Last Thursday riders from the 32nd PKRF Charity Race, that will take place on Saturday 29th April, were invited to Tallaght Hospital where they were met by Dr. Catherine Wall, Renal Physician.
The group visited the Heamo Dialysis Unit and had the opportunity to chat with some of the patients there. They got to see and hear about life on dialysis and the restrictions and limitations that go with that. This first hand experience was an amazing insight to how their fundraising efforts are making a huge difference.
James Nolan, Chairman, Punchestown Kidney Research Fund spoke about his own experience on dialysis, receiving the Gift of Life from his sister Catherine and on to riding in the PKRF Charity race at Punchestown. Here is a brief summary of what PKRF Charity Race organiser James Nolan and his team have managed to achieve in the past 18 months:
- Continued research into Polycystic Kidney Disease in partnership with the Irish Nephrology Society under the guidance of The Irish Research Council.
2. Support Art Therapy programs for Dialysis Patients in Tallaght & Waterford Dialysis Units.
3. Support Sports Program for Dialysis & Transplant Patients.
4. Organised trips to Lourdes for Dialysis patients.
In 2022, the PKRF partnered with the Irish Kidney Association to set up a Pilot Peer Support Programme to help kidney patients and their families. This support network is for patients and their families who are starting out on the road to dialysis or looking at the possibility of a life-saving kidney transplant. This support network enables people to reach out and connect with a trained volunteer to discuss their concerns about dialysis and transplantation.
Last year also saw the PKRF commence the James Tracy/PKRF Beam exercise & well-being programme for all kidney patients in Ireland. Typically physical activity levels for kidney patients can be low with high levels of sedentary behaviour. The James Tracy/PKRF program enables kidney patients to access online, live and on-demand exercise classes. These classes can help improve the physical and emotional well-being of kidney patients as well as providing access to educational health videos and renal dietary advice which is so important for kidney patients.
The James Tracy/PKRF programme is suitable for patients at all stages of kidney disease including pre-dialysis, dialysis as well as transplant and is free for all kidney patients to use. We know this program will have an immediate positive effect of the lives of all kidney patients.
Ultimately the message from James Nolan, Chairman of The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund is to please have the conversation about Organ Donation with your family and loved ones.
See you at Punchestown. For further information please visit www.pkrf.ie
Follow on Instagram – @punchestownpkrf
Punchestown are delighted to team up with Outdoor Living to provide a lovely new garden room racecard hut solution ahead of the 2023 Punchestown Festival
The Ultimate Destination for All Your Outdoor Needs in Ireland
A beautiful outdoor space can transform your home, providing a sanctuary for relaxation, entertainment, and quality family time. In Ireland, where nature’s beauty is abundant, there’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a stylish and functional outdoor area. OutdoorLiving.ie, one of the largest outdoor retailers in the country, is your go-to destination for all your outdoor needs. Let’s delve into the story behind OutdoorLiving.ie and explore why it’s the best option for your outdoor projects in Ireland.
A Family Business with a Rich History OutdoorLiving.ie is a family-owned business that has been serving the Irish market since 2006.
Founded by Pat Kelly, who has over 40 years of retail industry experience, the company has grown into a thriving enterprise under the leadership of Pat and his son, Damien. The father-son duo’s shared passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces and supporting each other in their ventures has been the driving force behind the company’s success. With a team of over 40 dedicated employees, OutdoorLiving.ie prides itself on its positive work environment and commitment to fostering growth within the company.
An Extensive Range of High-Quality Products OutdoorLiving.ie offers an impressive array of high-quality products for both domestic and commercial markets.
From outdoor furniture, artificial grass, greenhouses, composite decking, and more, you can find everything you need to transform your outdoor space into a stylish and functional retreat. The company sources its products from leading manufacturers, ensuring the highest quality and durability for your investment.
Expertise and Knowledge
With years of experience in the outdoor living industry, the team at OutdoorLiving.ie has outstanding knowledge and expertise in quality products. The company’s strong relationships with factories and manufacturers enable them to offer the best range of high-quality outdoor products to their customers. You can trust OutdoorLiving.ie to provide expert advice and guidance on your outdoor projects.
Largest Outdoor Furniture Showrooms in Ireland
OutdoorLiving.ie boasts two incredible showrooms located in the Glen of the Downs, Co. Wicklow, and in Dunboyne, Co. Meath. Each showroom offers a unique and immersive shopping experience tailored to the specific needs of their customers.
The Glen of the Downs showroom hosts an extensive display of outdoor furniture, wooden structures for all needs, greenhouses, water features, and more. Additionally, the newly opened shop offers coffee, snacks, and a multitude of garden accessories, making your visit an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Meanwhile, the Dunboyne premises focuses on artificial grass, artificial trees and plants, beanbags, and a commercial showroom catering to hotels, pubs, restaurants, schools, charities, and government organisations.
