Kilkenny could be spearheading bid to bring WrestleMania to Ireland
WrestleMania bid gains momentum as Kilkenny councillor eyes historic role in bringing wrestling’s biggest event to Ireland
A Kilkenny councillor is hoping to have a motion heard at the next plenary council meeting calling on the Government and relevant State agencies ‘to examine and actively pursue a bid to bring WrestleMania, one of the world’s largest live entertainment and sporting spectacles, to Ireland’.
Cllr Maurice Shortall stated that while such an event would most likely be hosted in Dublin, the wider regional benefit to counties such as Kilkenny would be substantial, with strong potential for tourism spillover, increased domestic travel, and enhanced international visibility for Ireland’s secondary tourism destinations.
He also hopes to call for Kilkenny County Council “to further acknowledge that Ireland is well placed to present a credible and competitive bid for WrestleMania, given our strong international tourism brand, proven track record in hosting major events, and global reputation as a welcoming destination.”
Cllr Shortall states that his notice of motion, subject to approval, will call on Ministers Burke and O’Donovan, together with the relevant State agencies and tourism stakeholders, to assess the feasibility of such a bid and to engage with the appropriate partners to determine Ireland’s capacity to host WrestleMania in the near future.
The councillor, an independent public representative in the Castlecomer Municipal District, has a strong interest in professional wrestling and has been the catalyst in organising recent sell-out wrestling events in Castlecomer Community Hall.
His podcast, Cheap Heat Productions, has also covered professional wrestling in-depth.