North Kerry business people are to pledge in excess of £30,000 to ensure that next year's Murphy's Irish Open is staged at Ballybunion. It is their way of emphasising the importance of the event to the local community.

The move comes after the recent special general meeting of the club at which there was an overwhelming vote in favour of the tournament with acceptance of attendance figures agreeable to the sponsors.

"Ourselves and the community of North Kerry are most anxious that the Open goes ahead," said Kevin O'Callaghan, chairman of the Ballybunion Development Company yesterday.

He added: "We are confident the necessary funding will be forthcoming and we are prepared to play our part to that end." A decision by the sponsors on a venue for next year's event is expected early next month.