The Irish Open will go ahead in 2011 despite the loss of its title sponsor. Failte Ireland, the Irish tourist authority, announced on Tuesday that although the mobile phone company that has been the tournaments main sponsor for the past two years has withdrawn its backing, officials from the European Tour insist the event will go ahead and have penciled it in for 28-31 July.

The Tour's director of international policy Keith Waters told the press that the Irish Open was an integral part of the European schedule. Waters added that it was also important, given the strength of the Irish players on the Tour at the moment.

"It is early days yet as it was only recently that we were without a sponsor for next year, and obviously we hope to find another one," Waters told the press. "So yes, the Irish Open is continuing with full details to follow."

Ross Fisher, the English golfer, won the 2010 Irish Open at Killarney, finishing two shots ahead of irish contender Padraig Harrington.