Tuam pubs and traders hope County Final will boost business

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN TUAM pubs, shops and restaurants are looking forward to a welcome boost this bank holiday weekend as the town prepares to host the County Final between Tuam Stars and Corofin. Crowds of up to 5,000 are expected to attend the match in Tuam Stadium on Sunday and traders are relieved that the game isn't to be held in Galway's Pearse Stadium. [private] Tuam Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council are urging all town centre traders and businesses to get behind the teams and decorate their shop fronts in their team colours. 'We're thrilled that the final is being held in the heart of Galway football. It's been 17 years since Tuam won a County Final and hopefully they will succeed again on Sunday,' commented Brendan Holian, Tuam Chamber of Commerce. 'We are asking everyone with a premises or shop in Tuam to decorate it in red and white flags or bunting and show their support for the town and its great football team,' he said. The chamber representative and local publican said there was a wonderful atmosphere around the town last Sunday after the semi-final and everyone is hoping that it will be even better this Sunday. Local shops have begun stocking up on flags and the chamber says suppliers are offering them to businesses at very reasonable rates. Tuam Town Council is also urging the public to show their support for North Galway football and to go to Tuam stadium and cheer on their team. Bunting Cllr Sally Ann Flanagan said the Council had joined with local businesses to ensure bunting was erected today (Wednesday) and she hoped others will follow suit to make sure the town look its best for the big event. 'It will be a big day for North Galway and football supporters will travel from around the county and from Mayo to the final. It's important for us to show how important football is to the town. The teams deserve our support and it's great for community spirit,' she told The Herald. While Cllr Flanagan appealed for Tuam supporters to walk to the stadium where possible, the chamber doesn't expect the weekend Big Dig works on the N17 to cause a problem for those attending the match. 'Yes, there have been a lot of tailbacks at the weekend on the N17 but we don't foresee an issue for Corofin supporters as they will have a free flow into the town from the Athenry side,' he explained. There has been an overwhelming response from businesses so far and the town traders are hoping that the weather will hold for the bank holiday weekend to ensure the final turns into a bumper event for the town. 'It's a long weekend and of course every premises has some Halloween fun planned for the afternoon and evening so there's plenty of enjoyment to be had after the match. 'We hope the only fright on the day will be experienced by the Corofin defence,' added Brendan Holian. [/private]