Crokes Winners alright at Punchestown!

Sunshine. Big Crowds. Fresh air. Cut grass. A sporting spectacle

Michael Lyster. Clare Legend Ollie Baker..... All the elements for a great day's hurling.

Tuesday 29th April 2014 was a great day for Kilmacud Crokes Hurling but not a sliotar in sight as this was the occasion of the club's 12th annual punchestown raceday. Once again we got the best weather of the week if not the year so far. The dedicated Kilmacud Crokes pavilion and private track side lawn was bathed in warm sunshine for the entire afternoon and the venue was packed with race goers and club supporters.

The 50 tables allotted to the club for the were long since sold out and we even managed to squeeze in a few more due to demand. Those that attended enjoyed a super day of racing, banter and fun.

The day started with golden tickets for bottles of champagne followed by the usual top class fair and service from the caterer Mike Donovan and his Dobbins team. Our MC and raconteur Robbie Irwin kept guests updated and entertained and had some great interviews with quality jockeys and tipsters and a selection of GAA illuminates including International Rules manager Paul Earley and our own Ollie Baker.

After a great day of on track thrills and off track craic the majority of the guests returned to Glenalbyn for a night of music and memories and talk of winners, losers and the ones that got away. The real winners were the hurlers of Kilmacud Crokes who will benefit from the goodwill and funds raised.

Our thanks and appreciation goes to the entire Punchestown race day committee and in particular to the 'work horses' that drive and co-ordinate everything in advance and on the day, Brendan Sweeney and Brian Geraghty.

Many thanks to all our friends and guests who attended and supported the day. Another great day out for all.

Here's to Punchestown 2015, put it in the diary!

Photos by Diarmuid Ó Gallchobhair and Tom McIntyre.