Longfordians lauded for 'amazing support' during extremely positive and 'unique' Longford GAA Race Day
Chairperson of the Race Day organising committee, Martin Skelly said about €100,000 was fundraised
Horse racing enthusiasts and fashionistas thoroughly enjoyed the annual Longford GAA Race Day last week with top class racing, a host of attractions and an abundance of style on show.
Chairperson of the Race Day organising committee, Martin Skelly said the 21st hosting of the popular fundraiser at Punchestown last Wednesday in balmy sunshine was a fantastic occasion.
"For Longford GAA it was an extremely positive day and we expect there will be in the region of €100,000 into the coffers of Longford GAA.
"People came to catch up with friends, to have a good social outing with family, friends, loved ones, the whole works and we had people that travelled from all over the world.
"We have people that come back year after year from America, from New York, from Florida.
"The weather was amazing with the sun shining, it was a brilliant day," he added.
The highly popular event, in association with main sponsors, Chazey Properties Ltd, Lanesboro, is the county board’s main fundraiser and since its introduction back in 2003, it has raised almost €2 million.
Lanesboro-based Steve and Marie Peters were delighted to be associated with the event which took place on the day of the coveted Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup, the most valuable horse race in Ireland.
Martin stated there was as usual fantastic annual support from Longford people for the annual event and the view that they had of the racecourse and the racing itself was unique.
"We had the best horses in Ireland and to watch the way they jump on the final fence at such speed and to be able to go out and do see that on what was like a fine summer's day was fantastic.
"And bearing in mind, you know, the Gold Cup is the most valuable horse race in Ireland.
"We are beside the final fence and it is just a unique view, you wouldn't get it in the stands, you wouldn't get it anywhere else.
"It's unique for us and to be there on Gold Cup day is great."
There was great excitement as Galopin Des Champ triumphed in highly impressive fashion to bounce back from his Cheltenham Festival disappointment to win the Gold Cup last Wednesday.
Martin described champion trainer Willie Mullins as the 'star attraction' for Longford people as he provided four winners on the trot.
He stated outside the racing track and paddock there was an abundance of style on show with well-known TV stylist Marietta Doran judging the best dressed lady and gent competitions, which were sponsored by Paraic and Mairead Brady.
The two best dressed winners received prizes of €500 each and Martin said it was a very successful day in terms of fundraising and the atmosphere for revellers.
Oniesa Owens was the winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed competition.
The Longford woman looked very glamourous and stylish and in a black-and-white outfit and a white hat that impressed the judges.
Mr Skelly said everybody makes an effort to dress up for the day.
"Most people are aware of it and there is a lot of high style and I won't say competitiveness about the fashion, but people like to dress up well.
"And whether they win or whether they lose the most important thing is that, that they have a good day.
Mr Skelly stated there was as usual fantastic annual support from Longford people with around 1,000 supporters there to enjoy the racing and attractions.
"People showed, their generosity and their is still amazing support, even though Longford GAA are having a difficult time at the moment.
"They are still prepared to fight for their county and fight for their county teams.
"And you know, it's money that is badly needed for the promotion of football and hurling in our county."
Mr Skelly said RTÉ's Marty Morrissey and Longford GAA PRO Colm Murray did a great job and were a 'big hit' as MC's, while Racing TV tipster Johnny Ward was also very popular on the day.