Greyhound Racing Ireland is hosting an open night at the races at venues nationwide this Friday 12th and Saturday, 13th November.

The initiative, entitled “Ag Rásaíocht Le Chéile” or “Racing Together”, is being rolled out across ten greyhound racing stadia with the evening’s race card being preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of all victims of Covid since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.

Members of the public will have free admission to the event with racegoers being encouraged to purchase a €2 programme, the proceeds of which will go directly to ALONE for its work across Ireland in highlighting the issues facing older people living alone.

Free tickets can be booked in advance online www.gogreyhoundracing.ie

“COVID-19 has been particularly impactful on the lives of older people and we hope the free race events will provide a much-needed social outlet for members of the local communities in which we operate,” explained Philip Peake, Interim GRI Chief Executive.

“Ag Rásaíocht Le Chéile is very much about providing people, particularly the elderly and those living alone, a great night out at the races after having spent much of the past 18 months with few social outlets available to them.

“It’s been a tough time for everyone, and it is important that GRI recognises the incredible national effort to fight the virus, protect lives and to ensure the safe reopening of society.”

“We look forward to welcoming families, couples and individuals who may be going to the races for the first time as well as those who will be returning to greyhound racing for the first time since stadia were closed in 2020.”

Ag Rásaíocht Le Chéile will take place at Shelbourne Park in Dublin, Galway, Newbridge, Kilkenny, Kingdom Greyhound Stadium in Tralee on Friday, November 12th, and at Curraheen Park in Cork, Mullingar, Dundalk, Limerick and Kilcohan Park in Waterford the following night.

“ALONE would like to thank GRI for its wonderful support for our organisation following what has been an extremely difficult period for older people,” added Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE.

“The pandemic has presented many challenges and undoubtedly has enhanced the negative impact of social isolation on older people’s health and wellbeing. The upcoming race nights provide a great opportunity for a social evening, and we want to especially invite everyone to consider bringing an older relative, neighbour or friend along on the night that they may not have seen in a while.”

 

 

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