Countdown on to Limerick Christmas Racing Festival with visit to trainer Eoin McCarthy's Athea yard

LIMERICK Racecourse hosted its traditional Christmas Stable visit at the yard of local trainer Eoin McCarthy, of McCarthy Racing in Athea, adding to excitement levels ahead of the upcoming Mr. Binman Christmas Racing Festival.

Joe Cleary and Garry Dillon, of Mr Binman, the title sponsor of the Christmas Racing Festival were in attendance on the day.

The visit provided an opportunity to meet the team behind the horses and celebrate the community spirit that underpins the festival each year.

Also in attendance were race sponsors CUBE Printing and DPACK Packaging, represented on the morning by TJ Ryan and Davey Ryan respectively, who are also members of the Shadowpaddy Syndicate, whose horse is trained by West Limerick trainer Eoin McCarthy. 

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Guests were given an exclusive look into the daily operations of McCarthy’s yard, with Eoin guiding attendees through the gallop and sharing insights into training routines, horse welfare, and the commitment required to prepare for the busy Christmas racing period.

Trainer Eoin McCarthy commented: “It’s always a pleasure to open the yard and give people a sense of the work that goes on behind the scenes.

“The Mr. Binman Christmas Racing Festival is a huge occasion for everyone involved in racing locally, and we’re delighted to play our part.

“We’re bringing over a small but quality team to Limerick this year and hope to have a great few days out.”

When speaking on the Shadowpaddy syndicate and the importance of the relationship between both the trainer and the owner,  Eoin McCarthy added: “They’re a super bunch of lads to train for, they love their racing and are great craic.

“He’s [Shadowpaddy) been improving all year and it was great to win the listed race in Limerick over the Munster National Weekend but hopefully the season isn’t over yet as we have the dream to go to Cheltenham.”

Joe Cleary, of Mr Binman added: “We are very proud to once again support the Christmas Racing Festival at Limerick Racecourse.

“Events like today's stable visit highlight the passion, hard work, and community that make this festival so special. It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm building, and we’re looking forward to four great days of racing over Christmas.

“Mr Binman loves to be involved in the heart of the community, we are very much focused on giving back to the community in which we operate”

TJ Ryan, of CUBE, Printing, who are sponsoring a race at this year’s festival, said: “CUBE is delighted to be involved with Limerick Racecourse again this Christmas. I love National Hunt racing and love going to Limerick at Christmas.

"CUBE printing are sponsoring the Maiden Hurdle on Day 3 [of the festival]. It’s a great place to meet people and entertain guests, there’s a good relationship between CUBE and the Racecourse. In fairness, the standard and quality of racing in Limerick has been excellent and we hope to have a horse that we can enter [in Limerick] at Christmas in the future.”

The Mr Binman Christmas Racing Festival takes place at Limerick Racecourse from December 26–29, featuring top-quality National Hunt racing, family entertainment, and one of the most vibrant social occasions in the Irish racing calendar.

The Christmas Racing Festival is expected to welcome tens of thousands of attendees over the four days, offering a significant
economic boost to Limerick, particularly for local hotels and hospitality venues.

Day 1 (Friday, December 26): Kicking off with one of the year’s most highly attended racing days, Limerick Racecourse will collaborate with Big Boss Events and Master Chefs, planning on bringing the best of catering, hospitality and live entertainment to complement the excellent card of National Hunt Racing

Day 2 (Saturday, December 27): Ladies Day with the Holman Lee Agency presenting a dazzling display of fashion with the Most Stylish Lady Judging building on the recent success at the Munster National Weekend. A fabulous prize worth €1500 is up for grabs to the winner and Goodie Bags, kindly sponsored by Brown Thomas, will be given to all finalists. TV personality Meghann Scully will also be in attendance on the day to talk all things racing and fashion.

After a great day of racing racegoers can now look forward to the thrilling clash between Munster and Leinster rugby, in Thomond Park for the ultimate day out.

Day 3 (Sunday December 28): Featuring the prestigious Faugheen Grade 1 race with massive prize money of €100k up for grabs, this day is not to be missed by racing enthusiasts. This is the only Grade 1 race in the Munster region all year round.

Influencer Frankie Foster will be here on the day mingling with racegoers and capturing the atmosphere on the day. As on all four days, Limerick Racecourse are offering excellent varied options for hospitality from their Private Suites to the Panoramic Restaurant 4-course Luncheon to Social Packages.

Day 4 (Monday December 29): Family Fun Day, in association with Horse Racing Ireland, invites families to enjoy a festive day filled with activities. There is  much to offer for the kids such as play areas/Carnival rides/ Face Painting and Characters plus much more.

In the Big Boss Top there is a special treat for families with the K-POP DEMON HUNTERS SING ALONG TRIBUTE
with tickets at €35 per person.

Each day of action at Greenmount Park promises unique highlights. Tickets can be found on Limerick Racecourse website at limerickraces.ie.