Race day sunshine lifts Kingdom gloom

BRIGHT sunshine at the opening of the Listowel races yesterday helped lift some of the gloom hanging over the Kingdom following the shock defeat by Armagh in the All-Ireland football final.

Footballers were scarce enough, though former Kerry legend, Eoin Liston, was among the punters.

"The Kerry team are only returning from Dublin this evening, but we expect to see at least some of them, as well as players from other counties, later in the week," race firm secretary Brendan Daly said.

Former Ireland soccer manager Eoin Hand, who now spends much of his time in Moyvane, near Listowel, was there and discussed the football All-Ireland with GAA aficionados.

For the first year in its history, which dates to 1858, Listowel is having a seven-day meeting and fine weather has the Fealeside track in excellent condition.

Local schools have closed for the meeting and the North Kerry town has something for people of all ages.

Mr Daly said crowds were good for the first day and they were looking forward to a bumper meeting with prize money of 350,000.

Rumours that Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy, a keen race-goer, would arrive created a bit of a stir, but proved unfounded. However, Tourism and Sports Minister John O'Donoghue, who has responsibility for horse racing, was in Listowel.

The town prides itself in being a festival meeting, with plenty of craic on the streets and in the pubs at night.

Having recently staged a successful All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, it's not surprising that music features prominently and the Guinness Gig Rig is in town for the week.

Today is Ladies' Day, which should see the latest from fashion houses adorning the betting ring. It's also Little Miss Day for fashion-conscious girls and Best Dressed Man's Day.