Mr Phil Patterson with members of Team Madigan in front of The Swift Restaurant in Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim.

The Giro D’Italia to be held from 8-10 May 2014 is set to provide an economic boost to Northern Ireland.

 

 

The Swift Restaurant, situated beside the Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim, is one of the businesses looking to embrace the cycling race by hosting an Italian-themed weekend.

 

The Swift have set up a strategic partnership with Carrickfergus-based cycling club Team Madigan and Madigan Cycles to organise gourmet suppers, Italian promotions, a family fun day and painting an entire room pink to link with the iconic pink leader jersey of the Giro D’Italia.

 

Phil Patterson, of the Swift restaurant, said that this was a huge chance for businesses to connect with the local community and make the Giro an unforgettable event.

 

The race is set to pass The Swift on 10 May where a “Giro Day” has been organised for over 500 cycle fans and families.

 

The race will then pass Carrickfergus Castle where large outdoor screens will broadcast the event in the car park.

 

Mr Patterson said: “We will have to recruit new members of staff to cope with the expected upturn in business.” 

 

“This event will leave a legacy not only for cycling but for partnerships with communities and local business.”


In May 2014 the focus of the cycling world will be on Ireland and the Giro d'Italia Big Start with three days of pre-race celebrations in Belfast, followed by spectacular opening stages in Northern Ireland before racing from Armagh to Dublin.

The Giro d’Italia website comments: “The famous landscapes of Ireland, North and South will be on view via the global television broadcast the Giro achieves and the economic benefits that the event will generate will be immediate.”

 

The Giro’s choice of an Irish Grande Partenza (Big Start) is historic as it will be the first held outside of continental Europe.

 

Northern Ireland hosting the start of the Giro is a major coup for the province and businesses such as The Swift in Carrickfergus will look to capitalise on the increase in customers.

Photo Caption: 

Mr Phil Patterson with members of Team Madigan in front of The Swift Restaurant in Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim.