Top local politicians Conor Murphy MP, Cathal Boylan MLA and Armagh City Councillor Roy McCartney are delighted that one of the cycling world’s most prestigious races, the Giro d’Italia, will pass through Armagh City and South Armagh en route to Dublin.
Mr Murphy said: “I led a delegation including Cathal Boylan and Roy McCartney to meet with Giro d’Italia officials some months ago in order to make the case for the inclusion of as much of the Newry Armagh constituency as possible in the route.
“It is wonderful news that the race will indeed begin in Armagh City on the third day and pass throughSouth Armagh en route to Dublin. I know that the hills of South Armagh will test even the top professionals and the views they will encounter along the way will be spectacular.”
Mr Boylan added: “The inclusion of this part of the north in the Giro d’Italia will bring a huge economic boost to the area with cyclists and members of their teams hopefully staying in local accommodation.
“In addition this gives us the opportunity to give the participating cyclists a very warm welcome and showcase the best that County Armagh has to offer.”
Councillor McCartney stated that he would be working with Armagh Council to ensure that the visitors had a positive experience in the District.
“This is one of the biggest sporting events to visit the island of Ireland and I am delighted that ArmaghCity & District and the wider county are involved. I look forward to working to ensure that our visitors are given a welcome and experience which benefits Armagh in the long term and that everyone involved in the Giro d’Italia remembers Armagh long after the event is over.”
