Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has described the 36th Ryder Cup as "a pinnacle" for Ireland when golf's greatest team event is played at The K-Club in Kildare next September.
Speaking at The Ryder Cup "Year to Go" Gala Dinner at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin last night Ahern said "one of the greatest sporting events is coming to Ireland and that the entire nation is determined that it will be one of the best Ryder Cups ever".
"Whatever happens, it will be a breath-stopping and wonderful experience and that golf and sport will be the winners."
Europe's team captain Ian Woosnam and his Irish vice captain Des Smyth were among the 700 who gathered for the Gala evening.
The Taoiseach also paid tribute to his colleague John O'Donoghue, Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism, by saying: "For the last three and a half years he has been the spearhead behind the Government drive and support for 2006.
"The Ryder Cup will be a pinnacle but not the end. It is the launch pad for continued, sustained success with many more of the world's 56 million golfers wanting to come to Ireland."
George O'Grady, Executive Director of The European Tour, added: "I can't speak highly enough for the superb commitment to golf that Ireland as a nation has displayed over many decades. We are certain that The 2006 Ryder Cup will, indeed, be a wonderful sporting event."