Kingspan Concra Wood Open

This is the third staging of this Europro Tour event, returning once again to the glamorous and beautiful Concra Wood Golf Club, in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.

The tournament, which has become a fixture on the PGA Europro Tour, will run from July 23-25. It will be screened around the world via Sky Sports, but you can easily drive up to Castleblayney and enjoy some great golf and some of the best scenery in the country.

“As 2014 Captain of Castleblayney Golf Club it is an absolute pleasure to have the Europro Tour return for a third instalment,” said Alan Bolger. “It is a fantastic experience for all our members to watch the future stars of the European Tour.”

Last year's event was won by Marcus Armitage who carded a final-round 68 to edge out Paul Doherty by two strokes. It was the Yorkshire man's first victory on tour and he described Concra Wood as a 'great test'.

Jim Loughran, Commercial Director at Kingspan Insulation said, “We take a very localised view on these things. We do the big sponsorships, the likes of Ravenhill and Breffni Park, but at the end of the day, we are from this parish  and we see ourselves as a Monaghan company. We are very much into our locality and we are delighted to sponsor this event for the third year in a row. We wish everyone the best of luck.”

Views down the 3rd hole

The tournament week will begin with a pro-am on Tuesday July 22, which is always well supported by the members at the club. The three round event runs from 23-25 July, and admission to the viewing public is free. It is well worth your time to visit this wonderful golf course, see what all the fuss is about and watch some of the stars of tomorrow.

“The success of this event is testimony to all the hard work of the officials, volunteers and sponsors involved. The exposure the club gets from the tournament is getting Concra Wood recognised beyond these shores and that is a huge deal for the club, the town and the county,” said club professional Conor McKenna.

“Everyone is doing well as a result of the visitors that come to play this wonderful course. There is money spent in the area by people who stay locally and spend locally. Hopefully our supporters and another of our sponsors, Monaghan County Council, can see the benefits the tournament brings to the area.”

 Pictured at the launch of the Kingspan sponsored Pro-Am Golf PGA Eoropro Tournament at Concra Wood Golf & Country Club in Castleblayney were— From left: Dympna Condra, Monaghan Tourism, Eileen Kerr, Board of Directors, Cllr. Paudge Connolly, Annette Mohan, Office Admindstrator, Joe McGrath, Club President, James Loughran, Commercial Director, Kingspan, Conor McKenna, Club Professional and Yvonne Duffy, Lady Captain.  

Photo:  Jimmy Walsh

Concra Wood was opened in July 2008 and has quickly gained a very strong reputation. The course is blessed with stunning views of Lough Muckno from every point on the course and is located only one hour from Belfast and Dublin. The golf course was designed by two of Ireland’s golfing legends, Christy O’Connor Junior and Senior. Measuring over 7300 yards, European Tour player, Simon Thornton, holds the course record, a 68 set in 2010 at an Irish PGA Sprint event.