Thurles named European Town of Sport

Thurles has been awarded the prestigious title of European Town of Sport for 2012, becoming the first town in Ireland to claim the accolade.

Following a successful submission from Shannon Development, North Tipperary County Council, LIT Tipperary and North Tipperary Sports Partnership, a delegation from the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES) visited Thurles over the weekend on an inspection tour of the town’s top sports venues.

Speaking about the delegation’s visit, John Swanson, vice president ACES Europe said: “The inspection team were delighted to witness the huge range of sports offered to the people of Thurles, there truly is something for everyone to engage in and get active.

“The facilities that the inspection team saw were very impressive, particularly for a small town, and many a city would be proud to boast of such a portfolio.”

Swanson added: “We also noted the excellent local sports partnership working and the role it plays in promoting sport and the promotion of sport and physical activity at schools.

“We look forward to seeing representatives from Thurles European Town of Sport for 2012 at the awards ceremony in Brussels at the European Parliament on November 30th.”

Thurles joins a select number of European towns designated as a European Town of Sport for 2012. Other towns already selected include: Atri, Finale Ligure, Savigano sul Rubicone & Valdengo in Italy, and Otura & Pont de Suert in Spain