20th Longford GAA Race Day is another galloping success

The 20th annual Longford GAA Race Day at Punchestown was a resounding success with one thousand race goers enjoying a memorable day of fashion, racing, hospitality, music and dancing in the lively Longford Pavilion.

Held on Wednesday, May 1 in Punchestown, and coinciding with Gold Cup Day, the event has grown to be an integral part of the Longford GAA calendar. “It was a hugely successful day,” Martin Skelly, Chairperson of the Race Day Committee stated.
“On the day, most people backed a winner and pundit Johnny Ward picked the winner of the Gold Cup, Fastorslow,” he added.
Guests on the day included GAA President Jarlath Burns and former jockey Nina Carberry, who is running as a Fine Gael candidate in the European Elections.

“Nina gave everyone the winner of the last race,” Skelly commented.
“Jarlath Burns was awestruck by the magnitude of the day. He went down very well with the crowd,” he continued.

“Apart from raising money for Longford GAA, the Race Day brings together Longford people,” Skelly added.
MC on the day was RTE GAA broadcaster Marty Morrissey and he ensured there was a special Party with Marty atmosphere!
When the racing was over, the crowd enjoyed the entertainment provided by Busy Fingers.
As well as strong support from the Longford Association in Dublin, the London and New York Associations were also well represented.

“Two of the original committee who have stepped away, Gerry Farrell and Antoinette Kelly, were present. We also remembered two of the original committee who have passed away, Brian Donohue and Carmel Fay,” he explained.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the event, there was a free draw for €5,000, which was won by Mickey Joe Keogh’s table.
Since the inception of the Race Day in 2003, it has raised over €2 million for Longford teams.
It was the third year that Sherry Fitzgerald Brady O’Flaherty sponsored the Race Day. Lanesboro native Eamon O’Flaherty is based in Maynooth.
Roll on 2025!