Welcome to listowelraces.ie...
The origing of Listowel races can be traced back to an annual gathering at Ballyeigh, Ballybunion, about nine miles from Listowel. This event, which can be traced back to the early nineteenth century, consisted of a variety of games, horse-racing and a pre-arranged faction fight which concluded the event. Due in no small part to the disturbances surrounding these faction fights, the meeting at Ballyeigh was suspended and racing transferred to Listowel, where the first meeting took place in 1858.

An extensive and comprehensive history of the Listowel Races is available in the excellent book "Listowel Races - 1858 - 1991 A History, by local author John O'Flaherty.

  

Highlights in the history of racing at Listowel include...

1858 First race meeting October 5th & 6th.
1862 Racing over three days.
1858 Temporary bridges erecten each year over river Feale
1910 Work commences on the first permanent bridge crossing the Feale.
1924 First permanent stand and enclosure opened.
1949 Listowel Race Company incorporates.
1957 First concrete stand erected.
1958 Centenary Year
1959 Arrival of Macardle Moore Breweries as sponsors (subsequently part of Guinness UDV Ireland - our principle sponsors)
1996 Spring Meetings commence in Listowel. One day in March and Two days in April.
1967 A second bridge erected over the Feale
1970 Festival meeting extends to four days.
1977 Festival extends to five days.
1980 Hannon stand opened.
1987 Listowel Races Supporters Club formed.
1998 The New Hugh Friel Stand is opened.
2002 Festival Meeting extends to seven days.
2005 First June Bank Holiday Meeting Run. This Meeting replaces the Spring dates.
2008 Listowel Races celebrates its 150th Anniversary.
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