A CAMPAIGN has been launched to include Celtic Park GAA ground in Derry as a venue during the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Ireland is one of four nations competing to host it, and is many people’s favourite to be selected.
The campaign, ‘Derry for 2023’, states “Ireland’s bid needs to identify 12 stadiums capable of hosting matches for the event. 4 rugby and 8 GAA stadiums are planned for inclusion, with the locations believed to be : Dublin (3 stadiums), Belfast (2 stadiums), Limerick (2 stadiums), Cork, Galway, Thurles, Killarney and Castlebar. Derry is not currently being considered, despite the cross-border nature of Ireland’s bid being positively highlighted.
“Including Derry in Ireland’s Rugby World Cup bid would be good for rugby, good for the North-West, and good for Ireland’s bid. In particular :
- Derry is Ireland’s fourth largest city, and capital of the cross-border North-west region of the island.
- The city and region have an abundance of history and natural beauty and a unique tourist offering of international significance (e.g. Derry’s Walls, Giants Causeway, The Wild Atlantic Way, Fermanagh Lakelands).
- Derry has has a proven track record of successfully hosting major events – e.g. UK City of Culture, All-Ireland Fleadh, Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, Turner Prize, the world’s greatest Halloween Festival. It also has the infrastructure needed to transport, accommodate and cater for large numbers of visitors.
- The biggest stadium in the North-west is Celtic Park – located in Derry City centre, and home to the Co Derry GAA teams. It has the capacity and potential to host group-stage games in an RWC, and would require less investment to get it up to standard than some of the other GAA stadiums proposed for Ireland’s bid.
“Derry the North-West belong in Ireland’s Rugby World Cup bid, and would make that bid even stronger.
“We call on the IRFU, GAA, Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that the city of Derry/Londonderry is included as a stadium venue in that bid.”
Derry people and others across the North West are being urged to sign the petition in support of the bid through the ‘Derry for 2023’ Facebook page or at www.derryfor2023.com
Tags: