As Adare prepares to host the Ryder Cup, senior figures from business, education and regional development gathered at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to tee up ideas on how the Midwest can maximise the opportunities and legacy arising from the global sporting event.
The Ryder Cup is expected to attract 280,000 spectators and a global television audience of 400 million people, while generating economic benefits estimated at more than €300 million. The event is also expected to support more than 1,400 jobs, highlighting the scale of the opportunity for businesses, communities and organisations across the Midwest and beyond.
Hosted by the Faculty of Business and Humanities, the ‘Connected Regions, Stronger Future’event at the Moylish Campus examined how to maximise the economic, social and cultural opportunities presented by Ryder Cup 2027.
The panel featured Tom Enright, Ryder Cup 2027 Project Director; Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS; Catherine Duffy, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Northern Trust; and Vanessa McTigue, Commercial Director, Shannon Airport Group.
Tom Enright said: “Ryder Cup 2027 will be the biggest sporting event ever hosted in Ireland and will create opportunities across a wide range of sectors, from construction and tourism to hospitality and food services. The event itself will bring significant economic activity, but its greatest value may be in the legacy it leaves behind. With a global television audience expected to reach up to 400 million people, we have a unique opportunity to showcase the Midwest, attract future visitors, investment and golf tourists, and deliver benefits that extend well beyond tournament week. The months ahead provide businesses and organisations across the region with an opportunity to prepare for and maximise that potential.”
Professor Vincent Cunnane said the Ryder Cup represented a unique opportunity to showcase the strengths of the region and highlighted the important role education, innovation and talent development will play in supporting long-term growth.
Professor Vincent Cunnane said:
“The Ryder Cup will bring the eyes of the world to the Midwest, but the greatest opportunity lies beyond the tournament itself. This is a chance to strengthen partnerships, attract investment and create lasting opportunities for our communities. Higher Education has a key role to play in developing the talent and innovation that underpin regional success. Having recorded the highest graduate employment rate among Irish universities for three consecutive years, according to the Higher Education Authority’s Graduate Outcomes Survey, we see every day how investment in education and skills can transform lives, strengthen businesses and support regional growth.”
Speaking about the long-term potential of the Ryder Cup, Vanessa McTigue, Commercial Director, The Shannon Airport Group said: “The Ryder Cup 2027 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Limerick and the wider Midwest. At The Shannon Airport Group, our focus is on ensuring the global spotlight translates into long-term, sustainable growth for the region. With strong international connectivity already in place, we are well positioned to welcome the world and showcase everything the Midwest has to offer. By working together across business, tourism and education, we can maximise this opportunity and create a lasting legacy that benefits our communities and economy long after the event concludes.”
Panel members also discussed the importance of investment, talent development and regional competitiveness.
Catherine Duffy, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Northern Trust, spoke about the strength of the region’s professional and business networks, describing how its close-knit and collaborative nature allows organisations to quickly connect with the right people, solve problems and develop partnerships that support long-term growth.
The event attracted stakeholders from across business, tourism, hospitality, education, sport and community development and concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session and networking opportunity.
Dr James Griffin, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Humanities at TUS, reflected on the value of bringing together leaders from different sectors to discuss shared opportunities and challenges facing the region.
Dr James Griffin said:
“This event presented a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and explore how the Midwest can work together to maximise the opportunities presented by Ryder Cup 2027. Ultimately, the legacy of the event will depend on talent and skills, and with more than 2,500 students across our Faculty, TUS is helping to develop the workforce that will drive the region’s future growth.”
Through events such as ‘Connected Regions, Stronger Future’, TUS continues to support regional development by bringing together leaders from business, education and society to exchange ideas, foster collaboration and help shape a stronger future for the Midwest.
The event was supported by TUS RISE which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
