Molony ends current season on a high
Getting the day off on saturday, March 18th to a flying start at Thurles is the Dillon Quirke Foundation Mares Beginners Chase which goes to post at 1.55pm. Donations to the foundation can be made by racegoers who will be in attendance on the day.
The Dillon Quirke Foundation was set up by the Quirke Family, following the untimely passing of their beloved Dillon. Sadly, the talented player died of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome at Semple Stadium, just a stone’s throw away from the racecourse, in August 2022.
Sudden Adult Death Syndrome takes approximately 100 young lives in Ireland each year. The Dillon Quirke Foundation aims to raise awareness and save lives by screening every GAA player, both male and female from the age of 12 upwards with a view to early detection and prevention of underlying conditions.
Also featured on the day’s card is the Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase and the Jimmy Neville Memorial Chase. The latter race is kindly sponsored by the Neville family of Roscrea to remember their late father Jimmy who was a great character and avid racing fan.
The track tema is hoping for a competitive renewal of the Pierce Molony Memorial Grade 3 Novice Chase. Pierce is always looking down on the racecourse and the Molony family and is very much missed every day.
The racecourse manager Kate Moloney commented “We are very grateful to all our staff who have worked so hard all season. Richie Brennan with his team, John and Declan and Andrew, Jim, Brendan and Richard who always have the fences, hurdles and track in perfect condition. To all our hardworking race day staff from car parks to turnstiles, the office to our bars and restaurants we are so thankful to them for their hard work and support. We are also so grateful to our sponsors, supporters and racegoers without whom none of this would be possible.”
Racegoers can also cheer on the Irish ruby team on the day, as they take on England in the Six Nations. The game will be shown live in the main bar, situated adjacent to the parade ring. Here racegoers are provided with an exciting atmosphere in cosy surroundings, with live music after racing set to close out another great season at Thurles Racecourse.
Tickets and annual memberships are on sale now via the website and racegoers who might like to enjoy a relaxed dining experience are encouraged to check out their popular BBQ offering. Also worth noting is the fact that a courtesy bus will be available to all racegoers, running from the train station to the racecourse on the day.
Why not make the most out of the St Patrick’s weekend celebrations and make the trip to Tipp even better? Enjoy a stay in the 4 star Horse & Jockey Hotel in one of their luxurious guestrooms, with bed and breakfast options available online, or why not add an evening meal or perhaps Afternoon tea to the package. Visit horseandjockeyhotel.com for more information or check out other hotels in the area such as Hayes Hotel.
The Association of Irish Racecourses would like to take this opportunity to wish Kate, the Molony Family and all the team at Thurles Racecourse the very best ahead of their upcoming meeting. For tickets, membership and more information visit thurlesraces.ie.
By Leo Powell
Irish field
