COMPERE Micheal O Muircheartaigh will be joined by GAA stars from the Orchard county and further afield at the My Armagh Race Day at Down Royal on Monday, May 2.
The former RTE commentary doyen will be part of the entertainment in the ‘Beef or Salmon suite’ on a packed day’s racing that includes the Armagh Maiden Hurdle, the Armagh Handicap Hurdle and the Armagh Hunters Steeplechase.
Proceeds from the event will go towards Armagh GAA and Operations Manager Brian Mallon explained: “Within Armagh we are under-facilitated when it comes to facilities for our county teams,” he said.
“It’s an area we know we have to invest in. In order to develop teams on the field we have to invest off the field as well.
“Clubs in Armagh have been very good to us in terms of allowing us access to their fields and, where possible, we want to use facilities in the county for our county teams.
“At the same time, clubs have their own pressures with their own teams and there is also the floodlight provision within the county so it’s something we’re going to have to look at sooner rather than later.
“There are short-term options but we’ll be looking to develop something long-term within the next four or five years that will service Armagh teams in future years.”
The Down Royal race Day is close to being sold out, but there are some seats left for the three-course dinner and entertainment in the ‘Beef or Salmon’ suite.
Racing fans can also support the event by buying their admission ticket for the race course through the Armagh county board, players or their local clubs.
“Clubs in Armagh pay enough in terms of their fees and I suppose every club has to look after themselves,” said Mallon.
“It’s a My Armagh race day. My Armagh is a registered charity and this is a funding stream that helps Armagh GAA develop.
“We are aiming for between 40 and 50 tables in the ‘Beef or Salmon’ suite. Tickets are going well and we have nearly hit our objective for the day. There are some tickets available but they are likely to be sold out prior to the day.
“There are also general admission tickets available to Down Royal available through all county players, management and through our clubs and they are £15 each.”
For reservations/enquiries please contact Armagh GAA offices on 028 3752 7278 or email administrator.armagh@gaa.ie .
