BEST OF IRISH TO FACE OFF AT ‘LOUGH ERNE CHALLENGE’ PRESENTED BY LAKELANDS AND INLAND WATERWAYS Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland set for Enniskillen Showdown Four of Ireland’s top golfers will compete in this year’s ‘Lough Erne Challenge’ presented by Lakelands and Inland Waterways in a unique match between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at Lough Erne Resort in Co Fermanagh. World number nine Rory McIlroy will captain the “home” team with his partner, Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke, in an 18 hole fourball match against the Republic of Ireland team of 3 Irish Open Champion Shane Lowry and captain for the event, three times Major champion Padraig Harrington The inaugural ‘Lough Erne Challenge’ was contested last July between McIlroy and Harrington with the 21 year old Holywood player triumphing with a round of 68 to Harrington’s 70. The 2010 event will be played over 18 holes on Wednesday July 21st and marks the first time that teams representing Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will have played each other in professional golf. More than 6,000 people attended last year’s challenge but this year the event will be strictly ticket only with a capacity limit of 5,000. Commenting Jim Treacy, owner of Lough Erne Resort, said it was important to build on the success of last year’s event. “‘The Lough Erne Challenge’ presented by Lakelands and Inland Waterways will have added spice this year with a Northern Ireland team taking on a team representing the Republic of Ireland. The quality of the field is exceptional and we want people to come to the North West from all over Ireland, enjoy the golf and the special features that the Lakelands has to offer. To have four players of such high quality from both parts of the island of Ireland competing on The Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort is special and we have decided to reduce the capacity so that those who come can be guaranteed excellent close-up access of the players.” The event will be recorded by European Tour Productions for transmission in more than 40 countries worldwide with a cumulative reach in excess of 300 million homes. The 2009 Challenge was broadcast in 35 countries and gained the 5th highest audience of any golf event broadcast last year by Sky Sports. Speaking today, Rory McIlroy said the event would once again be an important part of his summer. “Last year was great and Lough Erne is a second home to me so the fact that I will be playing alongside Darren on behalf of Northern Ireland makes it all the more exciting. Jim Treacy and the team at Lough Erne have been a great support and The Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort is a truly spectacular championship course. Rest assured, there will be more than bragging rights at stake – there’ll be a lot of national pride on the line and I hope the home fans come out and help Darren and me on the day!” Padraig Harrington commented on the importance of the all island dimension to Irish golf and the particular value of playing at a venue that is rapidly gaining in reputation around the world. “I’m delighted to be returning to Lough Erne once again. I enjoyed my match with Rory last summer – it is a great golf course in a beautiful part of the world and I was struck by the stunning scenery and Lakeland views. Irish golf is enjoying a phenomenal run of success and teaming up with Shane as he prepares to defend his Irish Open title will be fantastic. I am always proud to represent Ireland and look forward to playing team golf - it is something that all golfers and golf fans enjoy. I am counting down the days to arriving at Lough Erne”. Darren Clarke added, “Playing professional golf in your own country is special and to represent Northern Ireland will be unique. I am looking forward to being on the 1st tee at Lough Erne with Rory and showing Padraig and Shane some Northern Irish hospitality! Jim Treacy and Nick Faldo have done a great job in a special location and I hope we can deliver something special to the fans that support us on July 21st” Shane Lowry said, “A lot of us on Tour heard about last year’s event and saw it on TV. To be invited to play this year’s ‘Lough Erne Challenge’ as part of a Republic of Ireland team alongside Padraig was exciting. Rory and Darren are sure to have the bulk of the support but we’ll be giving it everything to win at Lough Erne. It’s great for Irish golf fans to be able to attend a unique event where they will get so close to the action and I hope that people will travel from the Republic to what I believe is a really beautiful place and give myself and Padraig some vocal support in July”. Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing & Communications, Waterways Ireland on behalf of Lakelands and Inland Waterways (a joint partnership between Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland) stated “Lakelands & Inland Waterways celebrates what is best about Ireland’s inland waterways. To have players of this calibre playing on a course the standard of the Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort exemplifies our objectives and we are delighted to be the title sponsor of this event. The Lough Erne Challenge showcases Lough Erne and its myriad of activities magnificently”. The event was established by and is being promoted and managed on behalf of Lough Erne Resort by PLATINUM ONE Limited. Tickets for the Lough Erne Challenge presented by Lakelands and Inland Waterways are priced at stg£30 and go on sale on Monday, 31st May through www.lougherneresort.com and www.platinumonegroup.com Ends Further Information: Johnny O’Shea, PLATINUM ONE: +353 87 6750059 [email protected] .