The 2019 Point-to-Point and Country Fair at Dowth took place on Sunday, October 27th. Hosted by Devenish & organised in conjunction with the Meath Hunt and Tara Harriers, Ireland’s largest Autumn point-to-point and country fair celebrated community, country life and amateur racing.
Six races were held over 3 miles and fences. Luke Murphy guided the Ellen Doyle trained Feugo De L’Abbaye in the first to win The Tattersalls Ireland 4yo Geldings Maiden. The Fleet Financial 5yo Geldings Maiden went to Pa King who partnered with the Willie Murphy trained Kilgorey. The Michael Murphy trained Better B Quick joined forces with Tiernan Power Roche to win the feature race of the day; The Hannon Travel Open. The same jockey and trainer combination of Michael Murphy and Tiernan Power Roche secured a double on the card when Dream D Dream landed the The ITBA & Sherry Fitzgerald Reilly 5yo Mares Maiden. The penultimate race; The Boyd Stores 5yo Maiden went to the Kevin Corrigan ridden Ryan’s Fancy, whilst Like A Dream secured victory in the sixth and final race The James Gogarty Stone Winners of One Race for trainer Nigel Slevin.
Two hotly contested Pony Club Races sponsored by Connolly’s Red Mills for children and ponies were held after the last official race and they were won by Sadhbh Tormey on CocoPops in the race for under 14hh ponies and Kevin Healy romped home on his trusted steed Buddy in our final pony club race.
Delivering on a 2019 Dowth-Goes-Green commitment, visitors were encouraged to reuse, recycle and reduce plastic. As part of the sustainability initiative, vendors used compostable materials and keep cup systems to minimise waste. The initiative was further supported by Panda Recycling’s educational stand on the day.
Country Fair enthusiasts enjoyed demonstrations from Champion Trainer Séan Diamond & his gun dogs, wood carving demonstration as well as interactive stands from Inland Fisheries, Newgrange Falconry, The Royal Meath Beekeepers, Alpaca Tracks and the Maperath Mobile Farm.
The Dowth Dog Show included classes included Dog most like its Owner, Best Fancy Dress and Waggiest Tail. The overall prize for Dowth Champion Dog went a miniature Doberman Pinscher called Rocky and his owner Lisa Murphy from Navan, with the Reserve Champion rosette going to Louise Conway from Donore and her Water spaniel called Jimmy. Prizes were sponsored by Equipet & Feedwell.
The Point-to-Point was free for under 12’s with an extensive Kids Zone which included a new bale maze, puppet shows, face-painting, bouncy castles, pumpkin carving with the pop-up Ladyrath Lane Pumpkin Patch, Halloween crafts, outdoor tractor games, pony rides, the Slane GFC Skill Zone plus the interactive GIY (Grow It Yourself) exhibit.
Guests also enjoyed The Boyne Valley Flavours Food Fair, Craft market and Shopping Village featuring luxury clothing, interiors and art. The Birch Bar served locally produced Slane Whiskey and Listoke Gin. Guests also enjoyed Taittinger champagne from the Giddy Box bar and live music from Jazz Bassoon and The Blinders who performed on stage.
Commenting on the event, Owen Brennan, Executive Chairman of Devenish said: “The Point-to-Point and Country Fair is a special day out with community, family and country life at its core. We are proud to move the event in a greener direction and will continue to build on this. Congratulations to all winning connections today.”
For further information or results from the Point-to-Point, visit www.P2P.ie
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