Portmarnock prepares - Countdown to Irish Open at iconic links

A group of very able people are co-operating to ensure Portmarnock's hosting of the X Irish Open in July will be an unqualified success.

fippa.org was honoured to speak with Larry Fitzpatrick (Club Chairman), Thomas Judd (Competitions Officer) and Noel Harney (computer systems guru and Irish Open Secretary) about the forthcoming event. The trio were in chipper form although there is a certain amount of disappointment that the 2026 Five Nations tournament unavoidably clashes with the Irish Open.

Thomas Ryan (PRO and Juvenile Officer) also offered his views.

How did the Irish Open hosting come about? "Frank Dineen (Pitch and Putt Ireland Treasurer) phoned us. There was unanimity among the Committee (to accept the event)."

"We've been here a long time. We haven't hosted that many nationals." Portmarnock has hosted ten Irish national championship finals but most of those were back in the 1960s/70s. 

"We have 400-500 members and we value the prestige and recognition (that this event will bring). It will be great to welcome elite players to Portmarnock."

Portmarnock counts among its membership the greatest lady player of all time, Geraldine Ward, who has played in many FIPPA events. Geraldine has kindly sponsored a commemorative towel for each Irish Open contestant.

Larry will be playing in the Open. The Chairman has competed in international Opens before, in the Netherlands. Thomas Ryan will also contest the Irish Open. He finished high up the WPPT leaderboard at Ring Commons some years ago.

Thomas Judd is undecided (about playing). Noel definitely won't be playing! The pair are likely to be too busy with cards, scoring and the myriad tasks that go into the making of a successful tournament. The Portmarnock group is primed. "Plans (for the Open) will be in place. The Organising Committee is meeting monthly. Whats App groups are working and everything will be ship shape for July,"

Considered locally to be the master of innovation, Noel proudly demonstrated another Portmarnock invention. Bar codes placed on juvenile wedges and putters assist with player identification and handicap allocation. With a cohort of around 200 Under-16s, this breakthrough is a godsend for juvenile event organisers. It also makes the juveniles feel welcomed and valued. With the hashtag TheNextGeneration, a Juvenile Open will also form part of the Irish Open programme in July. 

Club PRO Thomas Ryan has long been a strong supporter of the juvenile division of our sport and takes great satisfaction in Portmarnock's success in this area. "There’s great momentum in the club with nearly 200 juveniles as members and 117 played our Juvenile Captain’s Prize day."

Portmarnock is an environmentally conscious club. Heating has been converted from Oil to electric. Solar panels have been installed.

Everything is set fair for a memorable July weekend on the links.