Minister unveils new facilities at Ballinrobe

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John

O´Donoghue TD today opened a new weighroom and hospitality facility at Ballinrobe.

The ?1.6 million development comprises a new weighroom complex which incorporates new press facilities, dressing room and shower facilities

for jockeys, two new first aid rooms, a levy office and an owners and trainers bar.

On the upper floor, a new hospitality suite/restaurant 'The Corrana' incorporates a balcony area with excellent views of the parade

ring, enclosures and the finishing post.

Commenting on the new facilities the Minister said - 'It is a great honour for me to open the new facilities at Ballinrobe Racecourse today. Even before these new improvements were put in place, Ballinrobe was always a wonderful place for a racemeeting. It is a natural amphitheatre where the racegoer is never far from the action. Ballinrobe

Racecourse Committee have maintained a relaxed intimate and friendly atmosphere while providing the best possible facilities and racing entertainment for the customers.

I offer my congratulations to Chairman,

John Staunton and Racecourse Manager John Flannelly who have worked tirelessly with their Committee to ensure that this very special part of Irish racing heritage will continue to grow and prosper.'

Ballinrobe Chairman, John Staunton said -'These new facilities are just one step in the ongoing redevelopment of Ballinrobe. The next phase of development will involve extensive

improvement to the track, new public restaurant facilities and a new entrance building.'

Commenting on developments at Ballinrobe, HRI´s Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh said -

'Racecourses are at the centre of our five year Strategic Plan for the industry and we seek to provide funding where it can make a real difference.

Racing professionals and customers rightly expect racecourse standards to match the best facilities available elsewhere in sport and the superb new weighroom and hospitality facilities opened today will ensure that

Ballinrobe sets a standard for all to aspire to. The Ballinrobe Committee and management are a pleasure to deal with and I congratulate them on their achievements.'