The curtain has been raised on the 2026 amateur golfing calendar as the Golf Ireland Season Launch took place in Carton House last night.
The event, hosted by TV and Radio Sports Broadcaster, Aisling O’Reilly welcomed guests from across the Irish sporting landscape including members of the media, Golf Ireland sponsors, and representatives from clubs hosting some of the much-anticipated Irish amateur championships this year.
Recently appointed Golf Ireland President Fiona Delargy and Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly got proceedings underway before five panels of special guests took to the stage to discuss the upcoming amateur season, the return of The Walker Cup to Ireland, life on the professional tour and another huge year for G4D golf.
Impressionist, content creator and stand-up comedian Conor Moore was the final guest on the evening, with his impersonations of Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and many more, giving their take on the upcoming Masters.
Three-time Major winner and Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington also gave his views on Augusta, how he is feeling about his own game and his memories of winning the West of Ireland in a pre-recorded interview.
“The West is the start of the season just like The Masters gets everybody out on the golf course. It’s such a fabulous week out there,” said Harrington.
“Wins like the West of Ireland are some things that I am very proud of back in my amateur days and all the way through my golfing days. These are very important wins to tick off as you progress. They are very important if you are a good amateur you have got to get out there and nearly win most weeks and compete and then make sure you are knocking off enough wins at the big championships to keep yourself pushing forward.”
Golf Ireland Professionals Sara Byrne, Conor Purcell, and James Sugrue each discussed their experiences with life on tour while Irish International and 2025 Junior Ryder Cup player John Doyle, nutritionist and amateur Amy O’Donnell, golf analyst Dylan Beirne and Golf Ireland Championships and Rules Director Mark Wehrly cast their eye over the upcoming amateur season.
With the return of the Walker Cup to Irish shores in 2026, former Walker Cup players Stuart Grehan, Matthew McClean, James Sugrue and Jody Fanagan gave their views on the historic event ahead of the match which tees up at Lahinch for the first time on 5 September.
Golf Ireland High Performance Director Neil Manchip, two-time G4D Open Champion Brendan Lawlor, ISPS Handa G4D Captain Paul Kelly and ISPS Handa High Performance player Dianne Conway also discussed the growth of G4D golf in Ireland and the year ahead.
Stephen O’Leary and Carla Reynolds from social media monitoring and analysis company, Olytico also presented a fascinating insight into the events that have spiked conversation in 2025 and their insights for 2026 across all social media platforms.
Meghann Scully was also in attendance, and it was revealed that she has taken over as the presenter of the new look Golf Ireland podcast. Episode one of the brand-new season is available to watch now on Spotify and our Golf Ireland YouTube channel.
