Ryder Cup countdown kicks off with Limerick celebrations

The countdown to the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor began on Sunday, 4 October, with a live Q&A featuring captains Luke Donald and Jim Furyk in front of about 2,000 people at King John’s Castle.

The event, hosted by Today FM presenter Louise Cantillon, also showcased performances by The Coronas, BIIRD, The Hit Machine drummers and DJ Eric Fitz, and concluded with fireworks over the castle.

Limerick Senior Hurling Manager John Kiely told the Limerick Post that the Ryder Cup will bring “huge revenue” to the country, noting that hotel rooms from Cahersiveen to Achill are likely to be filled.

A video introduction featured Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, Mayor John Moran and Adare Manor owner JP McManus. After a live set by BIIRD, the captains made their first joint appearance since their appointments.

Ryder Cup Europe recognised Limerick’s All‑Ireland hurling team, with Barry Nash, Dan Morrissey, Cian Lynch and manager John Kiely joining Cantillon to reflect on their success.

On Monday, 5 October, Donald and Furyk visited Rathbane Golf Club, donating 50 new sets of clubs for junior players aged 2‑17 and conducting a chipping and putting session with Golf Ireland.

The celebrations continued with a gala dinner at Adare Manor on 5 October, attended by over 250 guests including government officials, Limerick Council, PGA of America and Irish stars Rachael Blackmore, Paul O’Connell and Niall Horan.

Media gathered for a press conference on Tuesday, 6 October, where Furyk spoke of his admiration for Limerick hurling after attending a match with JP McManus.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: John (Giannis) Tekeridis / Pexels.