Women’s Rugby World Cup Wins ‘Best Sports Event’ Award
The 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which was hosted in Ireland last August, won the prestigious Sports Industry Federation award for ‘Best Sports Event’ last night.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 took place in Dublin and Belfast, with matches played at the UCD Bowl, Billings Park, Queen’s University and Kingspan Stadium, and proved to be the most successful tournament to date.
The tournament in Ireland set new attendance and broadcast records as well reaching a huge digital audience – indeed, it was the top sports event on Twitter in Ireland last year.
WRWC 2017 Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy accepted the award, on behalf of the IRFU, at the Irish Sports Industry Awards ceremony in Dublin last night. Former Ireland captain and #WRWC2017 Ambassador Fiona Coghlan was on hand to make the presentation.
Speaking about the tournament, World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “This tournament will be remembered as a very special and ground-breaking rugby event. It raised the bar. Compelling action, huge fan interaction and a strong family feel characterised an event that captured hearts and minds beyond the traditional rugby community.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony last night, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, commented: “It’s a privilege for us to celebrate so many passionate individuals and business here tonight at our third Sport Industry Awards.
“Our research proves time and time again the powerful contribution sport makes to the Irish economy, whether the €;46 million in bed nights from events, the €;350 to €;800 million in sports tourism, or the 40,000 jobs are supported by Irish sport.
“Awards like these are integral for us to continue to highlight the importance of sport within our society and to reward those that work so tirelessly to make a true difference.”