160 years of history and excitement
‘ THE committee having charge of the arrangements have worked with the most commendable energy to make the meeting a success, and deserve the highest credit for their active exertions.’
The latter is an extract taken from The Kerry Evening Post on October, 21, 1899 as the committee prepared for another Listowel race meeting. The good news is nothing much has changed, as today’s committee is adding the final touches to the 2018 Listowel Harvest Racing Festival, which will mark the 160th year of racing in Listowel.
Little did the starter know in 1858 as he held the white flag that he was starting something that would eventually evolve into one of Ireland’s best festivals - a festival that’s as compelling and exciting as ever for patrons. The old saying; ‘ a salmon always returns to the spawning ground’ is a fitting metaphor when describing the attraction that Listowel Races has for so many people over the decades.
Initially, Listowel started out as a two-day meeting in 1858 but it didn’t take long before it blossomed and by 1862, racing was held over three-days. By 1970 the committee was still yielding to the public’s insatiable demand for more racing when it was decided to increase it to a four-day festival. Seven more years elapsed before the meeting reached five-days in 1977. In 2002 the committee finally decided to do the sensible thing and make it a week-long harvest festival.
But an increase in race days from 1858 to the present only tells half the story of Listowel Races in its 160-year history. Changes in racing have also brought with it many infrastructural developments; most notably the construction of a footbridge over the Feale River in 1910 which today still serves as a special link between the people, a town, and a racecourse. The first concrete stand was built in 1957 in time for Listowel’s centenary in 1958.
By the time the meeting reached its 150th anniversary in 2008, significant milestones had been reached; the most recent of which came in 2016 with the opening of a new €1.3 million modern and contemporary facility. This stateof-the art development is the future of Listowel Races which sure has come a long way since 1858.
“For 160-years the Listowel Races has been a focal point for the people of north Kerry and beyond,” said Listowel Races Chairman, John Galvin.
“Certain tasks are to be completed ‘ before the races’ and others less important are delegated to ‘after the races’. Premises are painted, new fixtures installed, and improvements carried out, all in anticipation of the festivities.”
John continued: “Economically, it is a time of harvest for many, so, whether it’s on the farm or in business, this time of the year brings a dividend to the people of north Kerry. It’s a race meeting that is now a part of the town’s heritage.”