Renewed call for recognition of a town in Tipperary's impressive sporting accolade
The absence of signage commemorating Thurles as a European Town of Sport raised at Thurles MD
The absence of any signage commemorating Thurles’ designation as a European Town of Sport was raised once again at a recent meeting of Thurles Municipal District, more than a decade after the town received the prestigious title in 2012.
With representatives from Tipperary Sports Partnership in attendance, Cllr Jim Ryan took the opportunity to highlight the long-running issue, questioning why there is still no visible recognition of the accolade within the town.
“I’m like a broken record on this," Cllr Ryan said.
“Back in 2012, Thurles was awarded European Town of Sport, a really prestigious award which not many towns in Europe have been given.
“At the time, we were told at the presentation ceremony that this was going to be a game changer for Thurles in terms of sports tourism and funding opportunities for clubs in the town.
“It was a very proud moment for Thurles, but shockingly you wouldn’t think we’d won that award because there’s not a sign around Thurles that mentions it.
“I’d say a lot of clubs who are applying for funding don’t even know we have that award and it would no doubt help their applications.
“I'd go as far as to say it’s a huge insult to the people who were involved in the campaign to achieve this award in 2012. A massive amount of work went into it and it has been brushed under the carpet ever since.
“I’m asking today, can someone in the council please do something about this?
“I feel like it's such a let down that there is nothing to show for it.“
Responding to the issue, representatives of Tipperary Sports Partnership acknowledged Cllr Ryan's concerns but said the matter ultimately fell within the remit of Tipperary County Council rather than the partnership itself.
While no commitment was made at the meeting regarding the installation of signage, the discussion once again drew attention to Thurles' status as a European Town of Sport more than a decade after it was awarded.