Gateshead, meanwhile, has been chosen as a European City of Sport 2010, alongside Salamanca in Spain and Novara in Italy.

The honour, bestowed on Dublin and Gateshead by the European Capitals of Sport Association (ECSA), is because of the "ethical commitment conscious of the social function that sport has as linking factor between the physical well-being of individuals, the general improvement in their quality of life and the harmonious integration of society" shown by both, judges said.

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) will be amongst the major sporting bodies helping to promote sport in the Irish capital this year.

Former WBA super-bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne will be among the ambassadors.

Dunne said: "Dublin City - to me it's my home, and it's an honour to represent.

"If we can promote sport and promote Dublin as a county, not just in Ireland but around the world and encourage kids to get involved in sport that's everything I stand for."

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello, said she hoped the award would capture the public's imagination.

She said: "It's testimony to the greatness of the achievement by the huge turnout that we've had here today, and the calibre of sportspeople and the different organisations that have got behind this."

"I think that this as an event - Dublin as the Capital of Sport - will capture the imagination of Dubliners, but I think it will also have a nationwide impact."

A panel of judges visited Gateshead earlier in the year and they were impressed with the town’s facilities and commitment to all forms of sport.

Gateshead civic chiefs are now creating a year-long programme of events which will give residents the chance to become involved and try out new sports.

This year will also see a host of sporting events taking place including the North East England UK School Games and the world class Diamond League Aviva British Grand Prix athletics which will be hosted at the International Athletics Stadium.

Linda Green, the Gateshead Council Cabinet member for culture, said: "Our commitment to sport brings great rewards, not only for the health of Gateshead residents, but in the benefits it brings to the local economy.

"This prestigious title gives us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that commitment and provide a great catapult for future success.

"I think the judges were impressed by what they saw here in Gateshead.

"From the grassroots work we do with schools and sporting clubs to international events like the Diamond League Aviva British Grand Prix , we’ve got a lot to shout about."

The Council's support of events such as the Junior Great North Run, Great North Games, Race for Life and Sport Relief Mile are also thought the have impressed judges during their visit in July.

Kim Davies, the deputy principal at Gateshead Collegel, said: "Sport is a key priority for Gateshead College and we're passionate about giving our students and the wider community the opportunity to increase their learning and employment potential through sports and sporting excellence.

"As we head towards the London Olympics in 2012, sport has to 'raise the bar' in terms of innovation and excitement to capture hearts and minds, and securing the European City of Sport title is an important platform from which to do this.”

Green said: "It's really important to remember that this is not just about elite sports stars.

"Everyone has the opportunity to get in the spirit by taking part in sport during the year.

"Alongside the new and refurbished leisure centres we will be opening, there are a host of voluntary and community sports clubs that cater for almost every imaginable."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]