Hospitality business across the country will be keeping their fingers crossed following the news that Ireland has formally announced entry into the 'Candidate' phase of the selection process to determine the host for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The Chairman of Ireland's RWC 2023 Bid Oversight Board, Dick Spring, was joined at yesterday's launch by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice & Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister Northern Ireland Executive, Simon Hamilton, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive, Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, and IRFU President Stephen Hilditch.
A 90-second video, 'Ready for the World' (#Ireland2023), [see below] has been produced to encapsulate the spirit and theme of the Irish bid and it will be distributed internationally through a host of social media channels. Liam Neeson voluntarily gave of his time to narrate piece.
Dick Spring said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Ireland to host one of the world's biggest sporting events and we intend to ensure Ireland's proposition will be world class and compelling.
"We believe Ireland is ready to stage a Rugby World Cup like no other. A tournament that will capture the imagination of the world. A festival of rugby that will be full of Irish people's unique spirit and an event that will help rugby to reach new audiences throughout the world."
