More should be done to highlight Thurles as a European Town of Sport, says councillor

Councillor Jim Ryan has asked that Tipperary County Council do something to highlight that Thurles is a European Town of Sport.

He raised the issue at this week’s sitting of Thurles -Templemore Municipal District Council saying the town received the title in 2012, but nothing was ever made of it.

Cllr Ryan said he has raised the point on numerous occasions but to no avail.

“It was a massive achievement, but frustratingly and disgracefully, I think, there is no sign or plaque to say Thurles is a European Town of Sport,” said Cllr Ryan.

He continued: “It is an insult to the various sports groups and the town council at the time who put forward the application and the community who organised it. It’s disappointing that 12 years on and there is nothing to showcase Thurles getting that award,” said Cllr Ryan.

First in Ireland

According to Sporting Ireland, Thurles was the first town in Ireland to be awarded the title of European Town of Sport.

The application was made in 2011 by Shannon Development, North Tipperary County Council, LIT Tipperary and North Tipperary Sports Partnership.

A delegation from the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation toured and inspected Thurles’s top sporting venues and decided to award the town the title.

At the time, the Vice President of ACES Europe, John Swanson, 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.

“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. “

To be raised

Geraldine Manning from the Community and Economic Development section of Tipperary County Council said she would raise the matter with the sports coordinator.

District Administrator Sharon Scully said she too would follow it up.