It really disappoints me to see such resentfulness towards things that should be welcomed and celebrated. Unfortunately there just doesn’t seem to be enough forward thinking in one half of the county, meaning one of the largest annual events the Midlands has ever seen could be in jeopardy.
And why? Well because a few people are put out that a few roads will be closed in Athlone for a couple of days while Europe’s largest triathlon takes place in the town. I find it incredibly frustrating that a few ignorant people in the town are so short-sighted, and are greedy enough to think that their road being closed is such an inconvenience they’d rather turn away a €9 million event just so cars can drive through the town.
Now maybe I’m missing something, but I’m pretty sure it’s not every town in the country that is guaranteed a sporting event that will bring in 50,000 visitors who are estimated to pump €9 million into the local economy. We should be welcoming such events. Spectators, participants, enthusiasts, and everyone else looking for a good weekend away have booked up hotels and B&Bs not only in Athlone, but in Mullingar, Tullamore, Roscommon, Moate, and everywhere else in between, meaning that the entire Midlands area is benefiting from this four-day event.
And yet there are some people out there worried that a small number of businesses might lose out because of road closures. This is a ridiculous assumption to make. Only good can come from the influx of 50,000 visitors to the town over the first weekend in July. By putting on a good show we’re encouraging future and return visitors, we’re producing short-term employment in the Midlands, and pumping millions into the local economy.
Having a few roads closed should not even be considered a sacrifice; it should be seen as a privilege that Athlone has been chosen to host such an important sporting event.
In contrast, this week Mullingar welcomed a week-long celebration of sport, set to take place in the town from June 12-20. There were no disgruntled opponents to the Destination Sport week. This is the second such event to take place in the town, and even includes a parade through the town on the opening day. There were no complaints here. Not even a hint of disapproval. Bearing in mind of course that this week of sport won’t bring in anything close to the €9 million Athlone will make in one weekend.
The people of Mullingar are a true testament to the values of community and are doing everything they can to encourage visitors and spending in the town.
Those opposed to triAthlone should really think twice before attempting to put a stop to next year’s event.
We should be welcoming visitors to the town, encouraging spending in the town, and realise that having roads closed to traffic isn’t the worst thing in the world. In fact it has been proven in towns the length and breadth of the country that having town centres pedestrianised encourages shoppers, something perhaps to think about during triAthlone.
