Rory toasts New Year at Ashford Castle

STAR STRUCK?Edel Nolan from Balla is pictured with world number one golfer Rory McIlroy outside Ashford Castle.

Rory toasts New Year at Ashford Castle

Ciara Galvin

HE is known to frequent the world’s most luxurious hotels and now world number one golfer Rory McIlroy can add Ashford Castle in Cong to the list.
The four time major winner checked into the five star Red Carnation hotel on December 30 last, reportedly accompanied by girlfriend Erica Stoll. The golfer took the month of December off from playing his beloved game, but after his stay at Ashford, was jetting out to a training camp in Dubai.
Ms Stoll, who is a PGA employee, once saved the Holywood-golfer from Ryder Cup disaster after alerting McIlroy to his correct tee time which he had inadvertently mixed up.
McIlroy and his American love interest were staying in one of the castle’s luxurious newly-renovated suites where they enjoyed private dining each night. It was the golfer’s first time at the castle and it is said he was very interested to know its history.
After a busy day visiting the Aran Islands on New Years Eve, he and Ms Stoll are said to have rang in the new year among other guests by the castle’s fountain, watching the fireworks display.
McIlroy mingled with guests during breakfast each morning and posed for some pictures with locals, with one lucky bride-to-be taking the chance as McIlroy made his way into the famous castle.
Edel Nolan from Balla, got engaged to Neale native John Varley on Christmas Eve and took the opportunity to top of a Christmas to remember with a snap with the world number one.