Athlone Regional Sports Centre wins 'sports venue of the year' award

Athlone Regional Sports Centre picked up a prestigious national accolade this week when it was named 'sports venue of the year' at the Irish Hospitality Awards.

The awards ceremony, held at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport last Monday evening, celebrated "the dedication, skill and customer service" of those working in the hospitality sector.

Athlone Regional Sports Centre took the top honours in the 'sports venue' category, ahead of Cork Racecourse, in Mallow, which was named as the runner-up.

The award was collected by the Athlone centre's manager, Liam Cunningham, who said it was testament to the quality of the staff.

"We are delighted with the award," Liam told the Westmeath Independent. "It's a reflection of the quality of the team and the staff that we have at the sports centre. It's a tribute to them, so we would just like to thank everybody for their support."

The centre has been going from strength to strength in recent years, and Liam explained that further additions to its facilities were taking place this summer.

"The centre is going very well, and we're very well-supported by the community. Any profit that we make, we put back into the facility," he said.

"Finishing touches are now being applied to the fitness park, where lighting is being installed on the two and a half kilometre loop. We expect to have that project completed by the end of July.

"We are then building a full-size basketball court, and that starts in August," he added.

"It's all about adding to the facilities that we have for the community to avail of, and we're very proud to be doing that."

The Irish Hospitality Awards took place for the sixth time this year. A spokesperson for the event said: "Working for the hospitality industry can be challenging at times and the last few years have shown that. These awards aim to recognise those who have succeeded in this sector, despite the difficulties."

Other enterprises from the Midlands which were recognised at the awards this year included Dolan’s Bar / Mojo's Niteclub, in Mullingar, which won the 'best nightclub' award, and The Old Stone House, in Roscommon, which was named 'Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year'.