Under starters’ orders for packed Ballybrit

Galway Racecourse has introduced free parking, multi-day tickets and entertainment like Nathan Carter to lure crowds back to Ballybrit for the first ‘normal’ summer festival since Covid-19.

Michael Moloney, General Manager of Galway Racecourse, said a shortage of accommodation in the city this year was ‘disappointing’, and may impact on attendance.

But he said he hoped punters would return to the Racecourse this year, with a few sweeteners such as free parking introduced to lure locals and day-trippers back to the track.

Covid meant that the 2020 festival was held behind closed doors, and just 1,000 people per day were permitted last year.

Mr Moloney said that the Galway Races was offering value for money in 2022, and he hoped that punters would come and support the event.

“We certainly need the support this year. It has been a tough two years in terms of Covid and the lack of people at the Racecourse. We’d love if people came out and supported us this year. We’ve tried to put on a festival that caters for everybody. We feel we have something to offer everybody. We’re trying to offer value for money as well at the Racecourse,” Mr Moloney said.

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