'Pressure is for tyres' says Niall Horan at JP MacManus Pro-Am

Clodagh McKeon

“Pressure is for tyres,” said Mullingar man Niall Horan when interviewed at the JP MacManus Pro-Am Golf Tournament this morning.

The two-day event started today at Adare Manor in Limerick when a selection of the world’s best golfers and celebrities teed off to raise money for charities across the midwest.

Billionaire businessman, JP MacManus, welcomed 10 of the top 11 golf players, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and LPGA Tour star, Leona Maguire, to his event.

Niall Horan and Jamie Dornan were among the celebrities competing in the 2022 tournament and 40,000-plus spectators were expected.

Ireland AM's Tommy Bowe was speaking to them before tee-off.

Niall said: “It’s incredible to be here. Ten of the top 11 players in the world are here, but if it all goes wrong, at least we can say we played in a tournament with Tiger Woods.

“I’ve played in a fair few pro-ams but this is a different level.

“Legendary actors like Bill Murray are coming to play in this – it just shows how loving and caring JP has been to everyone.

“It adds that different level of star power to it.”

JP MacManus has long raised money for charities like MS Ireland, Pieta House, Irish Red Cross and Down Syndrome Ireland, who will all be beneficiaries of this year’s competition.

The total amount raised to date is €140 million.

Niall said: “JP has done so much for Ireland and especially the area here in Limerick.

“He’s been looking after hospitals and hospices for years and years and if we can add to the total that he’s got at the moment, we’ll try our best.”

Jamie Dornan, who was not feeling too optimistic about today’s action, commented on his experience playing with pro-golfer Leona Maguire.

He said: “What a talent.

“And her sister Lisa, they’re just lovely girls. They’re lovely company and Leona, she’s a superstar!”