Killiney and Inchydoney among record 83 beaches awarded Blue Flag status Green Coast Awards also presented to 63 beaches with active community managers
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With good news on the weather front for the weekend, holiday makers and day-trippers have been given an added boost by the announcement from An Taisce of a record number of Blue Flag awards for water quality at the State’s beaches and marinas.
One of the world’s most recognised eco-labels, since it began in France in 1985, Blue Flags were awarded to 19 beaches and two marines when Ireland joined in 1988 – rising to 83 beaches and 10 marinas this year – two Blue Flags more than last year, a record high.
By Philip Reid, Contributor
To be sure, the wait has been worth it. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day of every week of every month of every year that Ireland has had to be patient before being bestowed with the favor of playing host to the 2006 Ryder Cup has been worth it.
Now, with the great match in its sights, Ireland one giant golf course is ready to make the 36th edition of the Ryder Cup the greatest match ever. Which is saying some- thing, given how many times this biennial golfing joust between Europe and the United States has ensured a rush of adrena- lin inside and outside of the ropes, and given how it has evolved into the greatest golfing duel on the planet.