Omahony welcomes irish world cup announcement

MAYO Fine Gael TD and chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Sport, Deputy John O'Mahony, has warmly welcomed the news that Ireland will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017.

Deputy O’Mahony described the news as a 'wonderful boost' to women’s rugby in Ireland as it comes on the back of an exceptional few years for the sport in the country.

He stated: “Not alone will the Women's Rugby World Cup provide the opportunity for our finest rugby players to represent their country on home soil in such a prestigious tournament, it will act as a huge fillip in the promotion of the sport.

“We have already witnessed exceptional growth in the popularity of women’s rugby in the past few years and much of that is down to the success of the senior ladies’ team. Now that we are having the World Cup here in our own backyard, the opportunities to continue to develop the sport are enormous.

“I’d like to pay tribute to everyone involved in bringing this to fruition. It didn’t just happen by accident that Ireland was selected as the venue for the finals and everyone associated with it deserves huge credit.”

Deputy O'Mahony, who hopes to run as a candidate in the Galway West constituency in the next general election, said the news was not only good for sport, but also for the tourism sector.

He added: “The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, is correct when he says that the World Cup in 2017 will show the global rugby community just how wonderful and hospitable a host Ireland can be. It will also act as a great boost to the campaign to bring the men’s Rugby World Cup to Ireland in 2023.”