Killeen Castle ready for Solheim Cup

The sense of excitement around Killeen Castle this morning was palpable as the first staging of the most prestigious event in ladies golf on these shores, the 2011 Solheim Cup, edges closer and closer. Approaching the magnificent golf course between Dunshaughlin and Dunsany the anticipation for the eagerly awaited tournament grows. Killeen Castle is in the process of being transformed from one of the world's finest golf course to a spectacular international venue, ready for some of the best golfers on the planet. The approach roads to Killeen Castle are decked out with AA directions to the appropriate car parks. Several tractors and hedge cutters are busy on all roads leading to the illustrious venue ensuring that everything about the competition, the venue and Co Meath will be held in the highest regard. Inside the high walls of the course 100s of workers are busy setting up grandstands at most of the holes and throughout the course there are hives of activity ensuring every aspects of a big event is being catered for. The tented areas for the general public are almost complete and there will be a huge food village to satisfy even the most discerning palate. For those lucky enjoy to blag their way into being invited into some of the members areas or the Ping Pavilion salubrious luxury awaits. Killeen Castle General Manager Barry O'Connor is delighted with the way everything is progressing and he is eagerly counting down the hours to when competition commences on Friday 23rd September. "There are a lot on people currently working hard on site ensuring that no stone is left unturned to make guarantee that this event will be a huge success. The course is looking magnificent, tickets sales have been excellent and we are all just waiting for the week to get up and running now," commented O'Connor. Over 80,000 spectators including 7,000 foreign visitors are expected to visit Killeen Castle over the course of the week. The practice days are from Tuesday through to Thursday and then the competition will commence on Friday 23rd and conclude on Sunday 25th September. There is a real family focus at this Solheim Cup, u-18s accompanied by a parent or guardian will be admitted free of charge and they will have the opportunity to visit Junior Golf Ireland's play area and the Hamley's Kidz Zone which is located in the splendid Walled Garden at Killeen Castle. The Solheim Cup will be a magnificent showcase for Meath and Ireland throughout the world. In the US the event will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel into over 400m homes, while in the UK and Europe Sky Sports will also be broadcasting live. In addition to the main event at Killeen Castle, the PING Junior Solheim Cup will take place at nearby Knightsbrook Golf Club in Trim from Monday where Irish twins Leona and Lisa Maguire will be in action for Europe.