Racegoers set to flock to Punchestown for Longford GAA Race Day

The much anticipated get together returns to its proverbial stomping ground tomorrow (Wednesday) for an occasion that looks set to draw large congregations of horse racing aficionados from Longford and Dublin.

The event, which is now in its nineteenth year, has already managed to amass in the region of €1.9m since its inception in 2003.

This year's offering looks set to live up and even surpass previous years with tickets for the day sold out weeks ago.

In keeping with last year's corresponding spectacle, this year's main sponsors are Sherry Fitzgerald Brady O'Flaherty.

The man responsible for heading up that sponsorship, Lanesboro native Eamon O'Flaherty said he didn't need asking twice when it came to underpinning an event he personally holds dear to his heart.

“Since I came to work and live in Maynooth in 1995, I have always done my best to support my native county at every opportunity and on the other hand I am extremely grateful to the Longfordians living in County Kildare who have supported my business over the last 25 years,” he said.

Chairperson of the Race Day organising committee, Martin Skelly said there was much excitement ahead of an event which is arguably one of the most eagerly awaited social occasions on the local sporting calendar.

The Longford GAA Race Day will feature a best dressed lady & best dressed gentleman competition (kindly sponsored by Padraig & Mairead Brady), four course meal, race card as well as all important tipping advice from Johnny Ward from Racing TV.

Following the completion of the day's action, renowned five piece band Busy Fingers, kindly sponsored by Seamus Ross and Mickey Joe Keogh, will keep racegoers entertained over the course of the rest of the evening.

Chairperson of the Race Day organising committee, Martin Skelly was in typically optimistic mood ahead of the day.

“I am very aware that things have been tough in many areas since Covid and the advent of the war in Ukraine,” he said.

“Support for this event since the inaugural Race Day in 2003 has been staggering, to say the least, and has contributed €1.9m towards the costs of preparing our county teams.

Mr Skelly also took time to heap praise on both the hardworking committees in both Longford and Dublin and assured all of those who have contributed, that all proceeds go towards the preparation and costs associated with our the county's football and hurling teams.

“We have about 1,000 people coming,” he said.

“This was really a joint effort by both Longford and Dublin and it has just gone from strength to strength year after year.”

Mr Skelly said the genesis for the idea came with a view to strengthening the links the county has and has continued to enjoy with many of its successful business community who are now living and operating in the capital.

The day will also feature see a whole host of prizes raffled off as well as a monster auction that will see two All-Ireland tickets and an overnight stay in Castleknock Hotel auctioned off alongside sponsorship rights at one of Punchestown's November meeting races.