Success Story in Youghal as Thundercats reel in the crowds

“APPROXIMATELY 1.8 Million euro has gone directly into the local economy in Youghal over the European Thundercats Beach Challenge weekend”, Mike Farrell President of the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Youghal’s Thundercat weekend has been a huge success in terms of creating the interest to attend Irelands very first official power boat competition and putting the East Cork town firmly on the map as a Maritime Destination for all crafts. Over 60,000 people attended the Thundercats Festival Weekend that encompassed Thundercat Racing, a P1 Official UIM World Speed Record and Demonstration and a weekend of top class free entertainment on the streets all through the weekend which generated a significant amount of money for the area.

Mike Farrell said “The weekend has sent the message out to Ireland and Europe that this town and its coastline are magnificent, unspoilt free of any form of poor development and absolutely ideal for all events, be they Maritime or otherwise. I believe that Youghal up until last weekend was one of the best kept secrets in Ireland and after showcasing our town, the infrastructure that surrounds it plus the many amenities in place we hope that the people who are in charge of P1 Racing will come here and be part of what is a tailor made venue for all international events”.

Youghal Bay, which is on the Atlantic Ocean, certainly offers a perfect viewing point for all forms of Maritime Racing, including Powerboat P1 competition racing and the accessibility to the town is superb, with two airports Cork (50mins) and Waterford (1 Hour) linked to the town via the N25 National Road. Ferry access is also very good, with Ringaskiddy in Cork just 50 minutes away for European crossings and Rosslare Harbour just two hours away for UK Sailing all avenues are there and the infrastructure couldn’t be better. “I would hope that more and more people will come and visit our town and our region and after this weekend past, already the requests are reaching out Tourist Office here in Youghal about accommodation and visits to East Cork” Mike Farrell added.

Youghal’s organizing committee and ‘Medaza’ the company very much responsible for bringing the Thundercats will now look to put a serious proposal together in the coming fortnight to secure P1 Racing next year in Youghal and with the help of some significant Government Support, we could see the biggest sporting event in the history of the State.