Mount Juliet says no to Irish Open

Mount Juliet has turned down the chance to host next year's Irish Open - bringing Adare Manor and Royal Dublin into the frame.

The Kilkenny venue was announced by Sports Minister Martin Cullen as a tentative venue for the May 14-17 event under new sponsors 3 Mobile.

But the club has turned down the offer to host the €3 million Championship for the fourth time because they are just too busy.

In a statement issued by its public relations company, the club said: "Mount Juliet has just now completed a detailed assessment of the many complex factors involved in staging a major golf tournament and has,  reluctantly, come to the decision that it is not feasible for it to host the tournament and thus, regrettably, is unable to accept the invitation from The PGA European Tour on this occasion.

"This decision is based on Mount Juliet’s extensive existing contractual obligations at that time of year across the entire estate site, including the hotel, golf operations, property operations and Stud."

Portmarnock last hosted the Irish Open in 2004 but is considered an unlikely host  next year due to a politically sensitive case on equality at the all-male club, which is due to be heard in the Supreme Court.

Royal Dublin has been mentioned by European Tour boss George O'Grady as a possible venue following a major course renovation in 2006.

However, Adare Manor's director of golf operations, Joe O'Flaherty confirmed that the club is ready and willing to pay host for the third year in a row.

O'Flaherty  said: "That offer was always on the table if the European Tour failed to find a new venue. We haven't been approached but I am sure I speak for the owners Tom and Judy Kane in saying that we would be willing to hold the event here again."