Ireland The Talk Of The Town Raceday, Old Leighlin, Co Carlow Sunday 1St November 15

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The Talk Of The Town Raceday, Old Leighlin, Co Carlow Sunday 1st November 15

 

 

Historians have documented the importance of Old Leighlin, and its antiquities in a number of important sources over the years. To the Canine Fraternity last weekend, the most important date on the calendar was to make a trip to “ The Talk Of The Town Race Track” in the beautiful countryside of Old Leighlin, Co Carlow for a good days racing.

 

 

As we drove from the north of Ireland, the fog was so thick, at times we thought we would never reach our destination. But with the help of Mrs Sat Nav and lady luck, we battled on and arrived at the “ Talk Of The Town” at around 10.00am. By 12.00noon the fog had lifted, with a little sunshine coming through, and carried on through to the end of the racing.

 

 

As this was our first visit to this track, I must say I was very pleasantly surprised. What a location. I was so impressed with the whole set up. The distance was excellent, the track was flat and grassy, and the view of the dogs coming up the track, from the start line to the finish was superb. The racing organisation was impeccable with no delays between races. Stewards were situated in the correct positions to verify the winners, resulting in the days proceedings running like clockwork.

 

 

As I walked around the field, it was nice to talk to so many old friends and also make some new ones. One of the first persons I met up with was Karen and Peter Cummins. Such a lovely couple with an over whelming love of their dogs. Billy Craig was there with his winning dogs and his brand new dog transporter. Billy, congratulations on your wins, and the best of luck with your new trailer. My good friend Jed Donagh was also there, and as usual always ready to give a helping hand when things go wrong. What would we do without you and your helping hands Jed. Mickey and Michael Quinn came all the way down from Lurgan Co Armagh, and just out for a good days racing and a bit of craic. The field was full of keen sportsmen and women from North and South of the border, too numerous to mention.

 

 

The Talk Of The Town is run by the Mc Grath Family, with Pat Mc Grath, himself being an avid sportsman , and also the head of the Mc Grath family. I had a long conversation with Michael Mc Grath, who informed me proudly, there were seven boys and eight girls in his family. Fifteen in total. O dear God he took my breath away with that statement. What a lovely welcoming family, and every one of them there to help each other on Sunday. A real credit to the parents who brought this large family up. Can you imagine dinner time at that table.

 

 

Time passed so quickly, it was soon time for the Racing to start. Some great racing dogs there on Sunday. Here are the Results.

 

Under 21

Nigel Greer with Kildrum

Under 23

Darren Kenny with Mouse

Under 25

Martin Kenny with Pam

The Jim Clarke Memorial Cup was won by:

Nicole Smith with Scooby

Hairy Dog

Fran Kenny with Corrs Light.

And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank Anna Clarke for coming out and presenting her late dads memorial cup, “ The Jim Clarke Memorial Cup 2015” to the very worthy winner Nicole Smith and her winning dog Scooby. It was a very sad, but also a very proud day for Anna, and many thanks for doing the honours. Jim would be so proud of you.

 

 

I cannot forget the people of the moment, Pat Mc Grath and his lovely wife Tracy, Tommy Cullen, and all the McGrath family for your hospitality on the day, and for organising a most enjoyable and well run raceday. You were honest, curteous, and hard working at this prestigeous racing event. Pat and Tracy, you are a family in a million, and I enjoyed every moment of your raceday, and long may it continue.

 

 

At Christmas time and in the long cold winter nights when the snow is sitting on my window sills and the home fires burning bright in the grate , I will look back with happy memories on the great days racing we had at The Talk Of The Town , in Carlow. I am already looking forward to more of the same in 2016.

 

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 16, 2015 by appleblossom