Thurles set for ‘Fleadh agus Fáilte’ as part of Ireland’s First Festival of Gaelic Sport
This summer Gaelic sport teams from across Ireland are set for a trip to Thurles as part of Ireland’s first ever Festival of Gaelic Sport. 2014 marks an important milestone as it is also the first year ever the festival, formally known as ‘The Thurles Sarsfields International Hurling Festival’ will run in conjunction with Tipp FM Radio, Tipperary County Council, and Thurles Chamber of Commerce. The ‘Thurles Sarsfields Festival of Gaelic Sport’ will take place from July 4th – July 12th.
The town of Thurles will showcase the best it has to offer as a sports, tourism and shopping destination to the thousands of visitors who will ascend to the home of hurling. A first for Ireland, the week-long celebration of Gaelic sport, music and fun will see local businesses join forces to offer a wide variety of family friendly events and special discounts to local attractions for visitors to choose from throughout the festive period.
John O’Shaughnessy, President of the Thurles Chamber of Commerce explains “Thurles Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be actively involved in this year’s landmark festival which is a great opportunity to showcase what Thurles, the home of GAA, has to offer as a tourist destination. With over 100 teams set to make the pilgrimage to Thurles throughout the festival, it will be a major benefit to the town and wider regions of Tipperary. We hope that the festival will become a significant annual event for the town of Thurles.”
The feast of Gaelic Sport, which will tie in with the Munster hurling final, will see games such as Hurling, Road-Bowling, Camogie, Ladies Football, Camán-Abú, Rounders, Handball, and Target Ball for those with special needs take place. Visitors will have the opportunity to avail of special incentives and explore the sights of Thurles such as the Cabragh Wetlands, St Mary’s Famine Centre, Farney Castle and Pony-trekking with the Tipperary Equestrian Centre.
John Enright, Chairman of the ‘Thurles Sarsfield Festival of Gaelic Sport’ says “The festival is evolving each year and we are continually seeking ways to improve it; to make it more attractive for both participants and spectators. We have great teams this year and supplementary events which we hope will make it an even better spectacle than before. The festival has grown steadily over the last three years thanks to the great support of our sponsors and the hard work of our committee and club members. We thank all teams across Ireland who are taking part in what will be a highlight of the sporting calendar.”
Traditional music sessions, a Setanta Sports talk in LIT Tipperary, A ‘Fleadh agus Fáilte’ Run, family events in The Source Theatre, farmers markets, a special ‘Garth Brooks Experience’ concert, Open Golf Competition and a Céíli Mór with The Annaly Céilí Band are just some of the festival highlights. Free entry to Thurles Dog Track on race nights with a festival programme and special dining and accommodation rates will also be available in the Anner Hotel, Templemore Arms, The Horse and Jockey, Watermill and Supermacs Thurles.
The 4th annual ‘Thurles Sarsfield Festival of Gaelic Sport’ takes place from July 4th – July 12th. For more information and a full programme of events see www.thurlessarsfields.gaa.ie / www.thurleschamber.ie
