PAT HENEGHAN, the former, tournament director of the Irish Open golf championship, completes the special, eight member committee who are to spearhead Ireland's attempt at staging the Ryder Cup in 2005. He joins the group as the nominee of Enda Kenny, Minister for Trade and Tourism.

This vacancy was left when the Minister for Sport, Bernard Allen, announced the formation of the committee last month. Those named at that time were: Hugh Mackeown (chairman), a former Irish international and chairman of Musgraves; Roy Douglas, chief executive of the Irish Permanent; George Crosbie, a former Irish international and team captain and director of The Examiner; Michael McCumiskey, secretary of the PGA Irish Region; Aidan Marsden, of the Department of Education Marc Howard of the Department of Education, and Des Smyth, tournament professional and Ryder Cup representative.

Heneghan, now managing director of his own public relations company, was to the forefront of Carrolls' involvement in golf sponsorship from 1963 until 1981. During that period, he was responsible for reviving the Irish Open at Woodbrook in 1975. Since leaving Carrolls he has maintained a keen interest in the game through his membership of Portmarnock GC.