Longford GAA Race Day a huge success with lots of style, craic and top class racing
A bumper crowd enjoyed the 22nd running of the hugely popular event last Wednesday
There was stunning style, top notch racing and lots of fun as Longfordians travelled from near and far to gather for the hugely popular Longford GAA Race Day in Punchestown last week.
A bumper crowd enjoyed the 22nd running of the hugely popular event last Wednesday, which was first held in 2003.
About 1,000 people attended the highly-anticipated day out, which has raised almost €2,000,000 for Longford GAA since its inception.
Chairperson of the Raceday Organising Committee, Martin Skelly said the Longford GAA Race Day fundraiser was another fantastic success.
"Longfordians and our Longford Diaspora and friends, they came together obviously to enjoy themselves, but at the same time to support Longford GAA.
"The weather was absolutely brilliant and I think the style on display, both men and women, was fantastic, people really made an effort."
Martin said Longford people travelled from near and far to enjoy the occasion and support the fundraiser.
"The Longford Association London brought two tables, obviously the Longford Association Dublin were there and there were people there from America and all parts of Ireland."
Martin said the quality of the racing was 'really top notch' with lots of Longford people in the pavilion backing ‘superstar’ Gaelic Warrior as he won the Punchestown Gold Cup to add to his Cheltenham Gold Cup.
On the style front, Granard's Oniesa Owens was crowned the overall 2026 Bollinger Best Dressed Lady at the Punchestown and she won an exclusive trip for two to the Bollinger Estate in France.
Longfordians were dined, wined and then entertained by the Drumlish country music legend Declan Nerney, while Marty Morrissey of RTÉ was the popular MC, tipster Johnny Ward of Newstalk offered betting advice and TV resident fashion presenter Marietta Doran judged the 'Best Dressed Lady and Gent'.
Leonie McCormack, from Colehill, who looked stunning won the 'Best Dressed Lady', while Killoe native Gerry Kennedy was chosen as the 'Best Dressed Gent' for his smart look.
The main sponsor of the event again was Lanesboro based Steve and Marie Peters’ company Chazey Properties Ltd.
Marie was also selected in the top five of the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady.
Martin praised the Longford Race Day team including local Coordinator John Bannon, Dublin-based Padraig Brady and Longford GAA secretary Peter O'Reilly.