Carrowniskey races revived after 30 years

Carrowniskey races revived after 30 years


Anton McNulty

AFTER almost a 30 year absence horse racing will return to Louisburgh at the end of the month with the staging of the beach races on Carrowniskey beach.
The last races on Carrowniskey beach were held in 1982 and during their heyday in the 1950’s, it attracted over 3,000 people from all over Mayo and Galway. Earlier this year, a group of local people formed a committee to revive the traditional race and after a lot of hardwork and organising, the event will take place on Sunday, June 27.
As well as reviving the Carrowniskey Races there will also be a Horse Show on Saturday, June 26 and the two events are expected to attract a large attendance to the area.
“It will be a big equine weekend in Louisburgh and we are expecting close to 2,000 people to come to the area. Louisburgh is the place to be if you have an interest in horses,” said Pat Joyce of the oganising committee.
Pat thanked all the local support and goodwill they have received from the local community and landowners and hopes it will be an enjoyable days racing for all the family.
The races are run under the auspices of the Irish Horse and Ponies Society Rules and there will be eight races commencing at 12 noon sharp - because of tidal reasons - over the one mile long beach. There will be bookies at the course and there will also be children’s entertainment and refreshments will also be available.