Mornington

LAYTOWN RACES

Next year Laytown Races, which began in 1868 will celebrate its 150th anniversary. This year the meeting will be held on Tuesday 5th September. The first race will be at 5p.m. Admission is €10 for adults; €6 for OAPs and children and students are free. It is the only horse racing meeting that is held on a strand that come under the strict regulations of the Irish Turf Club. Neither are there any other races (horse) of its kind in Europe.

Its popularity is such that many would hope (down the road) that there would be two or three meeting per year. However, we may put up with what we already have for the time being. Then again maybe we should not rock the boat. Boats that are rocked can cause waves.

Speaking about boats, going back to 1868 when the racing made its debut, there was boat racing on the Boyne. This was known as the Boyne Regatta which was a most prestigious event. If I’m not mistaken both events were held on the same day; the Regatta at high water and the racing at low water. What days they must have been. Whilst the Regatta is no more unfortunately, the strand racing has gone from strength to strength.

A wee bit of sun will be the icing on the cake.

The Race Committee pull out all the stops to ensure that everything runs smoothly; no easy task. Days before race day the three-acre site morphs from a lawn into a racing enclosure with Tote facilities; bookies stations; marquees to facilitate restaurants, bars, Judge’s Box, parade ring; grandstand, weighing room, secretary’s office and ambulance room. Crucial back up services will be in situ such as Civil Defence; Gardai; Doctors; Vetenary officers; electricians; caterers and plumbers.

Laytown Races are very much a family affair as well as your singletons. When one combines the meeting itself and all its positives and adds on the scenery; like the rolling waves of the Irish Sea; the Mountains of Mourne; Ben Head; The Rock a Bill; the endless stretch of the golden sands etc. it gets close to paradise.

Two years ago, I met a chap from Kildare who would attend most of the Curragh meetings. This was just after the last race was over at Laytown.

Being of the nosey type I asked him how did he do with the bookies. He said he didn’t do that well. He lost a few quid. “But, says he, “I would rather lose a few quid at Laytown that a few quid at the Curragh”. Finally, we will plead with King Sol to show his face.

Enjoy the races.

COFFEE MORNING

Taking place on Wednesday 30th August in Lila Young’s House, Bellewstown from 11am3.30pm. All proceeds in aid of the Suffering Children of Allepo. All welcome.

AHOY THERE, THE SAND SAILORS ARE COMING!

Bettystown beach will be the place to be from Sept 10th to 15th as it will witness a sport that is going from strength to strength and that is the European sand yachting championships. This is the fifty second anniversary of the competition. This magnificent spectacle was held on the Bettystown beach thirty-four years ago in 1983 there will be over one hundred top land sailors coming from all over Europe and a further afield to take part in this five-day show piece. This activity is becoming very popular and is expected to attract huge crowds, local and internationally. Twelve European titles will be up for grabs over the five days. Nature will also give a hand as well seeing that the yachts will be wind powered.

MEATH LOURDES PILGRIMAGE

This pilgrimage will take place from Sept 12th until the 17th Sept and will be led by bishop Michael Smith. The fare is €729 for full board including insurance and travel taxes. In relation to any person that might be in hospital or a sick person in our community who might wish to go on this pilgrimage, anyone who may know someone in the area who would like to go please contact 04127384. Youth pilgrims, for young people over eighteen years of age please contact Fr. Robert McGiveny Cathedral House Mullingar or email meathyouth@ gmail.com