Youghal ready to unveil first phase of refurbishment

Work goes feverishly forward as the final touches are being put to the first phase of Youghal Greyhound Track’s refurbishment in time for tomorrow’s Annual Sponsors’ Night.

For the first time, the new bar area underneath the stand will be open and fully functioning. Unquestionably, there was always a limitation in what could have been achieved by opening up the space under the stand, but there’s also no doubt that what has been done maximises the potential of the facility.

The area, with openings to the front and both sides of the stand, has wheelchair accessibility, a new bar, a Tote booth, large screens for watching the racing, men’s, women’s and wheelchair-accessible toilets, and plenty of seating.

In short, it has what one would hope for in a modern stadium. And that is the crux of it: the track now has facilities it can be proud of, and patrons can come expecting comfort and go home content with what they received.

The investment by the IGB works two-fold: firstly, it is a commitment to the future of racing in the town and, with a very healthy local population involved in every section of the greyhound industry, that’s absolutely vital. Secondly, it’s a significant sign of respect to those people who have supported the track through thick and thin.

Racing manager Johnny McGrath is excited about the development: “This is a very welcome phase in the track’s development. It’s really coming into shape now and the people of Youghal and the greyhound community, in particular, are very grateful for it.

“Tomorrow is a special night for us as it gives us a chance to say a special thank you to all the sponsors who have supported us throughout the year, and being able to show off our new facilities makes it extra-special. We’re ready to greet people in and I’m excited about seeing their reaction.

“The upgrade brings a high level of comfort to our long-supporting patrons and will, we hope, encourage new visitors.

“The way we’re progressing now, by the New Year we should be in a very good position to attract clubs and societies to the track for benefit meetings.

“With what the new space underneath brings and with Kearney Catering in charge of the food and drink facilities, it’s full steam ahead in that department.

“These are exciting times. We have also done plenty of work to the upper level of the stand and it will be in use tomorrow.

“But the refurbishment work will continue beyond this weekend and, all going to plan, we hope to hold an official opening early in 2013, possibly in February.”

Entry to the track for tomorrow night’s racing is free to all patrons, having been kindly sponsored by the Youghal Track Supporters’ Club, and finger food will be served.

The racing features the finals of the featured Red Mills Southern Sprint and the Damian and Noel Fleming-sponsored Rising Kennels Unraced Stake, as well as two Track Supporters’ Club Stake deciders. Racing begins at 7.55pm.