Record-busting races benefitted all Kerry

FRIDAY’S Ladies’ Day attendance figure of 29,278 represented an all-time record crowd for the long-running Listowel Races. According to the Listowel Race Company, the figures consolidate Listowel’s position as ‘ the largest (bar one) meeting in Ireland’ – great news for the local industry that would suggest it is now free of the worst ravages of the recession.

Far from Listowel solely benefitting, the week also realised bumper trade for hotels, pubs and restaurants in Tralee and even Killarney. Some reports suggested that Ballybunion was less than its usual bustling self for the Races, citing the closure of the Golf Hotel as a factor, however.

Listowel Race Company Secretary Brenda Daly said the committee was thrilled with how the whole week went. From sunshine to the army of punters, they couldn’t have asked for better.

“We are extremely happy with how the week went and local feedback has been very positive. We were blessed with good weather, which is key and good crowds. It was a tremendously successful Festival”.

Figures show that over €1,8m in bets was placed at the Tote over the week. Similarly, over €3.3m was paid into bookmakers’ satchels.

Pat Brennan, Sales and Customer Service manager at Tote Ireland said “Listowel is a very important source of revenue for us, it ranks fourth overall for us and is behind only The Galway, Punchestown and the Leopardstown Christmas festival”

380 staff were employed by the Race Company on The Island over the week that brings with it a wonderful financial windfall to the town. The sheer volume of people around town on Friday and Saturday night was an indicator of that.

The surrounding towns of Ballybunion and Tralee, also benefited from the week long festivities. Tralee was a major beneficiary with local hotels, restaurants, pubs and taxis all reporting bumper business. One well-known restaurant in Tralee town centre enjoyed its busiest ever Wednesday night with almost 170 hungry punters passing through the door.

Tourist heads in Ballybunion poured cold water on suggestions Racing trade in the the coastal resort was down.

Padraig Hanrahan, of Ballybunion Golf Holiday Hones said “Accommodation in Ballybunion was completely packed. The week of the races is a huge week in Ballybunion always,” Mr Hanrahan added.

A total of 92, 251 punters passed through the turnstiles over the course of the seven-day festival.