STUDENTS AGAIN PROVIDE A GREAT ATMOSPHERE AT SHELBOURNE
Ian Fortune
Thursday’s additional night at Shelbourne Park again proved to be a real success with a large number of students journeying to the Ringsend venue, providing a raucous atmosphere.
The decision to push the opening race back to 7pm was fully justified as the crowds were slow to arrive but they really flowed through the stiles before the second race at 7.30pm.
AS they did at the last student night, the retired greyhounds proved a real hit with the youngsters with many getting photos and videos. A great thanks must go to Brenda Powderly and Paul Smith for bringing along the wonderful ambassadors.
Of course, Brenda and Paul also acted as unofficial ambassadors themselves, spreading the word of greyhound racing by answering each and every question posed to them by the students, which must have been in the hundreds.
Should a small percentage of the thousands of students that have journeyed to Shelbourne for the last two student nights come back in the future, it will come as a real shot in the arm for the sport. Certainly, judging by the noise generated by the packed stands, it seems the vast majority of those present had a great night.
Incidentally, Shelbourne Park will host another night at the dogs for the students on Thursday, February 23rd. It will no doubt be as enjoyable and memorable as the last two.