6/18/2013

Emirates Fly High at Carton

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One of the European Tour’s most popular events, the 2013 Irish Open takes place from 27th – 30th June, returning to the spectacular Carton House Estate in Co Kildare, following a seven year absence.

Following the record-breaking, sell-out tournament at Royal Portrush in 2012, Emirates is again preparing to welcome tens of thousands of golfing fans to the Emirates Booth at Carton House, to enjoy A Taste of Dubai with traditional Arabic coffee and dates, and view all the on-course action from a live-feed plasma screen. There will be an opportunity to learn more about Emirates and the 134 destinations to which it connects customers, along with a chance to win great prizes.

Emirates’ three-year sponsorship of the Irish Open is an integral part of the international airline’s commitment to the Irish market, following the highly successful launch of its flights from Dublin in January 2012. 

The agreement with The Irish Open includes course branding, tournament hospitality, advertising and on-site activity, including a corporate marquee and team participation in the Tournament Pro-Am. 

Reigning champion Jamie Donaldson returns to defend his title and among his opposition will be home-bred Major Champions Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington. A special home welcome will be reserved for Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, who will be making his first playing appearance in Ireland since his historic appointment earlier this year. 

Former Irish Open Champion and rising star of international golf, Shane Lowry, will have added incentive to win, as he has been the Touring Professional for Carton House since 2012.

“Emirates’ official airline partnership with the 2012 Irish Open was our maiden sponsorship in Ireland and a strategic part of growing and cementing our brand presence in a new, emerging market,” said Margaret Shannon, Country Manager for Emirates in Ireland.

“The Irish Open is one of The European Tour’s best attended tournaments and we are looking forward to meeting and welcoming thousands of golf fans to the Emirates Booth over the four days.”

“Emirates is a world-class partner that brings added global exposure and prestige to the Irish Open,” said James Finnigan of The European Tour and the Commercial Director of the Irish Open. “This event has massive appeal, attracting audiences from all over the world, so it’s appropriate that a like-minded sponsor with an extensive reach and a strong foothold in golf is onboard.”


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Irish Open Strikes Tullow Oil

James Finnigan (left), Commercial Director of the Irish Open, with Kevin Quinn, Brand Projects Manager for Tullow Oil (EuropeanTour)
Tullow Oil, the multi-national oil and gas exploration company founded in Ireland, has joined the list of Official Sponsors for this year’s Irish Open.

Launched in 1986 in Tullow, a small town approximately 35 miles south of Dublin, Tullow Oil has gone on to become an international success story, with a record annual revenue last year of more than $2.3bn.

The company now has its headquarters in London and operates across 25 different countries, but continues to have a strong presence in Ireland. It is returning to its Irish roots as an Official Sponsor of the 2013 Irish Open, which will be held at Carton House, in Co. Kildare, from June 27-30. 

James Finnigan, Commercial Director of the Irish Open, said: “"We are delighted to welcome Tullow Oil to our portfolio of Official Sponsors. It is especially pleasing that an internationally successful company with a strong Irish heritage wants to be associated with Ireland's National Open.

“The tournament promises to be a celebration of the success of Irish golf, with World Number Two and reigning Race to Dubai Champion Rory McIlroy joined in field by Ireland’s three other Major Champions, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell, along with Ireland’s first Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, so it is a big boost for the tournament to have another internationally successful Irish company on board.”

Kevin Quinn, Tullow Brand Projects Manager, said: “Tullow is delighted to be sponsoring the 2013 Irish Open. Tullow was founded in Ireland in 1986 and we remain listed on the Irish Stock Exchange.

“We continue to have strong connections in Ireland, especially through our Dublin office which contains a great deal of Tullow's geoscience and engineering expertise."

Irish golf fans can now book their tickets to see all four of Ireland’s Major champions, and a host of other European Tour stars, in action at Carton House. An advance season ticket for all four days of The Irish Open can be bought for €70, a saving and €10 on admission at the gate. Adult day tickets are priced at €30 pre-event, and €35 on the gate. Concessions are available at €50 for a season (€60 on the gate) and €20 for any one day (€25 on the gate).

Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and all car parking is also free.

A limited number of reserved seats are still available for ‘Open House@17’ – a unique feature of this year’s Irish Open where spectators can enjoy the fun of the par three 17th hole in a special grandstand for just €10 per day. From this vantage point, fans can view Carton House’s signature hole as well as the action from the rest of the course on big screens.

Anyone who has already purchased reserved seating for the 18th green grandstand will also receive automatic entrance to the 17th stand. All reserved grandstand seating for the 18th on Saturday and Sunday is now sold out.

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