Leinster Parkland Course Award for Killeen Castle
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At the 2025 Golfers’ Guide to Ireland Awards at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Trim, were the Killeen Castle team of Philip Rock (general manager), Mark Collins (golf course superintendent), Michael Meegan (head gardener), Paddy McCarthy (Golfers Guide to Ireland), Cormac Ryan, (director of golf and hospitality operations).Image 2 of 3
Paddy McCarthy of Golfers Guide to Ireland, presents Cormac Ryan, Killeen Castle director of golf and hospitality operations, with his award for Best Golf Club Manager.Image 3 of 3
Killeen Castle has been receiving many accolades in recent times.Killeen Castle in Dunsany was named as winner of the Best Parkland Course in Leinster at the 2025 Golfers' Guide to Ireland Awards, as Cormac Ryan, Director of Golf and Hospitality Operations at Killeen Castle, was named Best Golf Club Manager - Leinster.
The annual awards night was held at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Trim, hosted by RTÉ’s golf correspondent, Greg Allen, with Cork golfing legend Denis O’Sullivan as the distinguished guest of honour, and prestigious Tipperary Crystal pieces presented.
The parkland course award recognises excellence in design, conditioning and the overall visitor experience of Ireland’s finest parkland venues, with the winning course standing out not only for its immaculate presentation and strategic challenge, but also for its commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional hospitality. As one of only two Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed Golf Courses in Ireland, Killeen Castle aims to combine world-class facilities with an unwavering commitment to delivering the very best of Irish parkland golf.
The Best Golf Club Manager - Leinster award celebrates excellence across Irish golf and highlights Navan man Cormac Ryan’s outstanding leadership and commitment to the sport.
Since joining Killeen Castle in 2011, Cormac Ryan has redefined golf and hospitality excellence through innovation, collaboration and a customer-focused approach. His leadership has seamlessly combined championship golf, luxury lodge accommodation and authentic Irish hospitality into an exceptional guest experience, both strengthening Ireland’s global golf tourism profile and positioning Killeen Castle as both a world-class destination and an employer of choice.
Under his stewardship, Killeen Castle has achieved record guest satisfaction levels, hosted major events including the Solheim Cup and Ladies Irish Open and secured the HotelPlanner Irish Challenge for 2025–2027. Additionally, on the back of the successful hosting of the Irish Challenge, Killeen Castle was awarded the Overall Tourism Business of the Year 2025 at Meath Business & Tourism Awards in November.
Cormac said: "This award, far from just a personal recognition, is a true reflection of our team’s collaboration, commitment to excellence, and shared ambition to deliver world-class golf and hospitality at Killeen Castle.
Philip Rock, general manager of Killeen Castle, said: “We are thrilled to see Killeen Castle recognised among Ireland’s leading golf destinations at such a prestigious event. Our Signature Golf Course continues to set the standard for modern golfing excellence, combining exceptional design with an outstanding playing experience. We are equally proud of Cormac Ryan’s recognition as Best Golf Club Manager, which is a testament to his leadership and the passion that continues to elevate Killeen Castle’s reputation within Irish golf.”