The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) in Ireland is speaking out against the decision to host the 2026 Amgen Irish Open golf tournament at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Co Clare.
"We, in the Association of Catholic Priests, are very disappointed at the choice of Trump’s course in Doonbeg, Co Clare, for next year’s Irish Open Golf tournament," the ACP said in a statement on its website on Friday, September 12.
"Given the excitement generated by the K Club, this, by contrast, generates anger.
"The choice of the venue is another example of appeasing Donald Trump.
"As President of the United States, he is promoting many policies that are directly contrary to the message of Jesus —the cutting of US aid, with major consequences for the poor around the world; the harassing and imprisoning of emigrants; supporting Israeli action against the Palestinians; and many other examples.
"We believe it is inappropriate, even shameful, to provide him with the platform to promote himself and all that he stands for in this country.
"It is probably too much to expect our government to intervene in this decision, but we hope that the many Irish people who share our unhappiness will make their voices heard in whatever way they can.
"Maybe even some of our Irish golfers will take a stand by not participating in the event."
The ACP describes itself as "an association for Catholic Priests who wish to have a forum, and a voice to reflect, discuss and comment on issues affecting the Irish Church and society today."
The DP World Tour announced on Wednesday that the 2026 Amgen Irish Open will be played at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg from September 10-13 next year.
The Irish Open was last staged in Co Clare when it was hosted in Lahinch in 2019. That event "generated significant economic, social, and media impact," Clare County Council said, adding that more than 100,000 visitors flocked to the region.
The decision to host the 2026 golf event at Trump Doonbeg was welcomed by Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump and Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, as well as Clare County Council.
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Taoiseach Micheál Martin has since said there is "no question" that US President Donald Trump would be welcome to visit Ireland on the occasion of the Irish Open next year.
Speaking to reporters in Dublin on Wednesday, the Taoiseach highlighted the "critically important relationship" between Ireland and the US.
“Economically, it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in this country," he told reporters in Dublin. "Culturally, in terms of the long cultural engagement for artists and our writers. Family to family, in terms of our diaspora and relationships.
“And in that context, there's no question that President Trump would be welcome to Ireland in terms of the underpinning of that US-Ireland relationship."
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