Armagh GAA trio and rugby’s Rory Best added to Amgen Irish Open star-studded Pro-Am line-up at Royal County Down
With just two weeks to go to the Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down, four more sport stars have been added to the Pro-Am line up on Wednesday September 11th. Joining the line-up are Armagh’s Rían O’Neill and Jarlath Óg Burns as well as Armagh Coach and former Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy and former rugby player Rory Best.
They will join RTE Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty, former rugby player and TV presenter Tommy Bowe, actor James Nesbitt, Westlife singer Shane Filan and Irish hockey international Katie Mullan.
Golfers confirmed to take part in the Amgen Irish Open (11-15 September) include Northern Irish man Rory McIlroy, where he will bid for a second Irish Open crown after claiming victory at The K Club in 2016. Joining Rory is 2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry, three-time Major Champion Pádraig Harrington, two-time PGA TOUR winner Séamus Power, Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin, who will make his third appearance at the event, European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, eight-time PGA Tour winner Billy Horschel and four-time DP World Tour winner Ryan Fox.
Royal County Down will host the Amgen Irish Open for the second time in its history from September 11-15 as the island of Ireland’s national open returns to Newcastle for the first time since 2015. It not only plays host to the Amgen Irish Open and world-class golfers this September, but there’s also a vibrant line-up of local music acts set to entertain attendees in the Championship Village.
On Saturday evening, Anna’s Number, a five piece act who hail from Banbridge, Lurgan, Portadown and Bangor, known for their electrifying sets, will take to the stage. Fresh from headlining a show at Belfast’s legendary Ulster Hall, playing at All Together Now and soon to be, Electric Picnic, the five-piece act are known for their explosive sets that seamlessly weave together classic 70s soul hits, noughties Clubland bangers, TikTok sensations and everything in between. Starting out busking on the streets of Belfast and Banbridge, the band have amassed a loyal following, selling out Limelight and the new Mandela Hall, and earlier this year released their debut single, 'Figure You Out'.
Once the tournament winds down on Sunday, Newcastle singer songwriter Stephen Rafferty and his band will take to the stage. Stephen is currently recording his debut album and has previously won Youth Action Northern Ireland’s ‘Next Big Thing’ competition with his song Masquerade.
Adding to the festive ambiance in the Championship Village, a DJ will be spinning tracks all weekend.
Paul Gillmon, Championship Director of the Amgen Irish Open, said:
“I’m thrilled to have some of our All-Ireland senior football champions joining the Amgen Irish Open Pro-Am line-up at Royal County Down. Alongside the professional golfers, this line-up guarantees a highly competitive day on the course. It’s shaping up to be an exciting and enjoyable day, offering fans the unique chance to get up close with both celebrities and golfers.
Beyond the world-class golf, we’ll have an array of great food and entertainment all week, plus some of our Olympic medallists will pay a visit to the Championship Village. If you haven't secured your tickets yet, now is the perfect time!”