Ironman proves to be an off season boost for city

Date Published: {J}

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

The Ironman triathlon at the weekend provided a significant off-season boost for local hotels and the economy, according to Galway Chamber of Commerce.

Michael Coyle, Chief Executive of the Chamber said: “The impact on local business was very significant”, adding that the event will only get bigger and better in the coming years.

Organisers Eoin McCormack and Ronan Gilligan of E&R Events have secured the rights to stage the event in Ireland for five years, and have already said they are looking forward to next year in Galway.

Mr Coyle said the business community in Galway is 100% behind the venture, which is estimated to have been worth €5m to the local economy this year.

“It was marvellous for the whole area and I really must congratulate the two entrepreneurs who brought this to Galway. The Chamber backed this from the start and we were delighted to get on board.

“The event is only going to get better as the years go on and we are looking forward to supporting it for years to come,” he said.

Meanwhile, Paul Gill, Chairman of the Galway Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation said the event boosted bookings at a quiet time of year.

Paul Gill, spokesman for the Irish Hotels Federation, and owner of the Claregalway Hotel in Galway, said the event was a welcome boost to the hotel trade in Galway and he looked forward to the event becoming bigger and bigger in the years ahead.

‘It delivered great business to the hotels around Galway and Salthill. Overall, it was a welcome boost to the region on a weekend that was normally very quiet.

“The kids are gone back to school, the Americans stay away because it’s Labour Day weekend, and the weather is never great, so this was good for business.

“We look forward to working with the Ironman organisers in the years ahead and building it into the huge event that it could become and possibly rival the Galway Arts Festival and Galway Races,” said Mr Gill, who also owns the Claregalway Hotel.