Under starter’s orders ....

WHEN you have a race meeting that stretches back to the 1840s then it’s worth celebrating. Cahersiveen Races is one of the oldest meetings in the county, which Daniel O’Connell himself helped play a major role in. It was O’Connell who donated a site at Carhan so the people of the locality could enjoy a day’s horse racing – a commitment they’ve stayed loyal to ever since.

The 2018 Cahersiveen Races take place on Sunday, July 29 when some top class pony racing takes centre stage. The Cahersiveen Derby and Frank Quirke Cup is the day’s big race, which is worth €1000 over 2miles. The first race is at 1:30pm and there will be 10 races in total on the card. If last year’s action is anything to go by, patrons are in for a real treat. There will also be a Best Dressed Ladies’ Prize of €100. There will be music on the course with LUNA, while there’s also a gate prize up for grabs.

One of the secrets of the races is that it manages to incorporate plenty of fun around the race action making it ideal for a family day out. The ever popular Dog Show is at 7:30pm on Friday night (July 27) in the Fair Field with Kids Amusements also a feature.

And if all that doesn’t whet your appetite, the annual Cahersiveen Race Dance takes place later that evening at the Kerry Coast Hotel where John Hogan will entertain the crowds. Liam Musgrave is Secretary of Cahersiveen Race Committee for over 30 years and he, along with Chairman Tom Quirke, are proud of the races – a success they put down to a hardworking committee and generosity of local sponsors. Liam also thanked Kieran McCarthy for his contribution. The main sponsors are Dan Tim O’Sullivan and Walsh’s SuperValu. Admission to the course is €5 and children are free. Moreover, the committee is delighted with the support it gets from businesses in the wider community who help make the Cahersiveen Races possible each year.