Basque rugby visit to Nenagh

A group of 40 visitors from the Basque region of Spain will be visiting the Nenagh district from March 18.

The group includes a rugby team that is due to play a local ‘Leprechauns’ side in Nenagh on March 20 as a fundraiser for a Parkinson’s Disease charity.

Last month’s meeting of Nenagh Municipal District was told that the group’s itinerary will include participating in a coach tour of the Shane MacGowan Trail. Cllr Séamie Morris said there is a “definite link” between Nenagh and the Basque region, referencing Fr Alec Reid’s work in brokering peace with ETA. Cllr Morris said an opportunity exists to build on the relationship with the Basque visitors to Nenagh.

Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara said the visit represents a fantastic opportunity from a tourism perspective. She said former player and coach with Nenagh Ormond RFC Séamie Harty is involved in the rugby initiative.

Cllr John Carroll praised the initiative of Mr Harty along with Jim Shanahan, and looked forward to a “spectacular” event in Nenagh on March 20.