Excitement builds ahead of Longford GAA race day

It is Nally Bros third consecutive year to sponsor the race day which is the main county board fundraiser and since its introduction back in 2003, it has raised almost €1.6 million.

Martin Nally said they were delighted to be associated with the event which takes place on the day of the coveted Coral Punchestown Gold Cup.

Chairperson of the Race Day organising committee, Martin Skelly pointed out that one of the most enjoyable features of race day is the fact that so many Longfordians who may be living elsewhere are provided with the opportunity to meet up with each other and catch up.

He added, “It is incredible actually how many Longford people support the event, with up on 1,000 supporters gather in the Longford pavilion at Punchestown each year to support the county and that is really great to see.

“Race day provides all of us with an opportunity to give something back to Longford GAA and it is a fantastic day out for everyone to enjoy.”

The Longford pavilion at Punchestown has sold out consistently over the years and Mr Skelly paid tribute to Moydow’s Gerry Farrell who this year, after moving back home to the capital, stood down as the Dublin Coordinator for the race day.

“Gerry is a great Longford stalwart and we’ll always be thankful to him for his commitment and professionalism in ensuring the huge success of the race day,” said Mr Skelly.

Co Board Chairperson Eamon Reilly thanked Martin Nally and Nally Bros for their support and he paid tribute to the organising committee of the race day.

The Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival is the highlight of the Irish sporting and social calendar.

It is considered the grande finale of the jump season with top class horses, trainers and jockeys from both sides of the Irish sea converging on the Kildare venue to settle scores and confirm reputations.

Tickets for this year's event are priced at €150 per person or table of ten €1,500. Contact Martin Skelly (086) 804 0296, Eamon Reilly 086 261 0556, Albert Cooney (086) 811 8580 and Dublin Administrator Padraig Brady 086 241 7560 for more information.

The Longford GAA Race Day will feature a best dressed lady & best dressed man competition (kindly sponsored by Padraig & Mairead Brady), four course meal, race card, celebrity tipster, bar facilities, bookies in pavilion and top class music immediately after the last race until late.