Latest news with #EmmaLittlePengelly
The Independent
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Fun on the fairways as tens of thousands descend on Portrush for The Open
It was fun on the fairways in Portrush as tens of thousands flocked to the north coast to see the world's top golfers tee off on the first day of The Open. The crowds included actor James Nesbitt, US ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly. While anticipation was high to see returning hero Rory McIlroy in action, during the wait there was an opportunity to recreate his famous television clip chipping golf balls into a washing machine. McIlroy was a primary school child in 1999 when he appeared on UTV's Kelly show as a promising youngster showing off his skills with the trick. Ms Little-Pengelly, herself a keen golfer, was among those who tried the 'chipping it like Rory' challenge. Despite the watching crowd, the deputy First Minister showed no sign of pressure as she took a moment to carefully line up the perfect shot, which resulted in the ball deftly landing in the drum. Breaking into a huge smile she punched the air amid cheers. The crowds, ten deep in places, endured heavy rain showers in the early afternoon before the sun finally broke through not long before McIlroy himself appeared at the first fairway. You could have heard a pin drop as people stretched every sinew and used all possible vantage points to get a glimpse of the Holywood man taking his first shot of the tournament. Almost 280,000 fans snapped up tickets for the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, which will be the second best attended in history. Among them on Thursday were Lilian Kennedy and Norman Kennedy from Coleraine, and her niece Tracey Bradley from Dungannon, with Karl Holmes, originally from south Wales. They said they were delighted to see some of the biggest names in golf, including McIlroy, as well as Shane Lowry, who won The Open last time it was held in Portrush in 2019. It was Mrs Kennedy's birthday, and she was enjoying the experience thanks to Ms Bradley, who gave her the ticket for The Open as a birthday gift. 'I couldn't have asked for anything better than that, a great birthday present,' she said, giving her niece a hug. Mr Holmes said they had been there all week and it had been 'fantastic'. 'It's great, the facilities are fantastic, we haven't seen much today because of the weather, but I saw Rory McIlroy right in front of me yesterday which was fantastic,' he said. 'Good old brolly,' he added, in reference to the rain. Mr Kennedy laughed and said it had been hard to see much with all the umbrellas earlier, before the sun re-emerged, but praised the good atmosphere. Gene Fleming, Bart Lewis, Brian Halloran and William Bell, friends who had been fraternity brothers at Eastern Kentucky University in the US, said they were enjoying the true European golf experience with the rain. Mr Lewis said it was his second Open, after attending the 150th at St Andrews in Scotland. 'It was awesome so we came back, and so far so good,' he said. 'Actually when we were in Scotland the weather wasn't bad at all, so I wanted to experience a British Open that had the actual weather, that's part of it. 'The weather does seem to have a bigger play in the tournament result (in the UK compared to tournaments in the US), but I do enjoy the hospitality in Europe all over, I think it's a great place, we've had a fantastic time.' Mr Fleming said they had loved the experience of playing golf in the rain on the island of Ireland themselves, before the Open tournament. 'What's so amazing is that if we had this weather in the United States, the complaining and carrying on at the golf course would be unbearable, but there is no sympathy here, the weather is the weather, we're learning about it, we played two rounds in it, enjoyed it thoroughly,' he said. 'We got great weather one day and we got the whole Irish experience the other day. 'We loved it, I'll never forget it, I'm so glad I came here. My mother's maiden name of O'Brien, so I've got some Irish in me.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fun on the fairways as tens of thousands descend on Portrush for The Open
It was fun on the fairways in Portrush as tens of thousands flocked to the north coast to see the world's top golfers tee off on the first day of The Open. The crowds included actor James Nesbitt, US ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly. While anticipation was high to see returning hero Rory McIlroy in action, during the wait there was an opportunity to recreate his famous television clip chipping golf balls into a washing machine. McIlroy was a primary school child in 1999 when he appeared on UTV's Kelly show as a promising youngster showing off his skills with the trick. ⛳️💥Deputy First Minister @little_pengelly 'chipping it like Rory' here at the Open. Passing the club to First Minister @moneillsf with a laugh- "But you play golf🤣🤣" Great atmosphere as play gets underway today. — Cool FM News (@newsoncool) July 17, 2025 Ms Little-Pengelly, herself a keen golfer, was among those who tried the 'chipping it like Rory' challenge. Despite the watching crowd, the deputy First Minister showed no sign of pressure as she took a moment to carefully line up the perfect shot, which resulted in the ball deftly landing in the drum. Breaking into a huge smile she punched the air amid cheers. The crowds, ten deep in places, endured heavy rain showers in the early afternoon before the sun finally broke through not long before McIlroy himself appeared at the first fairway. You could have heard a pin drop as people stretched every sinew and used all possible vantage points to get a glimpse of the Holywood man taking his first shot of the tournament. Almost 280,000 fans snapped up tickets for the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, which will be the second best attended in history. Among them on Thursday were Lilian Kennedy and Norman Kennedy from Coleraine, and her niece Tracey Bradley from Dungannon, with Karl Holmes, originally from south Wales. They said they were delighted to see some of the biggest names in golf, including McIlroy, as well as Shane Lowry, who won The Open last time it was held in Portrush in 2019. It was Mrs Kennedy's birthday, and she was enjoying the experience thanks to Ms Bradley, who gave her the ticket for The Open as a birthday gift. 