Race day hopes to break the €1m barrier
Longford GAA race day organisers are hopeful of breaking the p1m barrier this year with the eighth edition of their annual event at Punchestown Racecourse.
The largest attendance ever at the launch for the race day provided the organisers with a massive boost ahead of the big day, which takes place on Wednesday April 21, the day of the prestigious Guinness Gold Cup.
Once again, well-known local GAA officials Martin Skelly and John Bannon are heading up the organising committee and Co Board Chairperson Pat Cahill thanked both men for their invaluable work into making the day into "one of the most successful corporate events in Ireland". Mr Cahill revealed that the committee are hopeful of breaking that v1m mark in fundraising for GAA in Longford.
Martin Skelly said they are €67,000 short of hitting the seven-figure target. "Ultimately, without shouting it off the rooftops, that's what we're trying to cross in our eighth year," he said.
He explained that the popularity of the event has been because of what people get in return for supporting it.
"The one good thing about the race day, and always has been, is that unlike the v100 that you give to the club draw, or whatever it is, the money that you give to the race day is, number one, going towards our county teams and the upkeep of the same. But the other side of it is that you are getting a very good day out.
"Just in case you forget it, they (Ted and Ruby Walsh) gave us five winners out of the seven races last year. Most people that were doing a little bit of punting went home with a few bob."
The sponsors this year are Ladbrokes.com, who he said have expanded their support of GAA in Longford. "This year, not only are they sponsoring the race day, but they are also sponsoring Leagues 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Longford," said Martin.
Martin added that the Dublin Committee are also back on board. "Times have been very, very difficult, particularly for the people on our Dublin Committee; it's just not the same world as it was when we entered into the race day seven years ago. But I'm delighted to say that each and every one of them have committed themselves to the project for another 12 months," said Martin.
Ahead of the big day, he appealed to clubs to be positive and said despite the reduced cost of the ticket, the same high quality day was on offer.
"Because of the current climate, we're down to €125 per head, or €1,250 per table (of ten). There will also be a free Ladbrokes betting voucher (€10 - with the stake returned) on the day, which is cash as such because we intend to give you the winners.
Brian Coleman and Neil Walsh, of Ladbrokes.com provided a preview of both the Cheltenham races and the All Ireland Championship respectively, giving tips to those in attendance. They also came armed with five v100 vouchers to giveaway as free bets on Cheltenham and the GAA championship.
Tickets for the event are available through club members, or through Martin Skelly on 086 804 0296; John Bannon on 087 259 6942 and Gerry Farrell (Dublin Committee) on 086 8309124.
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
