This article is from page 8 of the 2013-10-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
THE hundred thousand welcomes the 30,000 plus crowd gave to the victorious Clare team when they arrived back in Ennis with the Liam McCarthy Cup, was worth an estimated € 1 million to businesses in one evening alone.
It would appear that the Clare fans heeded the words of Clare hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald when he told them to forget the recession for a while, during the official homecoming at Tim Smythe Park (Fairgreen) in Ennis.
According to the CEO of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, Rita McInerney, the Sunday night homecom- ing was hugely beneficial, as people from all over the county converged in Ennis.
A conservative estimate of the money spent on the evening is approximately € 1 million said the business people’s representative.
“People had to spend money on petrol to come to Ennis, more spent it on food and drink when they were here and there was all the jerseys, flags and bunting that was purchased,” said Ms McInerney.
She estimated spending at an average of € 30 per person.
“That includes people who spent € 5 for a coffee and a snack to those that spent € 150 and stayed out until 5 in the morning,” she explained.
The build up to the All Ireland and the replay was not as profitable however, as people saved for the trip to Croke Park, she explained.
“People had to budget for the All Ireland and couldn’t spend in the run up to the game, but it was worth it because we were in an All Ireland. The businesses were happy to take in on the chin. It was such a great honour to be in the All Ireland,” she said.
“Obviously there was going to be a pull back on spending because people don’t have money, but on that night they came out in support.”
She added that the media focus on the county as a result of the team’s success was also hugely beneficial to the county.
“You couldn’t buy publicity like that,” she said.
“And the Liam McCarthy Cup is going to be here for a year so there will be plenty more celebrations I am sure.”