2022 Gala Irish Golf Award winners announced at ceremony in Mount Juliet

There was extra cause for celebration when the 2022 Gala Irish Golf Awards got underway in the McCalmont Suite at Mount Juliet Estate.

The Irish golf tourism industry’s biggest prize-giving ceremony, presented as always by the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA), was not only marking its 25^th year but also a return to in-person following a two-year hiatus.

Shane O’Donoghue, host of CNN’s Living Golf, reprised his role as emcee from 2019 for a black-tie soiree that opened with a welcome address from IGTOA Charman Denis Kane.

It was a night to savour for the Donegal golf community. Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort was named Golf Resort of the Year while Narin & Portnoo Links won Links Golf Course of the Year. But the honours didn’t stop there for the Ulster contingent with Royal Belfast Golf Club taking home Parkland Course of the Year.

The south-west also had a strong representation among the winners. The Suites at Old Head Golf Links scooped Boutique Golf Hotel of the Year and Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa won Large Golf Hotel of the Year.

The individual honours went to Jeff Fallon of Royal Dublin Golf Club, who was named Golf Manger of the Year. And the family of the late IGTOA member Jerry Quinlan, who founded and owned the Florida-based tour operators Celtic Golf, accepted the Jerry Donworth Outstanding Contribution to Golf award on his behalf. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after an emotional video tribute was paid to Jerry honouring his immense contribution to golf tourism in Ireland.

The Irish Gala Golf Awards capped off the largest annual gathering for Irish golf tourism professionals. The two-day event at Mount Juliet Estate also included the IGTOA Business Networking Sessions and Golf Tourism Conference (October 2^nd).

Among the participants were representatives from Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, accommodation providers, courses, tour operators, transportation companies, media outlets and merchandisers.

2022 Gala Irish Golf Awards Winners List:

Links Golf Course of the Year : Narin & Portnoo Links
Parkland Golf Course of the Year: The Royal Belfast Golf Club
Boutique Golf Hotel of the Year: The Suites at Old Head Golf Links
Large Golf Hotel of the Year: Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa
Golf Resort of the Year: Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort
Golf Manager of the Year: Jeff Fallon (Royal Dublin Golf Club)
The Jerry Donworth Outstanding Contribution to Golf: Jerry Quinlan

Jeff Fallon, The Royal Dublin Golf Club, being presented with the IGTOA 2022 Golf Manager of the Year Award presented by IGTOA Member, Mary Hartnett, Scales Golf & Travel and IGTOA Sponsor, Jenny O’Reilly, Failte Ireland. Photo : Murtography

John and Frank Casey, Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort, being presented with the IGTOA 2022 Golf Resort of the Year by IGTOA Sponsor, Alex McEvoy, Wildan Sports and IGTOA Member Susan McCann, Carr Golf. Photo : Murtography

George Diamondis, Tourism NI, accepting the IGTOA 2022 Parkland Golf Course of the Year, on behalf of The Royal Belfast Golf Club, presented by Siobhan O’Sullivan, Mount Juliet Estate and IGTOA Member, Tom Cotter, The Consummate Pro. Photo : Murtography

Noeleen McGrath and Michael McCole, Narin & Portnoo Links, receiving the IGTOA 2022 Links Golf Course of the Year presented by IGTOA Sponsors, Noeleen Furlong, Hertz and IGTOA Member, Colm Crowley, Lyons Links. Photo : Murtography

Padraig McGillicuddy & Marie Galvin, Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, receiving the IGTOA 2022 Large Golf Hotel of the year award presented by IGTOA Member Tom Kennedy, Experience Ireland Golf & Travel and John Shortt, Irish Golfer. Photo : Murtography

Susan Toal, The Suites at Old Head, being presented with the IGTOA 2022 Boutique Golf Hotel of the Year by IGTOA Allan O’Connor, Premier Golf and IGTOA Sponsor Donie O’Brien, Eno Wine. Photo : Murtography

Thanks to event sponsors; Mount Juliet Estate, Fáilte Ireland, Waterford Crystal, Tourism Ireland, Eno WINE, Hertz, Oscar Jacobson, Tourism Northern Ireland, and Match Play Media.