Des Smyth plays mostly on the Champions Tour in the US

Senior Irish Open organisers have confirmed that Des Smyth will travel home from the US for this year's event at Ballyliffin in June.

Sam Torrance, Sandy Lyle, Bob Charles and holder Costantino Rocca have already confirmed their participation in Donegal from 20/22 June.

Ian Woosnam and another former Ryder Cup hero Eamonn Darcy are also expected to play in the event.

Former winners Seji Ebihara of Japan and Carl Mason will be competing.

Preparations for the event are continuing apace at Ballyliffin.

The club, which has two championship courses, recently took charge of a new irrigation system which will help head greenkeeper Andy Roberson and his team.

Officially opened in 1947, the club boasts two courses - the Glashedy Links, unveiled in 1995, and the Old Links, which will be used for the Irish Seniors Open.

We know that our members are excited at the opportunity to play a true links course, Andy Stubbs

The 6,910 yards, par 71 Old Links course was upgraded and re-opened in 2006 by new Nick Faldo, who has had a long association with the Donegal club.

The manager director of the European Seniors Tour Andy Stubbs said that he is looking forward to the event.

"We know that our members are excited at the opportunity to play a true links course, which is reflected in the quality of the field," said Mr Stubbs.

"Our thanks go to everyone involved at the club for their tremendous enthusiasm and hospitality, and we would also wish to acknowledge the input of our associate sponsors Failte Ireland for their continued involvement in Seniors Tour golf, and AIB for their 12 years of support for the Irish Seniors Open."

Large crowds are expected at the Ballyliffin Links over the three-day tournament.

Ballyliffin will be issuing complimentary season tickets to its members and has secured a significant allocation for distribution amongst local golf clubs.

The Allied Irish Bank will be promoting the tournament in its branches all over Ireland making tickets for this event readily accessible.

Ballyliffin members have also been registering in large numbers to act as volunteers for the event

The event is preceded by two pro-am events when stars such as Lyle, Woosnam and Torrance will be in action.