The storm clouds gathered briefly but then it seemed that Mother Nature decided to smile on the Murphy's Irish Open in Druids Glen. The first celebrations started when the international golfers arrived for a few practice putts on Tuesday and then relaxed in the evening over a barbecue. Nick Faldo was there with his partner Brenna Sepallak and his renowned caddy, Fanny Sounesson. Ernie Els, the South African world number one, was there with his new ee, fiancee, Liezel Wehmeyer.
Scotsman Colin Montgomerie arrived hoping to make it three in a row - he won the last two competitions in Druids Glen - although his wife could not be with him as she has just given birth. There was plenty of entertainment, with Seve Ballesteros's brother, Vincenti Ballesteros, providing a rather impressive display of trick golf, which included hitting a golf ball far into the distance using only a piece of hose pipe. The amateur golfers present muttered and turned green.
Of course, the main attraction was inside the clubhouse where a widescreen TV (the current must-have possession) was showing the England-Argentina match. Sam Torrance, the Scottish player who just won the French Open, was one of many who seemed quite happy to look at a slightly larger ball for a change. The next day was the Pro-Am golf tournament, and the normally relaxed singer Ronan Keating was looking rather tense. Ronan, who is a keen golfer, appeared a bit anxious about playing alongside Colin Montgomerie; snooker player Ken Doherty, who is no mean whizz on the golf course and hurler D.J. Carey. Footballer Niall Quinn was also out on the course, playing alongside golfer Paul McGinley.
On Thursday, the golfing started in earnest, and any of the off-course celebs were there purely for pleasure. Super-hyped teen singer Kerri- Ann arrived down and other golf fans included Ray D'Arcy, footballer Jason Sherlock and Ian Dempsey. The other main social day is Sunday and a number of people have confirmed their tickets including comedian Patrick Kielty and his beau, model Amanda Byram; actor Brendan Gleeson who is earning hot reviews in Paddy Breathnach's film I Went Down which was just released in the US; Pat and Cathy Kenny; Boyzone manager Louis Walsh, and solicitors Gerald and Clodagh Kean.