Under starter’s orders in Limerick for one of Ireland’s oldest point to points
Top class action is guaranteed on Sunday at Bruff’s point to point meeting
ONE of the oldest point to points in the country returns for its 92nd running this Sunday.
The first race at Bruff Point to Points is at 12.30pm and you might just see a star of the future.
Joe O’Donoghue, chairman of Bruff Point to Point, said a lot of good horses have run in Bruff over the years.
“One who springs to mind is Johnnywho who won in Cheltenham this year and was fourth in the Grand National. He is one of the most impressive horses I have ever seen in Bruff.
“Bruff Point to Points is one of the finest tracks in the country and that’s why a lot of top trainers target it,” said Mr O’Donoghue.
He adds that a lot of good horsemen and jockeys have also come from around Bruff.
“It is only outside the ditch from the great PP Hogan,” he says.
The track may be in Rathcannon, Athlacca now but once upon a time it was practically in the town at Collinstown, Bruff, just across from where the Top shop is now.
“That time point to point racing used to be mid-week. The first race was 2pm on a Wednesday and you’d go down the town at 2am the following morning and there would still be a huge crowd! It was like a national holiday around Bruff,” said Joe, who encourages people who are new to Bruff or have never gone to a race meeting to come along to Rathcannon this Sunday, November 1.
“It is a lovely social occasion and a great day out for all the family,” said Mr O’Donoghue, who thanks everyone who puts their shoulder to the wheel to organise the annual racing showcase.
“We get great support from local businesses. There is a great community in Bruff and when you have a good community it is a big help to run events like these,” said Mr O’Donoghue.
Admission on Sunday is just €10 and children go free.