'I couldn't have asked for anything better than that, a great birthday present,' she said, giving her niece a hug. Mr Holmes said they had been there all week and it had been 'fantastic'. 'It's great, the facilities are fantastic, we haven't seen much today because of the weather, but I saw Rory McIlroy right in front of me yesterday which was fantastic,' he said. 'Good old brolly,' he added, in reference to the rain. Mr Kennedy laughed and said it had been hard to see much with all the umbrellas earlier, before the sun re-emerged, but praised the good atmosphere. Gene Fleming, Bart Lewis, Brian Halloran and William Bell, friends who had been fraternity brothers at Eastern Kentucky University in the US, said they were enjoying the true European golf experience with the rain. Mr Lewis said it was his second Open, after attending the 150th at St Andrews in Scotland. Dunluce Links @royalportrush is one of the most challenging golf courses in the world. It's also one of the most beautiful. @USAmbIreland Edward Walsh and I joined tens of thousands of fellow Americans at the 153rd @TheOpen Championship to cheer on our golfers! — Ambassador Warren Stephens (@USAmbUK) July 17, 2025 'It was awesome so we came back, and so far so good,' he said. 'Actually when we were in Scotland the weather wasn't bad at all, so I wanted to experience a British Open that had the actual weather, that's part of it. 'The weather does seem to have a bigger play in the tournament result (in the UK compared to tournaments in the US), but I do enjoy the hospitality in Europe all over, I think it's a great place, we've had a fantastic time.' Mr Fleming said they had loved the experience of playing golf in the rain on the island of Ireland themselves, before the Open tournament. 'What's so amazing is that if we had this weather in the United States, the complaining and carrying on at the golf course would be unbearable, but there is no sympathy here, the weather is the weather, we're learning about it, we played two rounds in it, enjoyed it thoroughly,' he said. 'We got great weather one day and we got the whole Irish experience the other day. 'We loved it, I'll never forget it, I'm so glad I came here. My mother's maiden name of O'Brien, so I've got some Irish in me.'
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Northern Ireland's leaders hail return of The Open to Portrush
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Ministers have hailed the return of The Open as showcasing the region to the world. During a visit to the first day of the golf tournament at the Royal Portrush Golf Club Michelle O'Neill said they were lucky to see it return after it was staged there in 2019 following a 68-year absence. Advertisement Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly were among an estimated 50,000 spectators who descended on the north coast town on Thursday for what has been described as the biggest sports event in terms of spectators held in Northern Ireland. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Minister for the Economy Caoimhe Archibald, at Royal Portrush. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. 'It's great to be here again, to have The Open back with us again, and just in terms of what it means for us, in terms of the economic potential, so many visitors that come in person, millions that get online to watch what's happening as well. 'So I think that it's such a positive event for us, and we're so lucky to have it back in the north west,' Ms O'Neill. 'It showcases all that's good about us. I think it very much sends a message that we're open for business and I think that when people tune in and they'll see this beautiful part of the world, they'll know that the island is amazing, they should want to come here and we will very much will be promoting that message.' Advertisement Ms Little-Pengelly described a 'real opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland' with a 'huge global audience watching'. 'Seeing the beauty of what's here, seeing how professional the set-up is here, and hearing about Northern Ireland,' she said. Ireland's Shane Lowry on day one of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. Ireland Little-Pengelly 'saddened and disappointed' by can... Read More 'That's huge because, of course, in a very crowded marketplace, when it comes to trying to attract that investment, attract that tourism, attract that high-value golf tourism as well, actually getting the opportunity at the likes of The Open with that really, really huge global audience, is that really good unique opportunity for us. 'I know that Tourism NI and Invest NI are really trying to maximise the opportunities of this tournament being here, the biggest sporting event, as I understand, in terms of spectators that we've ever held in Northern Ireland.' Advertisement
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Little-Pengelly ‘saddened and disappointed' by cancellation of sport summer camp
Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has expressed her disappointment at the cancellation of a cross-community sports camp. First Minister Michelle O'Neill also reiterated her dismay after the event planned to take place in Comber was called off after local residents had concerns around the inclusion of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association). North Down Cricket Club had planned the sports summer camp for young people from different backgrounds, including the involvement of 10 different groups, one of which was the East Belfast GAA. But a local Orange Order lodge said there were concerns among local residents about the 'perceived move of the GAA into the local community'. In a statement on social media, the North Down Cricket Club said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. On Wednesday, Cricket Ireland announced it plans to step in to arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont later this month. Speaking during a visit to the Open in Portrush on Thursday, Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly both expressed disappointment at what had happened. Ms Little-Pengelly said 'while there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion, this is not the time or place'. 'Sport can be a great unifier,' she told the PA news agency. 'It's been really disappointing, very saddened to see that the club felt that they had to cancel this particular summer camp. 'I've reached out, and I've been speaking to the North Down Cricket Club. 'Of course, there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion and the barriers that many feel to participation, but this is not the time or place. The time and place for that is not a children's summer camp. 'Cricket has been a great unifier right across all different types of religions, races, politics, we see that play out every single week, and I think it's really disappointing that these young people won't get that opportunity to play cricket at that summer camp but I'm continuing to work with the club, and with others, to see what the opportunities may be in the future.' Ms O'Neill added: 'I was so deeply disappointed that anyone thought it was appropriate to advocate that these kids should not be invited along. 'For kids to come together through the medium of sport. It's just something that should always be a positive experience. So it makes me really sad to actually hear that someone doesn't want those kids to be invited. 'It's just totally not acceptable. Young people should play sport together, young people from all different backgrounds should always be encouraged to come together.' Ms O'Neill added she was 'quite dismayed by the fact that somebody thought it was appropriate to actually advocate against that'.
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Little-Pengelly ‘saddened and disappointed' by cancellation of sport summer camp
Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has expressed her disappointment at the cancellation of a cross-community sports camp. First Minister Michelle O'Neill also reiterated her dismay after the event planned to take place in Comber was called off after local residents had concerns around the inclusion of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association). Advertisement North Down Cricket Club had planned the sports summer camp for young people from different backgrounds, including the involvement of 10 different groups, one of which was the East Belfast GAA. But a local Orange Order lodge said there were concerns among local residents about the 'perceived move of the GAA into the local community'. In a statement on social media, the North Down Cricket Club said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. On Wednesday, Cricket Ireland announced it plans to step in to arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont later this month. Advertisement Speaking during a visit to the Open in Portrush on Thursday, Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly both expressed disappointment at what had happened. Ms Little-Pengelly said 'while there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion, this is not the time or place'. 'Sport can be a great unifier,' she told the PA news agency. 'It's been really disappointing, very saddened to see that the club felt that they had to cancel this particular summer camp. Advertisement 'I've reached out, and I've been speaking to the North Down Cricket Club. 'Of course, there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion and the barriers that many feel to participation, but this is not the time or place. The time and place for that is not a children's summer camp. 'Cricket has been a great unifier right across all different types of religions, races, politics, we see that play out every single week, and I think it's really disappointing that these young people won't get that opportunity to play cricket at that summer camp but I'm continuing to work with the club, and with others, to see what the opportunities may be in the future.' Ms O'Neill added: 'I was so deeply disappointed that anyone thought it was appropriate to advocate that these kids should not be invited along. Advertisement 'For kids to come together through the medium of sport. It's just something that should always be a positive experience. So it makes me really sad to actually hear that someone doesn't want those kids to be invited. 'It's just totally not acceptable. Young people should play sport together, young people from all different backgrounds should always be encouraged to come together.' Ms O'Neill added she was 'quite dismayed by the fact that somebody thought it was appropriate to actually advocate against that'.
