Eric Trump lauds McIlroy amidst huge Doonbeg security plans
Eric Trump has sung Rory McIlroy’s praises as preparation for this year’s Irish Open in Doonbeg ramps up.
The son of US president Donald Trump is looking forward to welcoming the Masters winner at the Clare golf course in September.
McIlroy’s victory at Augusta National was described by Eric Trump as perfect timing for the Irish Open, with the golfer labelled ‘an incredible advocate’ for the tournament.
Eric Trump has sung Rory McIlroy’s praises as preparation for this year’s Irish Open in Doonbeg ramps up. Pic: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Trump told the Sunday Independent: ‘His achievements at the Masters were truly remarkable and represent a beautiful moment for Ireland.
‘With the Irish Open scheduled for September, the timing couldn’t be better. We are excited to host Rory and the best players from around the world at one of the most beautiful properties on Earth. It is going to be an amazing event.’
His father, the US president, is understood to be attempting to attend the Irish Open if his schedule lines up.
McIlroy’s victory at Augusta National was described by Eric Trump as perfect timing for the Irish Open. Pic: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Donald Trump recently hosted McIlroy and his father, Gerry, at his golf course in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Due to recent world events, the Irish Open is set to be given one of the biggest security operations ever seen in the country.
The US Secret Service, FBI agents, Gardaí and government officials will reportedly be involved in top-level meetings to plan protection for Trump in Doonbeg.
The Irish Open is set to be given one of the biggest security operations ever seen in the country. Pic: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
In 2019, when Trump came to Ireland, the Secret Service bill amounted to just over $524,000 (€445,000).
This year’s operation is expected to cost a lot more than this, with security concerns building following the 2024 assassination attempt on the US president.
Some security measures expected to take place in Clare include road closures, waterway restrictions, airspace restrictions and sweeps of the Doonbeg estate in the run-up to the event and each day the Irish Open is on.
Agents from the US will reportedly arrive in Ireland weeks before the tournament begins.
The area of interest is expected to stretch from Shannon Airport to Doonbeg and the waters off the west coast.
If Trump officially confirms that he will be coming to Ireland, the security operations will likely extend to Dublin and the routes leading to and from the capital.
