Corporate America arrives this weekend for what is now considered one of the most prestigious corporate golf competitions. The US-Ireland Alliance Golf Challenge benefits the Washington-based organisation which sponsors the George Mitchell Scholarships, builds ties in the next generation between the two countries and introduces US corporate leaders to Ireland.
Alliance president Trina Vargo was mountain climbing with the Mitchell Scholars up Carrantuohill and Mount Brandon last weekend - the idea of Dublin barrister Bill Shipsey who led the hike. She has pulled together an impressive US team to give the Irish defending champions a run for their money when they tee off on Monday at the K Club, Co Kildare. In one of his last acts as ambassador, Mike Sullivan will captain a team that includes Tom Coughlin of Wal-Mart, Dick Kovacevich of Wells Fargo, Steve Rockefeller of Banker's Trust, and Tosco's Tom O'Malley. The Irish captain is Laurence Crowley, governor of the Bank of Ireland and the team includes Elan's Donal Geaney, Bernard McNamara of McNamara Construction and one Dick Spring.
When it is all over on Tuesday night, the golfers will be entertained to dinner in Dublin's House of Lords by the Bank of Ireland.