After two weather-enforced postponements earlier this year, Ballinrobe Races will come bouncing back next weekend with a special two-day meeting — and Sunday is set to be extra special with a bumper Family Day package and even a big screen to watch the All-Ireland minor and senior football finals.
“We have been given next Sunday, September 20, as a date to make up for one of the days postponed. We already had Monday, September 21, in the diary, so now we are able to pull together a very attractive two-day meeting,” said racecourse manager John Flannelly.
Sunday’s package will see families — consisting of two adults, and as many children as they have with them — gain admission for the rock bottom price of €20. “Adult admission is €15, and €10 for students and OAPs, but we are making this into a family day, and, given the tough economic times that are in it, they will find it hard to beat the value of parents and children getting in for just €20,” said Flannelly.
“Plus, once inside, the first 300 kiddies will each be given a free ice-cream, and there will also be free tea and coffee with every meal in the restaurant. The message we want to send out is that it will be hard to get better value anywhere else next weekend.
“There is another feature on Sunday too — each racecard will include a voucher offering a €5 discount for the Monday meeting. We are making a big effort to make our rates as attractive as possible.”
Family day tickets can be purchased at the turnstiles on Sunday. Ballinrobe and its surrounding hinterland recently got a major boost when the race committee confirmed it will go ahead with a significant new project over this winter.
“There are three parts to the new development – the construction of a new 160-seater restaurant, a new entrance hall, and a new pavilion behind our existing stand. These will greatly enhance our race day facilities at Ballinrobe and further copper fasten our position as a racecourse geared up for the future,” added Flannelly.
The new restaurant will allow for reserved seating for up to 50 people, while the new pavilion will provide an ideal meeting place for patrons during races. These coincide with the ongoing development of a new extension to the existing racetrack, which will allow the course to host more — and better quality — races in the future.
