Irish Open 2022, sponsor, venue and trophy showed off the best of the South East

The Irish Open of 2022 showed off the best of the South East with its new sponsor Horizon Therapeutics who are growing their workforce in Waterford, stunning venue Mount Juliet in Kilkenny, and a new trophy designed and made by Waterford Crystal. The dust has settled on Adrian Meronk’s remarkable finish to become the first Polish winner in DP World Tour history with an impressive win at the Horizon Irish Open. Its worthwhile reflecting on how good a showcase the event was for the South East region.

Biotechnology company Horizon Therapeutics were announced as the new sponsor of the event in February of this year. In 2021, the company purchased a 44,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Waterford, Ireland to support the growth of its on-market rare disease medicines and pipeline biologics. They are continuing to expand their workforce here.

Tim Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon, said about the new sponsorship at the time:

“Horizon has called Ireland home for nearly ten years and this partnership with the DP World Tour further solidifies our continued economic and community commitment.”

And the trophy raised by Polish golfer Adrian Meronk was a new piece of Waterford Crystal, the sixth different trophy made by Waterford Crystal for the event since their partnership began 47 years ago. The new contemporary trophy was designed by Matt Kehoe and is inspired by Horizon Therapeutics.

As Matt explains:

“’We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives’, – this quote from the new Irish Open sponsor Horizon Therapeutics struck a chord with me – both science and compassion working together, striving to improve one’s well-being. This inspired me with the design of the trophy, striving to reach its pinnacle. Starting with the base you will notice a simple shape encrusted with a brilliance of Waterford Diamond wedge cuts, portraying the richness we all seek in health and life. Moving on to the upper section of the trophy where each wedge cut is taller than the previous, signifying progression and reaching the pinnacle of your personal growth.”

And finally the Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown, Kilkenny, with its Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed Parkland, set across 180 acres of rolling Irish countryside was at its stunning best for the event. Over the past 30 years, the course has held an esteemed position across the Irish golfing landscape, hosting a series of prestigious, international golf events.