th to 22nd, according to the marketing director at Fota Island Resort, Séamus Leahy.

“We are hoping for about 100,000 in total. Anything over that would be a huge result,” Mr Collins said.