Limerick ready to go to the dogs as new stadium opens
LIMERICK'S new greyhound stadium opens its doors to the public for the first time this Friday night and special guests the Irish International Rules team will join the anticipated huge crowd at Greenpark for the occasion.
The latest addition to Limerick's enviable sports infrastructure, which cost €20m to complete, can take 2,900 spectators, but anyone hoping to be among the 190 people seated in the track's restaurant are too late - it was booked out long ago.
General manager Declan O'Halloran hailed the track as "not just an investment for 2010, but an investment for the next 25-30 years for greyhound racing in the region".
"We think this is going to be a great new addition to Limerick, a new attraction along with Thomond Park, along with the racecourse, along with the GAA and it's another facility the Mid-West region can be proud of," said the Ennis Road man.
"Next year Limerick is the European City of Sport, so I think we're coming in at the perfect time to be complementary to all those facilities and it's something Limerick needs, the place needs every lift it can get.
"It is tough times now, there is no point saying otherwise. We think we will provide a little bit of razzmatazz when there mightn't be a lot going around."
The track has bars on the ground and mezzanine level, with table service in the restaurant and corporate entertainment areas, and there is also a stage and dance floor. On Friday, there will be pre-race entertainment with Frankly Sinatra and post race from Red Effect.
With the ring road and tunnel completed the track enjoys excellent access from all sides now and for those coming from town there will be a shuttle bus service if they wish to leave the car at home.
"We'll start shuttles from Brown Thomas and Markets Field at around 6.30 and they'll be going back in from the track from around 10.30," said Mr O'Halloran. "Doors are 6.30, first race 7.45, before Shelbourne Park because we're going to run a 12 race card and we don't want to be here all night, so we'll finish at 10.30.
"Then there's the option to stay on for the live music and entertainment, or to go back into town."
Racing manager Liam Kennedy told the LimerickLeader that some of the top trainers in the country had been down trialling their dogs and had expressed their delight with the surface. In a nice touch, the dog who won the last race at the Markets Field, Mustang Johnny, is running on the first card this Friday night. Victory would make for a unique double.
"It's nice to see (leading trainers] Paul Hennessy, Owen McKenna and all those top boys down for trials. With the Leger coming up (in December) I'll need them boys," said Mr Kennedy.
SEE OUR WEEKEND EDITION FOR THE LEADER INTERVIEW WITH DECLAN O'HALLORAN
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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