A WELCOME RETURN TO RACING AT LIFFORD AND THE NORTH WEST
Ian Fortune
It’s truly wonderful to read that Lifford will be reopening in the very near future.
Of course, details emerged late last week that the north western venue will be re-opening with a soft start in late March but the night to circle into the calendar is the grand re-opening on Sunday, April 2nd.
That’s the night the stadium will open its doors fully for patrons and plans have been announced for an eight-race card with four opens amongst them. Tremendous work has gone into Lifford over the past year and a half to make it look brand new and ready to welcome crowds once again.
The venue had fallen into disrepair since its closure in August 2019 but a new era awaits the famous stadium which originally opened in 1959.
Harry Findlay is the most high profile name behind the project but has often admitted he couldn’t have achieved anything without the help of Cathal Magee, Sean White, Tony Maxwell, Ruiri Doherty and Eamon Shiels, while recognizing the tireless work done by both Paul Lawrence and Lorraine Sams in making it happen.
The whole thing also couldn’t have happened without the involvement of the UK tote. Certainly, anyone that has spoken to or listened to Harry over the past year and half will know that their lower percentage retention and expertise is all-important to the project.
With the red-tape dealt with and the green light granted for Lifford to proceed, General Manager Seamus White and Paul Murphy, the racing manager, can really get down to work. It is believed a new website will go live in the coming days and bookings will be open very soon.
We wish all involved in Lifford the very best of luck with the opening and the future. Lifford track announced their plans to reopen on their various social media platforms yesterday with their statement reading:
“On Sunday 2nd April racing returns to Lifford Greyhound Stadium and it will be an evening not to be missed with top class racing, with the 1st race commencing at 6pm.
So come along to the North West and enjoy an action-packed evening of great racing, great food and great craic.
Join us for this historic night as we reawaken a sleeping giant.
Racing will then take place every Friday night from April 7th with the 1st race starting 7.45pm and every Sunday from 6pm.
For reservations and regular updates check out our website wwww.liffordstadium.com
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