Released 06.10.09

Record Turnout for Discover Tullamore Day

Great weather brought an estimated 5,000 people into Tullamore this Sunday to participate in the wide range of free activities throughout the town.

Tullamore Dew Heritage centre was the hub for a lot of activity and over 70 people took advantage of the free tour offered. The road race run by the harriers attracted over 60 entries, the group were delighted with the route and the organization and want this to become an annual event. Countless numbers of children were given an opportunity by Annaharvey Farm to ride a pony, and though many had to queue the excitement was palpable.
The walking tour lead by Michael Byrne was reminiscent of the Pied Pieper as he led over 120 people through the town to discover the history. A deep love of Charleville Castle was evident as over 400 people attended the tours offered on the day. Texas came alive with a putting competition, salsa dancing, dance mats, Lough Boora exhibition and overflow from the art competition. The Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society opened their doors wide on Sunday and took time to speak to the hundreds of local people who came to discover its' secrets on Sunday.

The Tullamore Rowing and canoeing clubs took to the Canal on Sunday for hours creating a fantastic spectacle. The members of the clubs enthusiasticly shared their passion for the water with hundreds of children and adults, many of whom tried both sports for the first time! Saoirse ar an Uisce provided a more leisurely trip on the water and also proved very popular.

Commenting on the event, chairperson on the organizing committee Tony Mc Cormack said, "We were delighted with the day and with the huge numbers of people who took part in the activities arranged. A number of activities were over subscribed and we would like to thank both the participants for their patience and the volunteers for their hard work on the day. Along with local businesses who participated, the organizing committee, the Town Council and County Council, Failte Ireland and Waterways Ireland we would especially like to thank the transition year students who study under Pauline Mc Kenna for their invaluable assistance on the day. There are always elements that could be run differently, but on the whole we are delighted with the day."

Kevin Kidney - General Manager Failte Ireland East and Midlands region attended on the day and commented, "I was delighted to attend on Sunday and was lucky enough to have a seat on the Monastic Sites Tour which I enjoyed. The day reaffirmed my belief in the number of different activities a tourist to the area could participate in. We were delighted to work with our partners Waterways Ireland on yet another innovative project to raise the profile of the canal. A huge effort was put in by the local committee and we are privileged to have worked along side them."

ENDS

Katrina Mc Girr -Waterways Ireland
Ph: 087 9918412