Ballinrobe Racecourse publish book to mark 100th anniversary

Ballinrobe Racecourse: A History in the Making

To celebrate their 100th anniversary, Ballinrobe Racecourse today published ‘A History in the Making’ – a beautiful collection of memoirs, photographs, historical facts and behind the scenes snippets from the County Mayo racecourse.

Edited by local historian Averil Staunton, the book tells the story how the racecourse came to its current location, looks back over the major racecourse developments and remembers the many famous horses and jockeys who won at Ballinrobe Racecourse.

At the launch of the book , Ballinrobe Racecourse:A History in the Making, at Ballinrobe Racecourse recently,were the Editorial Committee:Left to right: Front:Anne Flannelly(Racecourse Office Manager), Avril Staunton(Editor) ,Claire Flannelly(Marketing Executive Ballinrobe Racecourse). Back:John Flannelly (Racecourse Manager) and Sean O’Connell(Racecourse Comittee). Pic:Trish Forde

Since its foundation in 1921, Ballinrobe Racecourse has developed into the racing gem of the West of Ireland. ‘A History in the Making’ celebrates the racecourse’s major milestone with beautiful photographs spanning 100 years and personal racing memoirs and anecdotes from a host of personalities from the racing industry and racegoers such as racehorse trainers Aidan O’Brien, Joanna Morgan, Michael Flannery; Guy Williams racing historian and publisher; Pat Healy racing photographer, Jonathan Mullin from Horse Racing Ireland, and various Ballinrobe committee members.

At the launch of the book , Ballinrobe Racecourse:A History in the Making, at Ballinrobe Racecourse recently, were the Editorial Committee, members of the Racecourse Committee with:Left to right: Claire Flannelly (Marketing Executive Ballinrobe Racecourse), Ger Geraghty(P.R.O.), Anne Flannelly(Office Manager), Johnathon Mullin(Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs, Horse Racing Ireland), Sean O’ Connell, Avril Staunton(Editor), John Staunton(Chairman), Michael Joyce, John Flannelly (Racecourse Manager). Pic:Trish Forde

Averil Staunton, local historian and editor of ‘A History in the Making’, said: “This publication is an acknowledgement of the work of past committees and supporters who worked diligently for the survival of the racecourse, without them it would not be the success it is today. I would like to thank my editorial team of the John, Anne and Claire Flannelly and Sean O’Connell, and all those who contributed to the book in any way. I hope this book brings back some wonderful memories and introduces new supporters to Ballinrobe Racecourse.”

John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse Manager, commented: “A History in the Making has been a labour of love for the racecourse committee and the team since we started the planning process in December 2019. Averil has put incredible work into the book which makes for a brilliant read and a great memento to celebrate Ballinrobe Racecourse’s milestone anniversary. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the book and shared their wonderful Ballinrobe stories.”

‘A History in the Making’ costs €20 and is available to purchase at www.ballinroberacecourse.ie and from the following retailers:

Martin Murphy Newsagents, Ballinrobe

The Bookshop, Westport

Castle Books, Castlebar

Rare and Recent Books, Cong

For more information, please contact John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse Manager on

087 2895974 or email: info@ballinroberacecourse.ie

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