European Ryder Cup Captain and three-time Irish Open champion Colin Montgomerie has confirmed his participation in The 3 Irish Open at County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, Drogheda, from May 14-17.

Montgomerie, who recently made his 500th appearance on The European Tour, has a formidable record on Irish soil having won The Irish Open in 1996, 1997 and 2001, The European Open in 2007 and, of course, The Ryder Cup in 2006 when he maintained his unbeaten Ryder Cup Singles record in Europe's record-equalling victory over the USA.

The Scotsman, a winner of 31 European Tour career titles, will return to Ireland and Baltry next month to attempt to become the first man in the tournament's 82-year history to win the title four times.

He said: "I am very much looking forward to The 3 Irish Open. It is a tournament with great history so it is fantastic to hear there is a new title sponsor on board to secure this key event on The European Tour Schedule.

"I have enjoyed playing in Ireland throughout my career and I have to say that the Irish crowds are amongst the best in the world in terms of their knowledge of golf and their levels of support for the players.

"All of the elements are in place for a terrific Irish Open. We have a three-time Major Champion in Padraig Harrington leading the way and some very exciting Irish players making their mark in the game. We have a great course and a strong sponsor so there is a real opportunity to build on those foundations and take the tournament forward."

Robert Finnegan, Chief Executive of 3, said: "As proud sponsors of The 3 Irish Open we're delighted Colin Montgomerie has entered - the three-time former Irish Open Champion and Ryder Cup Captain is a real favourite with Irish golfing fans and is sure to draw a crowd.

"At 3, our ambition is to drive The Irish Open forward by attracting the world's best golfers and making The 3 Irish Open the sporting event of the year. We thank Colin for his support and look forward to seeing him in action."

Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism said: "One of the oldest National Open Championships, The Irish Open has traditionally attracted top class international golfers and I am delighted that Colin Montgomerie in continuing his long association with this event, will participate in this year's 3 Irish Open at the Baltray Links. The current Ryder Cup Captain and eight time winner of the Order of Merit title, Colin will be a big draw in a highly competitive field in this challenging contest which this year has a new title sponsor 3. The support provided by 3 will make The Irish Open one of the most prestigious events on The European Tour."

Fans have the chance to make significant savings at The 3 Irish Open by taking advantage of advance ticket offers.

Season tickets to see Padraig Harrington and many of the world's best players in action for four days over the classic links layout at Baltray, County Louth, are available at a 30 per cent discount if purchased before midnight on Sunday, May 10; while advance Daily ticket purchase

Junior fans, under the age of 16, who are accompanied by a paying adult, will be granted free access to the tournament throughout the week.

To take advantage of these outstanding advance ticket offers, please visit: www.europeantourtickets.com or call the following numbers:

Republic of Ireland Customers call: 1 890 252 698
Customers outside of the Republic of Ireland call: +44 (0) 800 023 2557

The 3 Irish Open Ticket Prices are as follows:
Adult Daily Gate €20 Adult Advance €15
Adult Season Gate €50 Adult Season Advance €35
Senior Daily Gate €15 Senior Daily Advance €10
Senior Season Gate €35 Senior Season Advance €25
Juniors U-16 Free if accompanied by a paying adult.

For further information from The European Tour, please contact:
The European Tour Communications Division
Tel: +44 (0)1344 840400;
Fax: +44 (0)1344 840444
email: media@europeantour.com

About 3
* 3, which launched on the Irish mobile services market in 2005, operates one of Ireland's 3G mobile phone licences under the '3' brand. With over 19 million customers worldwide, 3 is Europe's leading 3G operator and was the first to offer 3G services to European customers.
* 3 is Ireland's fastest growing mobile network with over 350,000 customers.
* 3 is now the leading provider of mobile broadband services in Ireland, with 125,000 high speed mobile broadband subscribers.
* 3 was recently appointed to roll-out the country's National Broadband Scheme connecting rural areas of Ireland with high speed mobile broadband.
* 3 has invested €530 million to date in building the Irish network
* 3 has opened 21 of its own retail stores in Ireland, called 3Stores.
* 3 is the only operator offering a pre-paid mobile broadband service in Ireland.
* 3 is 100 per cent owned by Hutchison Whampoa Group which also holds 3G licenses in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Macau, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

For further information about 3, please contact:-
Eoin Hahessy or Sarah Kelly
O Herlihy Communications
Tel: 01 6602744/ 087 240 3612