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A Pictorial Review

The year that was…

Sligo was officially awarded European Town of Sport for Ireland for 2014 by the President of the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES Europe) at a special presentation ceremony in Brussels. He acknowledged that the award was testament to:

how sport is delivered in Sligo in terms of diversity, access, participation, inclusion, facilities, events, education, high performance and the partnership approach by all involved.

In January Mr. Michael Ring, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport officially launched Sligo European Town of Sport 2014 at Sligo City Hall which was attended by a diverse range of sporting clubs and organisations.

This selective review of the year that was Sligo European Town of Sport 2014, reflects the diversity of sport available in Sligo with close to 100 events represented across 40 different sports including local, regional, national and international events.

A sincere THANK YOU to the sports clubs, organisations and individuals who organised events and we hope you enjoy this pictorial reflection of the year…

Sligo got off to an active start for 2014 with over 350 fitness enthusiasts taking part in the Sligo walk along Doorly Park which was part of the RTE Operation Transformation National Walk Day.

JAN

UARY

American professional surfer, Kurt Rist enjoyed the thrill of the large waves that hit Mullaghmore in January.

JAN

UARY

Over 300 kickboxers from across the island of Ireland took part in the Junior Mugendo Association of Ireland’s Kickboxing Open Championships hosted by Sligo Mugendo Club, one of the first club events to celebrate Sligo European Town of Sport.

FEB

RUAR

Y

Sligo Senior GAA team gets off to a winning start against Limerick in their first National League game of the season at Markievicz Park.

FEB

RUAR

Y

Yeats County Hockey Club junior members in action in their European Town of Sport February 2014 Blitz.

FEB

RUAR

Y

Up and coming athletes taking part in the Connaught Primary Schools Cross Country event.

FEB

RUAR

Y

Sligo Town Boccia Club members get ready to play in Boccia Tournament.

FEB

RUAR

Y

Mountain Bikers from across the country converge on Union Wood to participate in the Connacht XC Mountain Bike Spring League which was organised by the North West Mountain Biking Club.

FEB

RUAR

Y

Sligo Giant Warriors Basketball coach with the U14 Girls Team at timeout during a match against Letterkenny, which they won in great style.

FEB

RUAR

Y

Great athletic endeavour on display at the Western Special Schools Sports Hall Athletics Festival hosted in Sligo and involving participants from Donegal, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo.

MAR

CH

Taking a shot at the Primary Schools Basketball Blitz organised by Sligo All Stars Basketball Club in conjunction with SSRP.

MAR

CH

Over 100 teenage girls from secondary schools throughout County Sligo attended the Annual Girls Active Festival.

MAR

CH

Sligo Ladies GAA Team in action against Waterford in a League Game in March.

MAR

CH

Republic of Ireland schoolboys played Northern Ireland in the Centenary Shield at the Showgrounds in March.

MAR

CH

Sligo athlete Mary Cullen, the current Irish 3,000m indoors record holder opened the third annual Mattie Carden Memorial 10K & 5K Run/ Walk in Enniscrone with over 300 athletes taking part.

MAR

CH

Athletes run through the streets of Tubbercurry during the Annual St Patrick’s Day 10K hosted by South Sligo AC.

MAR

CH

Mugendo Kickboxing Club was selected for an award in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the category which best represented the theme of Sligo European Town of Sport.

MAR

CH

Hikers enjoying the iconic Ben Bulben climb which was part of the 5 Peaks Challenge.

APR

IL

Boxers Jordan Myers and Thomas Myers of Innisfree Boxing Club claimed titles in the National Boxing Championships.

APR

IL

Practice makes perfect - learning new skills at the Primary Schools Tennis Blitz hosted by Allwin Tennis in conjunction with SSRP

APR

IL

The growing popularity of running in evidence at the Carney 10k.

APR

IL

Young Golfing enthusiasts take part in the Ballymote Golf Club ‘Come and Try’ Golf Fest.

APR

IL

Experienced golfers pass on their knowledge of the game to youths at the Strandhill Golf Club Open Day.

APR

IL

Golfers Declan Reidy and Stephen Brady in full swing during the West of Ireland Golf Championship hosted by County Sligo Golf Club.

APR

IL

Dynamo Gymnastics Club were involved in many events during Sligo European Town of Sport 2014; the club also relocated to a new gymnastics centre in April.

