The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has given its backing to a campaign to have the Cliffs of Moher selected as one of the ‘New7Wonders of Nature’.
The iconic County Clare landmark was shortlisted in July 2009, along with 27 other sites, from over 440 participants representing over 220 countries. Over one hundred million votes were cast in a global poll to determine the shortlisted sites.
Among the other shortlisted sites are the Amazon Rainforest (South America), Table Mountain (SA), Black Forest (G), Vesuvius (IT), Galapagos Islands (EC), The Great Barrier Reef (AU) and The Grand Canyon (USA). The official list, which also is subject to a worldwide poll, will be declared on 11 November 2011 (11-11-11).
FAI Communications Manager Gerry McDermott says the Association is delighted to be in a position to work with Clare County Council on the campaign.
Mr. McDermott said: “Our involvement with the campaign to secure such a prestigious title for this iconic Irish tourism landmark is particularly timely considering we have recently completed construction of another national icon, The Aviva Stadium.”
Outlining the FAI’S support for the campaign, he commented: “We are in discussions with Clare County Council regarding the best manner in which to promote the campaign and we would hope to run a number of initiatives including the use of the score board in the Aviva stadium and engaging the network of clubs that the FAI has throughout the country. In particular we see the FAI AGM in 2011, which is being hosted in Clare, as an excellent opportunity to get behind the campaign in a very visible way and ensure that the Cliffs of Moher is well placed to succeed”.
Ger Dollard, Director of Services, Clare County Council said: “We warmly welcome the FAI’s pledge to fully support the campaign and help make the Cliffs of Moher one of the ‘New7Wonders of Nature’. The Council would appeal to other agencies, groups and individuals across the country to pledge their support to the campaign which, if successful, would be a major coup for Ireland to have one of the new seven wonders of nature. We are the only Irish entry remaining in the competition and the potential benefits for Ireland are enormous particularly for Irish tourism bringing in thousands of additional visitors to the country each year.”
Mr. Dollard noted that the FAI would also promote the Wonders campaign during its AGM, which will be held in County Clare, from 27th June to 2nd July 2011. This year’s AGM takes place in Wexford
Next year’s annual conference is being organised in association with the local Junior and Schoolboys leagues, clubs, Clare Sports Partnership, Clare County Council, Ennis Town Council, local media, and various local and regional agencies. The FAI says it will be using established Irish soccer personalities to promote the Cliffs of Moher bid at the AGM.
The iconic County Clare landmark was shortlisted in July 2009, along with 27 other sites, from over 440 participants representing over 220 countries. Over one hundred million votes were cast in a global poll to determine the shortlisted sites.
Among the other shortlisted sites are the Amazon Rainforest (South America), Table Mountain (SA), Black Forest (G), Vesuvius (IT), Galapagos Islands (EC), The Great Barrier Reef (AU) and The Grand Canyon (USA). The official list, which also is subject to a worldwide poll, will be declared on 11 November 2011 (11-11-11).
FAI Communications Manager Gerry McDermott says the Association is delighted to be in a position to work with Clare County Council on the campaign.
Mr. McDermott said: “Our involvement with the campaign to secure such a prestigious title for this iconic Irish tourism landmark is particularly timely considering we have recently completed construction of another national icon, The Aviva Stadium.”
Outlining the FAI’S support for the campaign, he commented: “We are in discussions with Clare County Council regarding the best manner in which to promote the campaign and we would hope to run a number of initiatives including the use of the score board in the Aviva stadium and engaging the network of clubs that the FAI has throughout the country. In particular we see the FAI AGM in 2011, which is being hosted in Clare, as an excellent opportunity to get behind the campaign in a very visible way and ensure that the Cliffs of Moher is well placed to succeed”.
Ger Dollard, Director of Services, Clare County Council said: “We warmly welcome the FAI’s pledge to fully support the campaign and help make the Cliffs of Moher one of the ‘New7Wonders of Nature’. The Council would appeal to other agencies, groups and individuals across the country to pledge their support to the campaign which, if successful, would be a major coup for Ireland to have one of the new seven wonders of nature. We are the only Irish entry remaining in the competition and the potential benefits for Ireland are enormous particularly for Irish tourism bringing in thousands of additional visitors to the country each year.”
Mr. Dollard noted that the FAI would also promote the Wonders campaign during its AGM, which will be held in County Clare, from 27th June to 2nd July 2011. This year’s AGM takes place in Wexford
Next year’s annual conference is being organised in association with the local Junior and Schoolboys leagues, clubs, Clare Sports Partnership, Clare County Council, Ennis Town Council, local media, and various local and regional agencies. The FAI says it will be using established Irish soccer personalities to promote the Cliffs of Moher bid at the AGM.
