Images of counties Tipperary and Limerick will be seen by millions of television viewers when TV coverage of the 2008 Tour of Ireland cycle race are beamed round the world on Thursday 28th and Saturday 30th August.
Sixteen teams from 20 countries world-wide will cycle through the towns and byways of Co. Tipperary and Limerick City and County as part of day two of prestigious cycle race, which is being organised in association with Failte Ireland.
Welcoming the event, Pat Daly, Tourism Marketing Manager, Shannon Development said, “The impact of this event will be huge for both counties in terms of tourism promotion as the event will be featured in 180 television markets worldwide. It will also enhance Tipperary’s reputation internationally as a sports destination. A team from Shannon Development has been working with Failte Ireland to maximise the media exposure for the event and ensure that everything runs smoothly for the cycle teams and their supporters, and that the international fans have a chance to enjoy the Limerick and Tipperary scenery and hospitality. Over 500,000 spectators are expected to watch the event over the five days. We would urge the people of Tipperary and Limerick to come out and show their support on Thursday and Saturday and give the teams a fantastic send-off.”
The event begins in Dublin on 27th August, from where the cyclists will travel to Waterford. On day two they will travel from Thurles to Loughrea. Day three will see them cycle from Ballinrobe to Galway and overnight in Limerick City. Day four they will travel from Limerick to Dingle, and on the final day, Sunday 31st August, they will travel from Killarney to Cork.
On Thursday 28th the build-up for the event starts at 9.30 am in Liberty Square, Thurles, where entertainment will be provided for the occasion. Cyclists will assemble there at 10.10 am and the race will start at 11.20 am. The cyclist’s route will take them through some magnificent Tipperary scenery including lakeside villages. From Thurles they will head to Ballycahill, Upperchurch, Milestone, Dolla, Silvermines, Portroe, Newtown, Puckaun, Coolbaun, Ballinderry and then to National Tidy Towns Competition winner Terryglass. Carrigahorig will be the last Tipperary venue on Stage Two of the event.
Clancy Strand in Limerick is the location for the build-up to the start of the cycle on Saturday 30th. The Festivities will get underway at 8.45 am on Clancy Strand and entertainment will be provided for the occasion. Cyclists will assemble there at 9.35 am and the race will start at 10.45 am. The cyclist’s route through Limerick will incorporate views of the River Shannon and the Georgian streetscape of Limerick when they travel over Sarsfield Bridge onto O’ Connell Street. From here the route takes them to Patrickswell. They will then travel through the picturesque village of Adare, on to Croagh, Rathkeale, Reens, Newcastle West, Ardagh, Carrigkerry and Athea. From here they will travel onto Co. Kerry and completing stage 4 that evening in Dingle.
Nandi O’Sullivan
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +353 61 710259
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