APR

IL

Hosted by the Sligo Champion the first event of the inaugural Skoda Cycle Series took place in Sligo with a large group of cyclists enjoying the scenic routes of West Sligo.

APR

IL

Prize winners at the Easkey Junior Surfing Championships which took place at Aughris beach.

APR

IL

County Sligo Swim Club hosted 170 swimmers from all over Connacht at their invitational gala in May.

MAY

2000 cyclists of all fitness levels and experience joined event ambassador Bressie in the An Post Cycle Tour of Sligo.

MAY

Cyclists enjoying the wonderful Sligo scenery at Knocknarea on the An Post Tour of Sligo.

MAY

John Treacy Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council waves the flag to get the An Post Tour of Sligo 100K underway.

MAY

The An Post Tour of Sligo Family Fun cycle attracts several hundred enthusiastic cyclists.

MAY

Action from Sligo Racecourse over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

MAY

Olympic Style Rowing on the Garavogue River during the Semi Status Regatta hosted by Sligo Rowing Club.

MAY

Participating in the very successful IRFU Volkswagen Sligo Tag Rugby League which offers the opportunity for recreational players to enjoy the sport.

MAY

South Sligo Walking Festival attracted a large crowd of hikers from across the country and some international visitors who all enjoyed the great scenery on offer in the Ox Mountains and the tracks and trails around Lough Talt.

MAY

Top class tennis and sportmanship was on view at the annual West of Ireland Tennis Championships hosted by Sligo Tennis Club .

MAY

Boyle Celtic were the winners of the Sligo/Leitrim Super League trophy 2014.

MAY

The Sligo Fit 4 Life Women’s 5K Series 2014 involved over 700 female participant places across the four events hosted by Athletic Clubs in Sligo, North Sligo, South Sligo and Tireragh.

JUN

E

Leading the way along the roads of Sligo in the Ransboro 10K.

JUN

E

A wonderful turn out of runners and walkers on the streets of Sligo for the annual Sligo Champion Streets of Sligo 5K.

JUN

E

Enjoying the County Sligo Athletics Track and Field finals.

JUN

E

Accuracy counts at the Sligo Boules Festival which took place at the Boules facility in Mitchell Curley Park.

JUN

E

The winning feeling on crossing the finishing line at Sligo Triathlon Club’s Sprint Triathlon at Rosses Point.

JUN

E

Action from the Metalman Swim Series which took place between May and September.

JUN

E

Sligo celebrated National Bike Week 2014 from 14th-22nd June with a host of cycling events involving people of all ages and cycling experience.

JUN

E

Getting familiar with the sport of Archery.

JUN

E

Taking a swing at the Irish Women’s Close Amatuer Championship in Enniscrone Golf Club.

JUN

E

Over 100 energetic seniors from Active Age clubs across the County took part in the annual Sligo Seniors Sports Festival.

JUN

E

The SSRP ‘Peddle to Paddle’ programme attracted many participants keen to try out the popular sport of Stand Up Paddling on the scenic Garavogue River.

JUN

E

Members of Mullaghmore Triathlon Club displaying a strong presence at the Mullaghmore Sprint Triathlon.

JUN

E

The Cumann na mBunscoil finals in Markievicz Park witnessed a great display of Gaelic Football skills from the many teams representing primary schools throughout the County.

JUN

E

Ballisodare United team celebrate their victory over Strand Celtic in the Sligo Cup.

JUN

E

Beautiful hurdling at the Sligo Races.

JUL

Y

A running relay team challenge with the novelty of running through the night attracted teams from across the country with the winning team emerging from the local Sligo AC club.

JUL

Y

The Bit o’Red getting ready for the visit of European soccer giants ‘Rosenborg’ to the Showgrounds.

JUL

Y

Enjoying the surf at Streedagh during the Sligo 2014 Surf 2 Heal camp.

JUL

Y

Connacht Rugby conducted a training session during a visit to Sligo Rugby Club and are eagerly observed by the next generation of local Rugby players.

JUL

Y

The last round of the Cycling Summer League organised by Eire Og Cycling Club captures Matthew Robb in action on the Green Road

JUL

Y

The ‘Little Ox Family Cycle’ was part of an extensive programme of cycling events hosted by the recently established Ox Mountain Cycling Club in South Sligo.

