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Holywood’s Tim McKibbin had a starring role in a stunning promotional video for Tourism Northern Ireland that was unveiled at Titanic Belfast as the countdown begins to the 148th Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush in July.
The specially commissioned “We’ve Come a Long Way” film was premiered at a celebration attended by almost 400 guests that included Peter Alliss and record-breaking champion jockey AP McCoy.
The film, which incorporates an original score composed and performed by Belfast-born pianist Michael McHale, is set to an original poem written by County Down poet Paula Matthew and narrated by Northern Ireland actors Ian McElhinney, Bronagh Waugh, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Shaun Blaney.
The special film was produced by award-winning NI Director Marty Stalker, capturing the unique nature of Northern Ireland.
McKibbin is filmed sinking a putt at Royal Portrush which will be beamed into millions of homes around the world as 190,000 spectators attend the return of the Championship to Northern Ireland for only the second time since 1951.
Alliss played in that Championship but failed to qualify having just finished national service with the RAF.
“It’s a wonderful venue,” said Alliss, who was considered the voice of golf for decades, and plans to be at Royal Portrush in July. “One of the most dramatic looking golf courses and one of the very best.
“This will be won by someone, I should imagine, who knows how to play, has this [pointing to the space between the ears] under control and plays it like a game of chess and has good fortune.”
As for Ireland, or even Northern Ireland, he said: “I love the humour and the fun. Those smiley faces!”
The launch event and release of the short film is part of a major drive by Tourism NI to encourage people to truly experience Northern Ireland this year, from the stay and play opportunities across 105 golf courses to momentous events like The Open.
Northern Ireland was also named as the World’s Best Food Destination this year, with the highly-anticipated Game of Thrones: The Touring Exhibition
opening only two hours from Dublin at Titanic Exhibition Centre from April featuring immersive experiences using storylines from the world-renowned series.
With the iconic year ahead, Tourism NI aims to build on its highest visitor numbers to date as it was revealed last year that there were an estimated 4.9m overall trips to Northern Ireland and an increase of 49% of people from the Republic of Ireland choosing to holiday in Northern Ireland, amounting to 18% of all external trips.
The 148th Open will be held from Sunday 14th – Sunday 21st July 2019. Practice Day tickets are available and those wishing to attend the event in style can avail of a range of exclusive hospitality options, with accommodation still available across Northern Ireland.
It’s a wonderful venue, one of the most dramatic looking courses and one of the very best