THE ASSOCIATION OF Catholic Priests (ACP) has said it is “shameful” that Donald Trump’s Co Clare golf course will host next year’s Irish Open.
The ACP also questioned if “some of our Irish golfers will take a stand by not participating in the event”.
The tournament was won in spectacular fashion by Rory McIlroy last week, with McIlroy holding his nerve to triumph on the third play-off hole in front of home support at the K Club.
It was announced this week that Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg will host next year’s Irish Open.
Trump’s son Eric Trump, remarked that the Trump Organisation is “incredibly proud” that the 2026 Amgen Irish Open will be held at its resort in Doonbeg.
And speaking to reporters earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there is “no question” that Trump would be “welcome to Ireland” for the event.
“There will be differences of opinion, that’s natural,” said Martin.
“We live in a democracy, and we facilitate protests, we facilitate people with different agreements.
“But the fundamentals are that we continue to support that US-Ireland relationship because it puts bread on the table of a lot of Irish people.”
In a statement today, the ACP said it is “very disappointed” that Trump’s golf course in Doonbeg will host the Irish Open.
“Given the excitement generated by the K Club, this, by contrast, generates anger,” said the ACP.
The ACP described the move as “another example of appeasing Donald Trump”.
The group added that Trump is “promoting many policies that are directly contrary to the message of Jesus”, pointing to the cutting of US aid.
The ACP also criticised Trump for “harassing and imprisoning emigrants and supporting Israeli action against Palestinians”.
“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,” said the ACP.
“It is probably too much to expect our government to intervene in this decision,” said the ACP, “but we hope that the many Irish people who share our unhappiness will make their voices heard in whatever way they can.”
Last month, the ACP called on the Catholic Church to cut ties with Allianz, which is alleged to be helping fund Israel’s war on Palestinians.
The group said Allianz has been a “trusted friend” of the Catholic Church for decades, with many Church buildings in Ireland being insured by the company.
The company, among others, was described as an “enabler” of the genocide in Gaza.
It was listed in a report of companies published by Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory.