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Stars of sport, showbiz and politics align for Rory Foundation's Irish Open Pro-Am

James Nesbitt on the 14th during last year's Pro-Am of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. Picture by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
James Nesbitt on the 14th during last year's Pro-Am of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. Picture by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images James Nesbitt on the 14th during last year's Pro-Am of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. Picture by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

GOLF'S most glitzy event in Ireland will see a former taoiseach tee-off alongside a Strictly Come Dancing pro, pop singers, GAA stars and rugby players, all in the name of charity.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by the Rory Foundation Pro Am, will take place on July 4 at Ballyliffin, Co Donegal.

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given and Donegal GAA captain Michael Murphy are among sporting names taking part.

Kerry star Kieran Donaghy, former Ireland international rugby players Keith Wood and Stephen Ferris, former champion jockey AP McCoy, former World Champion snooker player Dennis Taylor and Derry City Football Club players Paddy McCourt, Gerard Doherty and Rory Patterson have all also signed up for the Pro Am.

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny and professional dancer Anton du Beke will be playing, along with pop singers Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy and Coleraine-born actor James Nesbitt.

"Ballyliffin is a great golf course," Rory McIlroy said.

"It's always nice to be back home and play in front of the home crowd so I'm very much looking forward to playing the course and also having some fun at the Pro Am before the tournament kicks off."

Fans will also be treated to a festival of music, with country star Nathan Carter headlining the `Glashedy Sessions on July 6.

Tickets are on sale at www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com and begin at €20 for Pro-Am Wednesday, with tickets for Thursday and Friday costing €32 and day tickets for the weekend costing €34 each.

An adult season souvenir ticket, for Wednesday to Sunday, costs €110.

Concessions are available for customers aged over 60 and between 14 and 17, while children up to 13 are permitted free entry when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.