Adare’s Ryder Cup moved onto anti ticket tout register – Clendennen

The Ryder Cup at Adare Manor has been added to the register of designated events and venues to prevent online ticket touts from scalping Irish fans, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy John Clendennen said it was crucial that next year’s world-famous tournament at Adare Manor was added to the register, which is governed under the Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Act 2021.

The designation, which took effect on Wednesday, means that it is now a criminal offence to sell or advertise tickets for the 2027 Ryder Cup at a price exceeding their face value.

Deputy Clendennen has been a vocal campaigner on this issue, recently highlighting the failure to deal with ticket touts and calling out the price gouging that was already occurring ahead of 2027 Ryder Cup.

“I am delighted to see confirmation that the Ryder Cup 2027 has now been added to the designated events register. I have been highlighting this issue consistently and it is encouraging to see this progress,” Deputy Clendennen said.

“The Sale of Tickets Act 2021 was enacted by Fine Gael with a clear objective: to protect consumers and ensure fair access to major events by prohibiting the resale of tickets at inflated prices. However, a loophole existed where venues or events not officially listed were exempt.

“By designating the Ryder Cup, we have closed that loophole for one of the biggest sporting events Ireland will ever host.”

Deputy Clendennen had previously expressed concern that despite the legislation being in effect for nearly five years, there had been no prosecutions to date, providing an “open door” for ticket touts to exploit genuine fans.

“This designation is a crucial first step, but it must be followed by robust enforcement,” he continued.

“I am calling on An Garda Síochána and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to proactively monitor the secondary ticketing market and ensure that anyone attempting to take advantage of genuine fans is investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

The Ryder Cup will take place at Adare Manor, Co. Limerick, from September 13-19, 2027.

“This event will showcase the very best of Ireland to a global audience. We must ensure that the experience for fans, both domestic and international, is not tarnished by opportunistic touts. This week’s register development is a significant victory for consumer protection and fair play,” Deputy Clendennen concluded.