JUL

Y

Making a break at the IRFU Volkswagen Beach Tag Day on Culleenamore Beach.

JUL

Y

Action on the roads of Sligo during the Sligo Stages Relay hosted by Connacht Motor Club.

JUL

Y

Getting ready to take the plunge at the annual Lough Gill 10k swim.

AUG

UST

The inaugural Bull Challenge took place in Banada, South Sligo on 16th July – extreme adventure!

AUG

UST

Nearly there in the 30th anniversary of the Strandhill Warriors Run.

AUG

UST

Surfers on the winner’s podium at the County Sligo Open, held in Strandhill.

AUG

UST

Action from the Youth Interprovincials Rugby which featured representation on the Connacht Under 18 team from Sligo Rugby Club.

AUG

UST

Sligo Yacht Club hosted a highly successful Women on Water Sailing Introductory programme with a view to attracting and encouraging more women into the sport of Sailing at both a participation and leadership level.

AUG

UST

Eyeing up a shot on the green at Strandhill golf course for the Connacht Inter-Club Cups and Shields Finals.

AUG

UST

Yeats County Hockey Club Senior Team in action against Galway 1st XI in their European Town of Sport 2014 Connaught Tournament.

SEP

TEMB

ER

Sticking together at the Coast 2 Coast run.

SEP

TEMB

ER

Lough Bo Shooting Centre hosted a 2 day Target Shooting competition.

SEP

TEMB

ER

Sligo Kayak Club take to the water to promote the sport of Kayaking.

SEP

TEMB

ER

History in the making in Sligo with the first ever sub 4 minute mile witnessed in Ballymote, all of which has been a source of inspiration for the re-establishment of the local Corran AC.

SEP

TEMB

ER

The Coaching Ireland 11th National Coaching Forum took place in Sligo for the first time with guest speakers including John Treacy, Chief Executive Irish Sports Council and Billy Walsh, Head Coach High Performance Unit IABA.

SEP

TEMB

ER

The Coaching Ireland 11th National Coaching Forum was hosted at the Institute of Technology Sligo attracting a top class field of national and international speakers with close on 300 delegates in attendance from across all sporting disciplines.

SEP

TEMB

ER

The County Sligo Cricket team, ahead of the final match of the 2014 season.

SEP

TEMB

ER

The Ladies Tour of Lough Gill 40K, hosted annually by Innisfree Wheelers Cycling Club, is part of the Women in Sport initiative and aims to attract more females into the popular sport of cycling.

SEP

TEMB

ER

The Yeats Country Tour hosted by Innisfree Wheelers Cycling Club is firmly established on the local cycling calendar with the added challenge of a 200K distance introduced in 2014.

SEP

TEMB

ER

Action from the Sligo Ladies GAA Intermediate Final 2014.

SEP

TEMB

ER

Great racing on the water at the Mirror Nationals which took place at Sligo Yacht Club.

SEP

TEMB

ER

The popular Enniscrone Walking Festival attracted many walking enthusiasts to West Sligo to experience the range of mountain and coastal walks on offer.

SEP

TEMB

ER

Tubbercurry GAA Club celebrated their victory in this year’s GAA Senior County Championship.

OCT

OBER

Naomh Eoin took the honours in the Minor Hurling Final for 2014.

OCT

OBER

Athletics enthusiasts had a busy October with both the Coney Island Challenge and Grange 10K taking place.

OCT

OBER

A tight race at the Supervalu Primary Schools athletics Festival which involved over 1000 children.

OCT

OBER

The Calry/St Josephs Hurling team contributed to a memorable year for the club, winning the Senior Hurling Championship.

OCT

OBER

The Calry/St Josephs team emerged victorious in this year’s intermediate football final.

OCT

OBER

5 clubs from across the region took part in County Sligo Swim Club’s gala in October.

OCT

OBER

Current Republic of Ireland Manager, Martin O’Neill was the guest of honour at the opening of the Sean Fallon Centre at the Showgrounds, Sligo.

OCT

OBER

Tahitian Michael Bourez took time off from the surfing world championship tour to visit Sligo in October to catch the waves.

OCT

OBER

The Sligo Leitrim District Soccer League Representative Team which were selected from over 800 participants taking part in the various clubs in the league.

