Limerick in final race to host 2018 Gay Games

Limerick has been announced as one of three finalist European cities to host the 2018 Gay Games.

The Treaty City, along with London and Paris, are in the final race to bring the Games to their country, generating an estimated €50 million in tourism revenue.

Limerick has already beaten Orlando and Amsterdam to make it from the top five to the final three cities short listed to host the Games.

The Games are expected to attract in excess of 10,000 participants and approximately 12,000 spectators in August of 2018.

The University of Limerick will be transformed into The Gay Games Village where the majority of events will take place, along with a media and hospitality centre.

Cillian Flynn, spokesperson for the Limerick bid, said he hoped to deliver an event Ireland had never seen before.

“We are absolutely delighted and proud to be shortlisted. We believe that Limerick has the facilities and the infrastructure to host the event.”

“We also have the desire and determination to be successful in the bidding process and deliver an event that not just Limerick, but Ireland has never seen before.

“We look forward to welcoming the Site Selection Committee from the Federation of Gay Games to our warm and embracing city.”

Three site inspectors are to visit Limerick, London and Paris for three days in July as they decide on who will host the Games.

John James Hickey, Bid Co-ordinator for Limerick, added: "Limerick is super proud. We began this journey 12 months ago and we will now move forward to welcoming the Federation of Gay Games to Limerick and the Shannon region in July for our site visit."

Some of the venues confirmed for the Limerick bid include the University of Limerick Arena, Thomond Park, as well as the UL Activity Centre in Killaloe, and outdoor biking facilities at Ballyhoura.

Ireland has been represented well at the last Gay Games in Cologne 2010, where in excess of 100 Irish competitors brought home 27 medals in various competitions.

The 2018 Irish/Limerick Bid Committee has appealed for support via its website www.limerick2018.com or through Facebook & Twitter.