Report by Dan Walsh at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy; Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, the IFA, the GAA and an attendance of 500 gathered in the Riverside Park Hotel,Enniscorthy, last night to pledge loyalty and support for Enniscorthy Greyhound Track and to leave no stone unturned to ensure that greyhound racing continues at the track for another 87 years!

Paddy Kavanagh, who acted as master of ceremonies, said he was delighted to see such a large attendance give their support to the track and he outlined the background to the report.

Concern 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 stops funding operations at four tracks, Enniscorthy, Youghal, Lifford and Longford.

Mr Kavanagh said the IGB’s decision to stop funding for the privately owned track at Enniscorthy was “an attack on country pursuits which people were quite properly entitled to engage in” and he described Enniscorthy “as one of the best provincial tracks in the country.”

Myles Roban spoke on behalf of all stakeholders in the track and gave an update on the Indecon report. “We have raced for 87 years at the Showgrounds and the track is privately owned,” stated Mr Roban, who added; “We have the second biggest dog pool in the country. We come out even – we don’t lose money – and we host many very successful benefit nights.”

Mr Roban said 20,000 attended Enniscorthy Stadium in 2019, even though it lost four benefit nights due to fallout from the RTE Investigation programme.

Marguerite Furlong, who is chairperson of Coiste na n-Óg GAA and chairperson of Bree Hunt, recalled a long history of greyhound racing and coursing tradition in her family. “We must dispel the myth that there is cruelty in greyhounds,” and she added; “Rural Ireland is being decimated by people in power. 44% of the population is now living in the Greater Dublin area and when the politicians call asking for your vote in the General Election the question everyone should ask is “What are you doing for rural Ireland?”

James Kehoe, Chairman Wexford IFA, announced that Wexford has the second highest dog pool in the country. “It is a bizarre idea to close Enniscorthy Dog Track. It is a serious attack on rural Ireland.”

Jimmy Gahan pledged support from the local Chamber of Commerce. “I say it loud and clear. The Chamber of Commerce stands four-square behind the campaign to keep Enniscorthy track open,” He added; “Greyhound racing is part of the life of Enniscorthy and must be maintained.”

Richard Pugh from the Irish point-to-point website and RTE commentator stated that the RTE programme was damaging. “You have had a tough year.” He urged the people of Enniscorthy not to give in and to fight their corner.

The attendance included Ministers Michael D’Arcy and Paul Kehoe, Deputies James Browne and Malcolm Byrne, Clls Michael Sheehan, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Jackser Owens, Aidan Browne, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Pip Breen, Donal Kenny, John Fleming, Michael Whelan, Bridín Murphy and General Election candidates Verona Murphy and Johnny Mythen. Support was also forthcoming from tracks at Waterford, Clonmel and Thurles, whose representatives at the public meeting strongly voiced in favour of retaining greyhound racing at Enniscorthy.

Racing returns to Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium tonight (Thursday) with the first race at 8 pm and a strong attendance is anticipated and will be appreciated.