FIXTURES - RACE CARD

Coolmore Race Day incorp Newbridge Community Festival and Leinster GAA Day
03/05/2010

Newbridge Community Festival Race Day will be an exciting addition to the busy racing calendar at the Curragh this year when it takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May. The day will raise funds for both the Catholic and Church of Ireland Parishes and is being supported by Newbridge Town Council

In addition Horse Racing and GAA in association with the Daily Star will join together for the first time at the races with the race day also having a major GAA theme. Some of the legends of Leinster GAA will join the stars of racing for what promises to be a spectacular day for all the family to enjoy.

There will be an extensive variety of free entertainment both on and off the racecourse including the “Giddy Up Club” with free entertainment for children sponsored by K Bowl, display of army equipment, a showcase of great music from Newbridge during the afternoon including performances from The Black Knights, the Newbridge Gospel Choir, Band on an Island and the Patrician Pipe and Brass Band. An Art exhibition by local Newbridge artists will also take place.

The race day which raises fund for Newbridge Parishes, kicks off at 2.15pm, will feature eight quality races sponsored by Coolmore Stud, Keadeen Hotel, PG Duffy & Sons, Newbridge Credit Union and Barry Connell, who will support the final of the Rockview Bumper Series. Donovan Printing are also supporting the race day initiative. Garden Fete with variety of

The Leinster GAA Fun Zone will include various activities together with display of trophies, autograph signings with GAA players, together with competitions and giveaways throughout afternoon

The Leinster Poc Fada competition will take place during the afternoon, while children will be encouraged to dress in county colours with prizes up for grabs.

A junior football match on track between Newbridge rivals Sarsfield and Moorefield will take place as part of the Community festivities,

Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of The Curragh Racecourse, commented, ““We are delighted to be working closely with Newbridge Community to help raise funds for both the Catholic and Church of Ireland Parishes, while the new initiative with Leinster GAA will pro actively promote the strong association that exists between the GAA and Horse Racing.”

“This exciting community initiative will aimed to bringing the people of Newbridge together for an afternoon of great fun”, said Father Joe McDermott Parish Priest of Newbridge, “The day replaces the traditional Newbridge Parishes Race Day which has been a huge success and has raised consideration funds for the Parishes and the community day and will provide us with the opportunity to continue the success of this initiative.”

Admission is only €10, Family Package €15 and Children Under 16s Free. A special First Communion Dining Package is available in the recently refurbished Horseshoe Restaurant from €35

A fund raising raffle for Newbridge Community has also been launched and features fantastic prizes including a weekend for two to London courtesy of Newbridge Travel together with items from Newbridge Silverware, The K Club, Rathsallagh House Golf and Country Club, Killashee Hotel and Villa Spa and Go Racing in Kildare. Tickets costing €5 each are available from Newbridge Parish Office and will be on sale outside Churches on Sunday.

A variety of other events taking place in Newbridge over the Bank Holiday weekend as part of the festivities, include a performance of Conor McPherson’s play “This Lime Tree Bower” in the Liffey Studio at 3pm on Sunday, a “Songs and Stories” evening at the Keadeen Hotel on Sunday evening at 8pm, while there will be a guided walk on the Curragh on Monday Morning meeting at Lumville at 10.30am