New dining & hospitality facility at Listowel

Listowel Race Company officially opened their newly-constructed E1.3 million dining and hospitality facility at a reception at the County Kerry racecourse on Wednesday evening, August 24th.

Hosted by Chairman of Listowel Race Company, David Fitzmaurice, special guests on the night included Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., and Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

The new building is a modern contemporary design which both complements and enhances the overall look of the racecourse facilities.

It replaces the former snack bar, incorporating the new Old Weir Food Hall on the ground floor and The Riverside Bar on the upper level with an adjacent viewing area overlooking the parade ring.

David Fitzmaurice, Chairman of Listowel Race Company, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Michael Creed T.D., and Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of HRI cut the ribbon at the end of the opening ceremony to officially declare the new building open. Canon Declan O’ Connor blessed the new building.

Chairman of Listowel Race Company, David Fitzmaurice said: "Listowel Race Company sees this new development as a huge asset for racegoers, making their whole raceday experience more enjoyable by increasing the overall standard of facilities at Listowel Racecourse.

"It is part of our ongoing programme of development at the racecourse and the Listowel Executive will continue to invest in upgrading all facilities going forward."

Speaking at the event, Minister Creed welcomed the new development stating: "The successful completion of this impressive new building with its modern dining facility will provide a wonderful amenity for racing enthusiasts for many years to come.

"These beautiful surroundings will enhance the overall visitor experience and will draw racing fans in greater numbers."

The Minister went on to acknowledge the importance of the Harvest Festival: "Festivals are an essential part of rural life and the Listowel Harvest Festival is the autumn highlight of the Irish racing calendar drawing crowds to the Kingdom from all over the country.

"I wish those involved with the Listowel Racecourse and the Harvest Festival every success for their 2016 event."

Built by Monami Construction Ltd, a Galway-based firm with a local office in Listowel, the new building has been part-financed by Horse Racing Ireland through its Racecourse Capital Development Scheme, which provided funding of over E600,000.

Construction began in January and was completed ahead of schedule in mid-July.

Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) said: "I would like to congratulate Listowel Race Company on the latest phase of their development programme.

"They are a pleasure to deal with and do a great job for the town of Listowel and for Irish racing.

"They are constantly seeking to upgrade their facilities and this marvelous new addition will ensure that Listowel remains one of the most important fixtures in the Irish racing calendar."