Live at the Castle concert kicks off Ryder Cup year to go celebration

Ryder Cup Captains Luke Donald and Jim Furyk ensured Ireland’s Year to Go Celebrations got off to a spectacular start when they appeared on stage together at the Live at the Castle concert on Sunday night.

The two Captains took part in a live Q&A in front of 2,000 people at King John’s Castle in the heart of Limerick.

LIMERICK, IRELAND - OCTOBER 04: A general view as a Fireworks Display takes place during the Ryder Cup 2027 Year to Go Concert at King John's Castle on October 04, 2026 in Limerick, Ireland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Popular Irish bands The Coronas and BIIRD also performed at the event, which was hosted by Today FM Presenter Louise Cantillon.

The event opened with a video featuring Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister of Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, Mayor of Limerick John Moran and Adare Manor Owner JP McManus.

Following a live set by BIIRD, the two Captains were led onto the stage by Irish drummers for their first joint appearance since their respective appointments earlier this year.

Ryder Cup Europe also recognised Limerick’s All Ireland winning hurling team, with players Barry Nash, Dan Morrissey, Cian Lynch and manager John Kiely joining host Louise Cantillon to reflect on their achievement.

The night finished with a performance from best-selling Irish band The Coronas followed by fireworks over the 13th century castle, located next to the River Shannon.

Richard Atkinson, the European Tour Group’s Chief Ryder Cup Officer, said: “We wanted to do something special in the heart of Limerick to celebrate this key milestone in Ireland’s Ryder Cup journey. It was great to see so many families and community groups in the crowd, all enjoying and being part of this unique event.

“Next year will mark the 100-year anniversary of the Ryder Cup, so it was fitting to start our Year to Go celebration at the historic King John’s Castle. Over the next two days, the two Captains will be part of various events which will showcase Limerick and Ireland to our global audience as we continue the countdown to the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Golf’s greatest team competition, between Europe and the United States, will take place at Adare Manor from September 13-19, 2027.