‘I think this is going to be one of the most successful Irish Opens ever’ – says Eric Trump in Doonbeg

Eric Trump, son of US president Donald Trump, has said this year’s Irish Open is going to be “one of the most successful” in its 99-year history.

He was speaking to the media on the second day of the tournament at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Co Clare which saw Ireland’s Shane Lowry go 11-under-par with nine birdies.

However, it is the arrival of the US president to the course on Saturday that has somewhat overshadowed proceedings as Gardaí brace for “one of the biggest security and policing operations” in their history.

Mr Trump will fly into Dublin on Friday and will meet President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park before a nearby engagement with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the Farmleigh Estate.

After formalities conclude with the President and Taoiseach, Mr Trump will make way to his golf resort in Doonbeg, Co Clare, which will be hosting the Irish Open.

His son, Eric, exuded confidence in his father’s eponymous hotel and golf resort ahead of his arrival as a spectator.

“Here we are in Doonbeg. We have a sold-out Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,” he told the Irish Independent.

“The reception we have coming to Ireland has been absolutely amazing. I think this could be one of the most successful Irish Opens ever.”

Describing Doonbeg as “one of the greatest hotels anywhere in in Europe”, he contined: “We’ve got one of the greatest hotels anywhere in in Europe.

“We’re going to have an amazing event. We’ve got some of the best players, literally one of the best fields of players that have ever played the Irish Open. We’re really excited to host it here at Trump Doonbeg,” he added.

Gardaí confirmed that they have been notified of possible protest action in Doonbed village by a number of groups who have indicated that they may gather over the duration of this visit.

A similar protest is planned at Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square East at 1pm on the day of Mr Trump’s arrival.

Pheonix Park will be closed to the pedestrians and vehicles between 11pm on September 10 and 6pm on September 12 for “operational reasons”.

Gardaí will apply the access restrictions to several entrances to the park including Castleknock Gate, Parkgate Street Gate and Cabra Gate, with exceptions made for emergency vehicles.