Dundalk Stadium is delighted to be celebrating 10 years in business on Friday 29th November after opening it’s doors for the first time on 29th November 2003.
Here from the beginning; Gerry Kerley Director, Sean Gamble Head Groundsman with the first ever dog to run around Dundalk Stadium’s track Coursikan (out of Cool Performance (Dog) and Mulla Lass (Bitch).
The history of both greyhound and horse racing in Dundalk and the journey Dundalk Stadium has been on to get to this point will be celebrated on the night. Racing had taken place at the old greyhound track on The Ramparts for almost 70 years, and following its closure on November 20th, 2000, there was mild concern that the sport might be lost to the town forever. No-one need have worried. Within three short years, racing was back – and how! In place of the Ramparts track, which was showing the signs of decay long before its closure, was a spanking new stadium, complete with an ultra-modern grandstand, with its elevated viewing area, restaurant, bars and offices.
Four years later, horse racing was added to the stadium’s schedule, the opening meeting taking place on the country’s first all-weather track on August 26, 2007. It is thriving, now staging more meetings per year than any other track in Ireland.
The night will kick off with a 7/8 horse race card followed by 8 greyhound races which include four finals and four open races and live music until late afterwards. There will also be a cutting of the cake ceremony and hopefully a slice for everyone! A commemorate race card will be available on the night with lots of information about our history and of course some very interesting photographs.
Jim Martin CEO Dundalk Stadium said It’s hard to believe its been 10 years since we opened our doors for the first time. There have been many great days and nights at the stadium in those 10 years and our celebrations on the 29th is the perfect way to kick off our next 10 years.
The 29th November is also a very busy evening in Dundalk Town with the Santa Run and Festival of Lights and we are welcoming anyone who completes the Santa Run FREE admission to Dundalk Stadium on the night to enjoy the celebrations with us. Just turn up at the Turnstiles Entrance in your Santa Suit and join the party!
