It’s hard to beat the excitement of live horse racing up close and it is even more special when it takes place right smack bang in the middle of a local community.
The next top jockeys will be on show and the excitement of live racing makes for a great day out and that should be the case in Killenard this Sunday, June 18, for O’Dempsey’s GAA club’s annual Horse and Pony Racing Day.
And as well as the racing there is a range of top class entertainment – for young and old. There are bouncy castles, face painting, pony rides, treasure hunt, pedal carts and much more. All activities for children are free.
As well as all that for the children there’s also a Barbeque, a cake stall and the first public appearance of the Killenard Ukulele band – a five-piece group newly formed from the locality. There is also a best-dressed competition for the ladies and with it being Fathers Day, all dads from the area are being urged to come out and enjoy this local event.
And the local aspect of the day is evident in the names of the races – Old Pound Mile, Ballycarroll Stakes and Corrig Oaks just some of the names on the eight-race card.
“These are community racing events, but the quality of the horses being brought to these meetings has increased so much over the past number of years that to win a race it must be a really good horse,” says Louise McCormack and Paul Tynan two of the organisers behind this event.
“These are the meetings where you’re liable to see a future Grand National winner or the next Ruby Walsh.”
“As well as a professional race commentator, MC for the day is our own John Joe O’Connell. No doubt he’ll keep the crowds entertained.
“The bookies don’t always get it right, and there were lots of happy punters after last year’s event.”
A members draw will take place on the day with first prize being two weekend camping tickets for Electric Picnic. Tickets are available from Catherine Cahill who can be contacted on 087 6306555 or from any committee member.
The event takes place at the Hermitage Cross which is between Boland’s Pub, Jamestown and Mount St Anne’s.
Admission is €10 euro per person or €20 for a family.
