On Sat 28th April almost 700 hundred of the great and good of local social society and sport will descend on Ireland’s premier national hunt festival to marry the dual passions of GAA and horse racing in a fundraising event for Wexford GAA. These two sports are very much steeped in the history of Co Wexford with famous names such as Aidan O’Brien, Jim Bolger, Conor O’Dwyer, Paul Nolan, Colin Bowe, Denis Murphy & The Doyle Brothers from Ballindaggin all considered leaders in their field of training race horses while the current resurgence of our GAA teams under the tutelage of Davy Fitzgerald and Paul Mcloughlin has again captured the imagination of the Wexford public with support levels returning to those not seen since the 1990s.
There has been horse racing at Punchestown since 1868 and it is now firmly established as the Home of Irish National Hunt Racing in Ireland. Located just outside Naas, Co Kildare the track can boast of the exceptional quality of the horses competing, 5 star public facilities and its’ proximity just up the road has a huge attraction for racing aficionados in Co Wexford. With a record breaking attendance of 122,557 people set in 2017, this gives an idea of the magnitude and importance of this festival for the racing community but also it’s attraction to the wider public on the social calendar.
Wexford native and former St Abban’s Adamstown GAA player Richie Galway has been Director of Racing at Punchestown since the mid 1990’s and is delighted to accommodate his home county at the tracks corporate entertainment section and reserved enclosure. This five star trackside facility with panoramic views of the race course and private lawn access ensures extremely comfortable surroundings for all in attendance. Local GAA representatives have also been courting Richie to secure some valuable tips from his mother in law and Gold Cup winning trainer Mrs. Jessica Harrington in a bid to lighten the days’ expense in April. All will be revealed on the day is the current update.
Wexford GAA are delighted to renew their association with Punchestown with this year’s function taking place on the final day of the festival which is now known as “Family Day”. The atmosphere is always one of celebration, fun and frolics and the eternally positive outlook of Wexford GAA supporters is sure to add a further ingredient to this hearty mix. The purple and gold army bring colour, good humour and social optimism no matter where it travels and for one Saturday in April the march is to the land of the Lilly Whites not for battle on the GAA field but with the bookmakers instead.
There is a full itinerary of events within the exclusive Wexford Marquee to keep everyone entertained as the event is equally attractive for those just interested in a social day out in addition to racing anoraks and corporate clients. Master of Ceremonies for the event will be legendary local sports commentator Liam Spratt who will keep people entertained and informed with a celebrity tipster panel, interviews with sponsors, and various sporting celebrities in addition to a Best Dressed Wexford Person Competition confined to those within the marquee. There will literally be something for everyone.
The exclusive package currently available (limited numbers remain) are for tables of 10 people to include:
- Reserved Enclosure Admission & Race Card
- Private Table On The Day/4 Course Sumptuous Lunch Served/Afternoon Tea
- Table Service Bar/Post-Race Musical Entertainment
Gates open at 11am on Sat 28th April, with lunch to be served at 1pm and first race scheduled for 2.30pm. Racing finishes at 6.40pm and this will be followed by musical entertainment until circa 8.30pm so all those in attendance will have an extended afternoon to enjoy themselves.
This is an event which anyone with an interest in socialising, client entertainment, horse racing or GAA will thoroughly enjoy. It is an ideal chance to gather your family, friends, club mates or clients and mingle in an extremely comfortable environment with fantastic food and a full day’s itinerary of fun and enjoyment. Pre-launch sales have been described as exceptional and consequently the event is scheduled to be sold out by early March so do not delay in making your booking before the “horse has bolted” to pardon an obvious pun.
To secure your table please contact Wexford GAA @ Punchestown Co-ordinator Tom Galway at 087-2887792 or Wexford GAA at 053-9144808.
