20,000 at UEFA U17 Euro Championships
By William O'Connor
THERE was a total of seven games held in Tallaght Stadium during the recent UEFA European Under-17 Champion-ships, with a total attendance at the Stadium reaching 19,800, South Dublin County Council confirmed
Games were held at Tallaght Stadium, as well as other venues, from May 3 to May 19.
“There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the tournament, with some very talented young footballers on show. Many of the spectators attending at Tallaght Stadium were from outside the county, with a large number of families in attendance,” said a Council spokesperson.
There were 5,952 spectators at the final on Sunday, May 19 between Holland and Italy, who witnessed a great game with lots of goals, with Holland emerging as champions on a 4-2 scoreline.
All 16 teams, along with their support staff and all the UEFA officials visiting Ireland for the tournament, stayed in local hotels in South Dublin County. The tournament brought a major boost in visitor numbers to the county, with a resulting spend spread throughout the local economy.
Meanwhile at the launch of the 8th Dublin Economic Monitor on May 16 at Tallaght Stadium – a joint initiative of the four Dublin local authorities – the Monitor focuses on the Dublin region and tracks key economic indicators. The theme during the tournament, was ‘The Business of Sport – How Dublin Can Compete on a Global Pitch’.
At the launch of the Monitor, Peter Byrne, CEO of South Dublin Chamber, highlighted the collaboration through the Sustainable Business Programme, between South Dublin County Council and South Dublin Chamber.
The programme empowers business to consider the sustainability and long-term future of their companies, while supporting job creation at a local level.
The programme was awarded the “Local Authority Collaboration” Award at the National Chamber of Ireland Awards 2019.
One of the many positive events that has taken place in the local area for the benefit of both the community and local business is the Gaelforce Adventure Race which starts and ends at Tallaght Stadium, and takes in running, cycling and kayaking in and on lakes, mountains and roads of the county capital of Tallaght.
