Top Irish golfer Lowry ditches Kingspan sponsor over Grenfell fire

The National Times - Top Irish golfer Lowry ditches Kingspan sponsor over Grenfell fire

Top Irish golfer Lowry ditches Kingspan sponsor over Grenfell fire / Photo: © AFP

Major-winning Irish golfer Shane Lowry on Tuesday ended Tuesday his sponsorship with the Ireland-based construction firm Kingspan after it was criticised in a public inquiry report into the Grenfell Tower fire.

Change text size:

The 37-year-old Irishman, British Open winner in 2019, said in a statement that his partnership with Kingspan, which dated back to 2017, was now at an end.

"Kingspan and I have mutually agreed to discontinue our sponsorship relationship, which we believe to be the right decision for all concerned at this time," said the statement.

"Neither party will be commenting further," it said.

The tragedy in west London was Britain's worst peacetime fire since World War II, in which 72 men, women and children died.

Survivor groups have heavily criticised Kingspan, one of three firms that were singled out in last week's report.

The report exempted Kingspan, whose headquarters is in Cavan, northwest of Dublin, from responsibility for the spread of the fire on the night.

But it found that the firm had "knowingly" created "a false market for insulation", had used "dishonest strategies" and had shown "a complete disregard for fire safety".

Survivors previously accused Lowry of ignoring their appeals to ditch the sponsorship.

E.Cox--TNT

ANC’s Renewal Rhetoric Fades as Voters Reject Party in 2026 Local Elections

After nearly twenty years of official pledges to reverse internal decay and restore public trust, the African National Congress (ANC) faces a stark reality check following the 2026 local government elections. The results indicate that South African voters no longer believe in the party's capacity for renewal, marking a significant shift from the era when the ANC maintained overwhelming electoral support despite early warnings of structural crisis.

Cuban Diplomat Warns U.S. Blockade Is Severing People-to-People Ties

Cuban diplomat Gabriela Castillo warns that escalating U.S. sanctions are severing vital human connections between the two nations, particularly affecting academic exchanges and longstanding solidarity with African American communities. She argues that political coercion is inflicting collective punishment on Cuban civilians while erasing opportunities for mutual understanding.

Home Affairs Deploys AI to Clear Asylum Backlog Amid Staffing Crisis

The South African Department of Home Affairs has launched a new digital platform utilizing artificial intelligence and biometric technology to overhaul the country’s asylum process. The initiative aims to resolve a severe operational bottleneck, as only nine officials were managing thousands of outstanding appeals at the start of the current administration. Officials warn that registering an intention to apply does not grant automatic protection against immigration enforcement.

Ian Borg Honoured by Palestinian and Arab League Ambassadors for Palestine Support

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg has been presented with a commemorative plaque by the ambassadors of Palestine and the Arab League to Malta. The honour recognizes his support for Arab causes during his tenure as Foreign Minister, particularly regarding Malta’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine.