Naas to stage free festival during Ryder Cup
A free festival will take place in the Co Kildare town of Naas during the Ryder Cup, it was confirmed today, as fears mount over rip-off prices during the event.
There will be free open air concerts and other events taking place in Naas from September 21st to 24th as the golf gets underway in nearby K Club in Straffan.
Allianz Ireland, official insurer to the Ryder Cup, confirmed the free events were planned after Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue yesterday appealed to businesses to use their common sense when charging visitors during the week.
A Rhythm of the Dance extravaganza, followed by a Céilí, has been organised for September 21st, while folk music band the Fureys and Davey Arthur will take place on September 22 on the purpose-built stage in the town.
Other events include a concert by The Sullivan Brothers, a family day with trapeze, trampolinists, stilt walkers and fire breathers, the BuiBolg theatre company’s puppets will be out on the streets and a teddy bears picnic will also be held.
Brendan Murphy of Allianz said: “My colleagues and I at Allianz are committed to making the Allianz Ryder Cup Festival a giant success for everyone – not just golfers. That’s why we were so happy to get involved in this festival which is an opportunity for people get together and celebrate the Ryder Cup. By making the festival a free one, we are maximising the chances for people to get involved in it.”
He urged people to visit the website www.naasfestivals.com and enjoy some of the free events taking place.
Mr O’Donoghue’s warning on prices followed US Ambassador James Kenny’s statement that any attempts to rip off US golf fans travelling to Ireland for the event would cause long-term damage to the tourism industry.
“I support the recent calls by the Irish Hotels Federation, the American Ambassador and others for the exercise of restraint in pricing over this period,” Mr O’Donoghue said.
“Short-term gain should not mar this opportunity for Ireland to shine both to visitors and viewers from around the world.”
