Tim:
I stand corrected on the Ballyliffin-New...I think I remember it being Ruddy now you mention it. They do love to tout Faldo as the guy who publicized Ballyliffin to the masses...
As for Rosapenna, the back nine of the OTM course was in play when I was there last July. I believe, however, that they have removed that nine to replace it with the Ruddy 9 along the road into the property. The newest nine was closed when I was there, but it looks to resemble the final few holes of Sandy Hills with the lower dunes, some of whick look to be man-shaped.
I do agree that Sandy Hills may be missing just one small something to be a GREAT course. Perhaps the land is just too wild? There isn't much room for hazards in and amongst all of the land movement. It's possible the course is just too remote to be great. Perhaps when the Nicklaus courses are completed over at St. Patrick's, the town will become more of a destination and it will help how people look at Sandy Hills. I personally liked the course even though it was a bit difficult to figure out where to go on the first play. I think it would be even better on play number two. I think this course for me is better than Ballyliffin-old, and the European Club (heresy?..I wasn't into the wooden bunkers at EC).
It is too bad they took the hill nine out of play, as there were some really unique holes. It did, however, have three road crossing shots, and another players had to cross between holes. 10, 11, 12 scaled the hill before 13 flew down it with a beautiful long par four, with an almost Kapalua-like drop and roll-out. 14 and 15 crest the hill and play much longer than their 150 and 410. 16 is a par three with a panorama of the property. Then 17 and 18 come flying down the hill to the clubhouse. They play like inland links holes. It appeared that new houses were being built on top of the hill to take advantage of the panoramic view, but it is tough to imagine the area is actually "growing" that far north...