NOV

EMBE

R

The talented Sligo All Star Boys under 17 team take on a team from Drogheda in the Mercy Gym.

NOV

EMBE

R

Special Olympics Connaught hosted a Basketball Skills Day for athletes in the region.

NOV

EMBE

R

November saw the first games being played at Sligo GAA’s new Centre of Excellence.

NOV

EMBE

R

Sligo Rowing club celebrate the launch of their latest boat while up and coming rowers try out the club boats on the river.

NOV

EMBE

R

Over 40 females took part in the Sligo Triathlon Club annual ‘Try-a-Tri’ hosted in conjunction with SSRP.

NOV

EMBE

R

The All Ireland Inter Provincial Wheelchair Hurling Finals took place in Sligo with 3 Sligo players part of the Connacht team. This national event was facilitated locally by the Sligo and Connacht GAA Social Inclusion Committees with support from Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.

NOV

EMBE

R

Sligo man Aidan Hynes in action for the Connacht team in the final against Munster at the All Ireland Inter Provincial Wheelchair Hurling Finals.

NOV

EMBE

R

The Ted Gallagher Cup competition hosted by Sligo Table Tennis Club was keenly contested.

NOV

EMBE

R

Young athletes from the various athletic clubs throughout the county took part in the County Sligo Sportshall Athletics Finals.

DEC

EMBE

R

Connacht Open Badminton Championships hosted at Sligo Tennis Club attracted top class players from across the country.

DEC

EMBE

R

The inaugural Regional Games for Life was hosted in Sligo and targeted older adults with teams in attendance from Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo and Sligo.

DEC

EMBE

R

Warming up on the start line of the first ever Secondary Schools Duathlon event in Sligo hosted by Triathlon Ireland in conjunction with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.

DEC

EMBE

R

Round 5 of the popular Connacht Cyclo Cross league at Cleveragh Park Sligo organised by Eire Og Cycling Club.

DEC

EMBE

R

The ever popular 40K Lough Gill Charity Santa Cycle organised by Innisfree Wheelers Cycling Club got cyclists into the festive mood.

DEC

EMBE

R

The community of South Sligo was out in force on St. Stephen’s Day for a 5K run in Tubbercurry, drawing the European Town of Sport year to a close and showing ‘sport for all’ in action.

DEC

EMBE

R

On awarding European Town of Sport 2014 to Sligo, ACES Europe remarked on the quality of built sporting facilities in Sligo, particularly noting the quality of Golf Courses, The Showgrounds, Markievicz Park and the Athletics Track at IT Sligo.

ACES Europe noted the abundance of natural amenities in Sligo and acknowledged its ideal location as an adventure hub for a diverse range of sports to be enjoyed.

The Public Parks developed by Sligo County Council at Doorly Park and Mitchell Curley Park were cited by ACES Europe as models of best practice in open space for intergenerational recreation.

A summary of the European Town of Sport AwardEach year ACES Europe assigns the recognition of European ‘Capital’, ‘City’ and ‘Town’

of Sport to positive and ethical examples of places where social policy, strategies and

programmes promote sport for the entire population regardless of age, ability, gender,

ethnicity and socio economic background.

In keeping with the Olympic tradition, ACES aims to promote the

universal Olympic values at a community level through the five

objectives upon which the award is based, which are:

• Enjoymentinexercise

• Willingnesstoachieve

• Senseofcommunity

• Learningfairplay

• Improvementofhealth

This pictorial review of the year of European Town of Sport demonstrates the positive manner in which the Sligo Sporting Community and Agencies embraced and delivered the ACES objectives.

Partners in the Sligo European Town of Sport AwardThe partners in the application and co ordination of the Sligo European Town of Sport 2014 award were

Sligo County Council, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership and the Institute of Technology Sligo, with

Sligo County Council being the lead partner.

Thank you to the entire sporting community for hosting the many events which took place throughout the

Sligo European Town of Sport year and for its ongoing commitment to sport in Sligo.

Also, a sincere thank you to everybody who was so generous in sharing their photographs for this review.

For information on Sports Development in County Sligo contact:

Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership Tel: 071 9161511

Email: info@sligosportandrecreation.ie Web: www.sligosportandrecreation.ie