‘Incredible’: Punters from all over the world love the Longford GAA Raceday at Punchestown

Anticipation is building ahead of one of the biggest days in the Irish Racing Calendar and Longford GAA will return to Punchestown Racecourse on Ladbrokes Gold Cup day for the 22nd running of the Longford GAA Raceday which takes place on Wednesday, April 29.

The fundraiser, first held in 2003 has been an enormous draw for racing enthusiasts, GAA supporters and fashionistas alike. 

Crowds of over 1,000 people have been a regular occurrence at the prestigious event which has raised almost €2,000,000 for Longford GAA since its inception.

Down Memory Lane | Glamour and great craic in Longford GAA Pavilion at 2014 Punchestown Festival

2026 will see the return of Chazey Properties Ltd. as the main sponsors of the event for a second year running and Longford GAA are delighted to have Lanesboro based Steve and Marie Peters and their company as partners of one of the longest standing GAA events at Punchestown Racecourse.

"One of the highlights of the eagerly-awaited race day is the fact that it is such a wonderful opportunity for Longfordians to travel from home and abroad to meet up." said Chairperson of the Raceday Organising Committee, Martin Skelly.

"It's incredible to see Longford locals and business community, the Longford diaspora who are in Dublin, London, New York and all over the world gather together for a wonderful day of entertainment.

Capturing the style and lively atmosphere in Longford GAA Pavilion at Punchestown Festival

“It's just a day where Longford people and friends of Longford people get together. The Longford Association in London take tables every year and the tables are sold fifty-fifty among our Dublin-based Longfordians and the local clubs and businesses here in Longford," Mr Skelly added.

"It's a fantastic example of Longford people working together and bringing an event to fruition to support the GAA and County Longford and that is really great to see," he said.

PICTURES | Plenty of fun flirting and playing hard to get at Longford Take Me Out shows

"Punchestown Racecourse are once again thrilled to welcome Longford GAA patrons and supporters to the racecourse for Gold Cup Day 2026. This is one of the biggest GAA days we have in our calendar and we are delighted to host the lively and vibrant crowd who have been coming to the Longford Raceday since 2003" said Chairperson of Punchestown Racecourse, Conor O'Neill.

Longford GAA Chairperson, Derek Fahy said, "We are delighted to return to Punchestown racecourse for the 22nd Annual Chazey Properties Ltd. Longford GAA Raceday this coming April. The event has been a staple of the GAA calendar here in Longford and has made a huge contribution to the development of Gaelic Games in the county. 

“I want to pay tribute to everyone who has been involved in organising this fundraiser since it began in 2003 and I'd like to thank Steve and Marie Peters and Chazey Properties Ltd for continuing their sponsorship of the event. I'd like to say a particular word of thanks to the many patrons who have supported and attended the event down through the years."

PICTURES | Longford first past the post in style stakes at memorable Punchestown race day

 Tickets for this year's Raceday are €180 per person or €1,800 for a table of 10.

Included in the ticket price is: racecourse entry, racecourse programme, four course meal, racing tips with Racing TV's Johnny Ward, evening tea & finger food, bar & bookmakers facilities in the pavilion, live music with Declan Nerney and his Band from the last race until 10pm.

The MC for the afternoon will be the inimitable Marty Morrissey of RTÉ.

There will be a bumper raffle with great prizes such as All Ireland Final packages (incl. tickets!) and Five Star Hotel stays up for grabs and one of the highlights of the event will be the Padraig & Marie Brady sponsored Best Dressed Lady and Gent, which will be judged by well-known TV stylist, Marietta Doran.

PICTURES | A Longford party with Marty to remember as the Brigid's celebrate in style

Tickets for this year's event are priced at €180 per person or table of ten €1,800. Contact Martin Skelly (086) 804 0296) and John Bannon 086 259 7942 or Dublin Coordinator Padraig Brady 086 241 7560 for more information. 

There is significant early demand for tickets and the event is expected to be a sell out so patrons are encouraged to book early.