Drizzle proves no dampener as Killarney racing festival opens

The peak tourist season was kick-started in Killarney, Co Kerry, last evening, with the opening of the four-day July racing festival in drizzling, overcast conditions.

As locals and visitors began their annual battle with the bookmakers, the organisers were keeping their fingers crossed the weather will improve, especially for Ladies’ Day on Thursday.

Killarney, already enjoying a busy season, is all set for a hectic week, with the Munster football final replay between Cork and Kerry on Saturday evening, the icing on the cake.

The July races are an established part of the annual calendar, in Killarney, and a significant part of the area’s festive programme, according to Johnny McGuire, of Bricin Restaurant.

“Traditionally, races have heralded the beginning of the peak season, but we now have events like the Ring of Kerry Charity coming a little before the races.

“However, the three annual race meetings, the others being in May and August, are hugely important.”

A growing number of British racing enthusiasts are now coming to Killarney, he pointed out. “People like to go to places where things are happening and the racecourse itself, given its spectacular location, is part of Killarney’s overall scenic experience.”

The focus last evening was on family entertainment in a dedicated kids’ zone, with bouncy castles, stilt walkers, face painting and puppet and magic shows.

One of the oldest people at the races was all-round sporting enthusiast Donie Sheahan, 89, who first went to the track well over 60 years ago.

“I plan to be here the four days,” said Mr Sheahan, a racehorse-owner and retired Killarney pharmacist.

“I don’t have a runner at the meeting, but I had a 4/1 winner, Gortnatona, at Wexford recently. We all got a few bob out of that. The whole town did because I told everyone I knew to have a little bet,” he added.

Like thousands of other GAA fans, he is looking forward to Saturday’s replay and thinks Kerry manager Eamon Fitzmaurice needs to make four or five changes in the team if they are to beat Cork.