The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Top race action with pop princess and rugby star to judge Ladies’ Day
JUST when you thought the summer couldn’t get any better, along comes news of Killarney Races’ 5 Day Summer Festival which gets underway on Sunday, July 15 and runs until Thursday, July 19.
As well as top class flat and summer jumps action, fashion is always a major attraction at the Killarney Races and this summer is no exception. Glamourous pop star Una Healy and her dapper rugby star husband Ben Foden are the celebrity judges lined up for this year’s stylish Dawn Dairies Ladies’ Day at Killarney Races. Together, they will select the Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gent at what is considered to be one of the real social highlights of the year in Kerry.
The eagerly awaited Ladies Day - sponsored for the 25th year by Dawn Dairies - has been scheduled for Thursday, July 19 and some incredible prizes await the winners of the style stakes. The winning lady will receive a fabulous trip for two to romantic Paris, and the winning gent will be presented with a VIP break for two people in magnificent Milan.
A former member of the chart-topping pop band The Saturdays, who enjoyed a string of smash hits, Una Healy later became an adjudicator on The Voice of Ireland before she released a fabulous solo album. The Saturdays sold over five million records worldwide and racked up 13 Top 10 singles and five Top 10 albums in just six years. Her first solo album The Waiting Game, was released last year and her recent single, Never See Me Cry, was an instant hit.
Her husband, Ben Foden, is a rugby union star that has enjoyed a great career with Northampton Saints and England. An exceptionally versatile player, he has proven to be equally comfortable at full back, wing-back or as scrum half.
This year’s July Festival of Racing in Killarney has been extended to five days, commencing on the afternoon of Sunday, July 15 with a family fun day and a Mad Hatters competition with great free entertainment for children.
The evening meetings on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will all feature a novel theme with Monday designated Ladbrokes Race Day during which the leading bookmaker is generously sponsoring all seven races on the card.
Heads will turn on Tuesday - Milliners’ Day - when leading and creative milliners from all around the country will be showcasing their spectacular pieces and offering top tips prior to Ladies Day.
The Rose of Tralee contestants will add a touch of extra glamour on Wednesday, bringing the magic of the annual festival from the streets of Tralee to the winner’s enclosure in Killarney where they will mingle with punters.
As an added attraction and to generate an even better atmosphere, all live sports games occurring during this year’s Killarney Races will be screened at the racecourse on the Sunday.
Admission this year will be €20 and €25 on Ladies Day. Students and OAPs will be admitted from €12 with valid ID and €15 on Ladies’ Day. Children under 12 will be admitted free of charge if accompanied by an adult. All that’s left now is for you to plan your visit to one of the most scenic and atmospheric racecourses in the world.
For group or panoramic restaurant bookings call 0646631125.