Smurfit’s golf dream reaches the 19th hole

Michael Smurfit’s decision to put the K Club up for sale marks the end of a colourful era in Irish corporate life

Thinking back to the day the K Club opened in 1991 must evoke bittersweet memories for Michael Smurfit. It was, of course, a moment of triumph for him as he fulfilled his ambition of opening a golf course and club that matched, if not exceeded, the high standards he had seen in the US.

It was also the day, however, that the then taoiseach, Charles Haughey, suggested Smurfit should “step aside” as chairman ...