By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council. A delegation from Enniscorthy Greyhound Racing Co. Ltd addressed the January meeting of Wexford County Council at Carricklawn HQ today where members unanimously passed a resolution of support opposed to closing or downgrading the track and, should financial assistance be available, helping the company finance its own independent report.

The deputation consisted of Paddy Kavanagh, Myles Roban and John Somers who impressed upon the members the fact that greyhound racing has been part of the sporting and industrial life of Enniscorthy since August 1933 and generations of breeders, owners, trainers and sports enthusiasts have continued their support on Monday and Thursday nights.

The directors are concerned about inaccuracies in the Indecon report in relation to attendance figures for 2018. The stated attendance figure in the Indecon report is 13,515, however, they claim the actual attendance in 2018 was 19,232. This was initially an oversight by Enniscorthy Dog Track, and the directors have a receipt from an email sent in June 2019 to Indecon, however, the correction was not included in the Indecon report.

The Enniscorthy attendance was significantly higher than three or four tracks they are ‘pitted’ against, namely Kilkenny, Thurles and Clonmel.

The impact of closure on staff and volunteers who work at the privately owned track would have a negative impact as a whole and in the local community who have benefitted from the footfall to the track of loyal supporters and tourists alike. In addition, over €1 million has been raised for charities and good causes over the past five years.

Enniscorthy Dog Track are acutely aware that some facilities require upgrading and it has been actively working over recent months to implement these crucial upgrades and offer clients (trainers, breeders and trackside customers) a top class track, to increase the number of benefit nights, and to seek further corporate sponsorship.

Cllr Pip Breen said the track was “part of the fabric of Enniscorthy” and added “shame on the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB).” Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan said the track would be a great loss to the community and the county. Cllr John Fleming added his support.

Cllr Jim Codd described the situation as “a systematic attack on rural Ireland,” he favoured retaining the facility and added; “to lose it would be a very sad day.” Cllr Garry Laffan contributed to the floor. There was also contributions from Cllrs Aidan Browne, Jackser Owens, Jim Moore, Michael Whelan, Oliver Walsh and Cathal Byrne.

Former councillor Paddy Kavanagh thanked the members for their attention and support and to Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Sheehan for accommodating the delegation at such short notice.

All public representatives and support from the general public to keep greyhound racing at Enniscorthy are invited to attend a public meeting in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Wednesday at 8 pm.

Serious concerns for the future of greyhound racing at Enniscorthy Stadium emerged with the Indecon Economic Consultants report, engaged by the Irish Greyhound Board and its recommendations were accepted by the Board, that it stop funding operations at four tracks, Enniscorthy, Youghal, Lifford and Longford.