Spectacular financial coup for City of the Tribes

IN what is being seen as a spectacular coup by Galway city, it has been chosen to be the finish port of the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race.

Beating stiff competition from other European ports, including favourites Stockholm, the decision could generate upwards of €80 million for the local economy.

The stopover in Galway during May 2009 fuelled the public imagination as never before. More than 600,000 supporters visited the race village during the stopover, with the crowd peaking at 62,000 people on in-port race day alone. Salthill drew a further crowd of 120,000 to watch the dramatic close combat race from the shoreline.

Some 15,000 people turned out at 4am to welcome the boats as they arrived in Galway after an arduous Atlantic crossing.

The welcome given to the crews and their families was understood to have stunned the race organisers and is believed to have been a deciding factor in the city being chosen to stage the climax to the 2011-2012 event.

Chairman of Let’s Do It Global, Enda O’Coineen was involved in a huge lobbying campaign on behalf of Galway in recent months.

“For Ireland to win back the event is a smart move. The smart economy is not simply about science and technology, it is about connecting our island in the North Atlantic with the world, leveraging our 2,000 miles of coastline, global diaspora, enterprise, employment, youth education, development, food and, of course tourism for a quick win and economic return on investment,” he said.

Festival director of Let’s Do It Galway Maria Moynihan Lee said: “You would not believe the work people put into this. I didn’t count it as a hatched chicken until about 11am this morning. We have an opportunity to build on last time where so much went right but we know we can do it even bigger and better next time.”

Chairman of the Galway branch of the Irish Hotels Federation said the decision would offer a much needed boost to the region.

“Hotels and guesthouses throughout the west of Ireland are delighted that Galway is hosting a sporting event of such magnitude with the potential to reach so many people worldwide. We look forward to welcoming our ocean racing friends back to Galway for what we will be a truly memorable experience,” he said.

Galway TD and Labour President Michael D Higgins said: “The news that in 2012 we are to welcome the Ocean Race again, for a three day round-Ireland race, is fantastic.”