Platinum One, a leading Irish sports management company has landed the rights to become Real Madrid CF’s preseason partner. In doing so they have also managed to entice the La Liga giants to start their preseason “Stage” as it is known in Spain with a friendly against Shamrock Rovers in Dublin.
Real Madrid will be based at the Carton House Hotel in Co. Kildare. The squad will have two training sessions each day and will play one game in Dublin towards the end of the camp on July 20th in Tallaght.
Speaking about his company’s achievement, The Head of Football at PLATINUM ONE, Eamon McLoughlin, said “In the past we have worked with other top European clubs on preseason tours, friendly fixtures and training camps but it is a particular thrill to bring the biggest club in the world to Ireland.”
Mr McLoughlin explained that a number of years ago Platinum One identified that the top clubs wanted accommodation and training facilities in the same location. In recent years Platinum One have utilised the facilities at St Andrews in Scotland for FC Barcelona.
“We needed someone with the appropriate facilities to establish an outstanding facility in Ireland,” said Mr McLoughlin. “The Mallaghan family has done quite an exceptional job with Carton House which will quickly come to be seen as the premier of such facility in Europe.”
Conor Mallaghan of Carton House said “Obviously we are delighted that the mighty Real Madrid has chosen Carton House for what all the top clubs consider to be one of the most important periods of any season – the get back to work phase.”
Mr Mallaghan cited the quality of the Hotel, Leisure and Golf Facility and proximity to Dublin Airport and Dublin City as key selling points for his venue. “It is rewarding after all the planning and effort that we have put into establishing the training facility and it represents the ultimate endorsement of its quality,” concluded Mr Mallaghan
Real Madrid
In a press ststement posted on The Shamrock Rovers website, The General Director and Presidential Advisor of Real Madrid, Mr Jorge Valdano, was quoted as saying “We are delighted to be travelling to Ireland for this important part of our preseason training. Our technical staff had considered a number of different locations but we are confident that the exceptional facilities in Carton House, Co. Kildare will provide the perfect environment for our 1st team squad to prepare for the coming season.”
The Irish Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD has welcomed the announcement by Real Madrid saying “Ireland will welcome the club here and we will ensure that everything is done to make it a destination of choice for the club for many years to come.”
The Chairman of Shamrock Rovers FC, Jonathan Roche was delighted with the exclusive fixture. “This is a dream fixture for any club. Our fans have had a long wait to become established in a new home and now in our first season at the Tallaght Stadium we are being given the opportunity to host the biggest football club in the world. This is great news for Shamrock Rovers and the domestic game in general.”
It is hoped that players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka could make their debut for Real Madrid in the friendly, however this has not been confirmed.
Real Madrid’s visit to Ireland will culminate with a match against Shamrock Rovers at the new Tallaght Stadium in West Dublin on July 20th. The match is being promoted by PLATINUM ONE.
