Stars from stage and screen are teeing off in Lahinch today on Day One of the Dubai Duty Free Irish open.
Crowds have been descending on the North Clare village since early this morning to catch a glimpse of golfers Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington, who are playing alongside the likes of singers Niall Horan and Keith Duffy today.
The choppers are landing here in Lahinch this afternoon, with all eyes on who is emerging as celebrities join the professional golfers for the Pro-Am game to kick off the Irish Open.
Around 9,000 visitors are in Lahinch today, with the first arriving bright and early this morning and the village has steadily been filling up since.
Well-known faces including Enda Kenny, Keith Wood, JP McManus, Davy Fitzgerald, Ruby Walsh, Shane O’Donnell and Brian McFadden are all out on the green today.
Also among those practicing his swing here today is actor James Nesbitt, who will play alongside One Direction star Niall Horan.
And it’s Niall himself who these ladies are most looking forward to seeing.
Former Munster and Ireland rugby star, Killaloe man Keith Wood is here too and is impressed with how Lahinch is looking.
A host of local food and craft producers from across the Banner County are also displaying their wares in the fan village, with visitors coming from every corner of the country and overseas for the biggest event in the Irish golfing calendar.
Head of Enterprise with Clare County Council Padraic McElwee says it’s the ideal opportunity to show off what the county has to offer.
Meanwhile, Gardaí say delays can be expected for those who are on the roads this afternoon but overall, it’s flowing well.
Inspector Paul Slattery is urging everyone to obey the Gardaí policing the roads.
For now, people here are soaking up the atmosphere but tomorrow is when the serious golfing begins and Gardaí are expecting much larger crowds to be here in Lahinch from early in the morning.