Over 17 Years of OutdoorLiving Experience
Shopping with OutdoorLiving.ie not only means buying high-quality products but also supporting an Irish family business. All products can be shipped nationwide, with flexible lead times and excellent communication from their committed sales representatives. The company prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering convenient shopping options through their showrooms, online store, and phone orders.
This coming April 25th-29th, we will be showcasing our Eimear 6.7m Wooden Gazebo at the Punchestown Race festival. You will be able to purchase your race card from here and get to view the elegant Nordic Spruce structure for yourself. We at OutdoorLiving.ie pride ourselves on the vast range of wooden structures we supply. Many of these are on display at our Glen of the Downs showroom where you can walk around with the backdrop of the Sugar Loaf mountain in your view throughout the premises. Working with Punchestown officials, we also have a 30 second video about us & our range of products which will be playing in between races in the lounges and bar areas.
OutdoorLiving.ie is the ultimate destination for all your outdoor needs in Ireland. With a rich family history, extensive product range, expert knowledge, and unparalleled shopping experience, OutdoorLiving.ie is committed to helping you create the outdoor space of your dreams. Visit one of their showrooms or shop online to discover why OutdoorLiving.ie is the best choice for your outdoor projects.
With Ireland’s flagship jump racing festival only days away, Punchestown Racecourse today announced a major three-year sponsorship deal with global professional services firm KPMG.
The newly titled €125,000 Grade 1 KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle takes place on the opening day of the sporting highlight, Tuesday 25th April, and will raise the curtain for no less than twelve grade one contests across the five-day programme.
The 2023 renewal of the two-mile championship race has received a top-quality field of 19 entries featuring Cheltenham festival hero Marine Nationale in pursuit of a third grade one this season. Barry Connell’s pride and joy is unbeaten in five runs, only beginning his career at Punchestown in May of last year.
The first five from Cheltenham have entries in the KPMG sponsored Punchestown equivalent with Facile Vega, Diverge, Il Etait Temps and Hunters Yarn part of a strong Willie Mullins contingent that also includes Ballymore one-two, Impaire Et Passe and Gaelic Warrior.
Gordon Elliott has five entries – American Mike, Amir Kabir, Doctor Bravo, Found A Fifty and Irish Point – while Joseph O’Brien’s High Definition is another interesting possibility. Inthepocket finished fourth in the Supreme Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and is one of three entries for Henry de Bromhead along with Magical Zoe and the talented Arctic Bresil.
KPMG is no stranger to the jump racing scene since teaming up with the all-conquering Rachael Blackmore as brand ambassador in 2021. This deal builds on KPMG’s role as a partner of the 20×20 initiative to help elevate women’s sport and dedication that already includes ongoing sponsorships of Irish golfer Leona Maguire and the Dublin Ladies Gaelic football team.
Speaking at the announcement of KPMG’s support for the Punchestown Festival, Managing Partner Seamus Hand said: “Today’s announcement is a extension of KPMG’s support for Irish sport and homegrown talent. We are proud to have Rachael Blackmore as our brand ambassador and it’s inspirational for many to see her and other Irish athletes compete and win on racing’s biggest stages. We look forward to the return to Punchestown for the grand finale of the season, and we are delighted to be part of this occasion”.
Punchestown Racecourse’s Janet Creighton welcomed KPMG to the impressive sponsorship panel “We are delighted to welcome this announcement of what is now the KPMG Champion Novice Hurdle. This race boasts an all-star line-up of previous winners including Hurricane Fly, Faugheen and Jezki who all went on to achieve great things – it truly is a key indicator for excellence. We appreciate that KPMG consider and curate the events and individuals that they choose to support. That translates as commitment to building relationships which is an approach that we share so we really look forward to working alongside the KPMG team over the next three years and beyond”.
The 2023 Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th April. A programme of 40 races and a prize fund of over €3.3 million attracts the best of Irish and British racing talent. For full information on one of Ireland’s favourite sporting, social and corporate hospitality events please visit www.punchestown.com
Download the 2023 Festival Fact Sheet
The 2023 Osprey Avenue Exhibitors:
Aoife Lifestyle – @aoifelifestyle
Irish award winning luxury sustainable fashion accessories brand
Marina Hamilton Art – @marinahamiltonpainterand
Donegal based painter and sculptor.
Vanessa Ree Jewellery – @vanessa_concept_jewellery
Contemporary and meaningful fine jewellery designed for you.
John Fitzgerald Art – @johnfitzgeraldart
Meath based leading sporting, equine and portrait artist and sculptor.
Marinot Millinery – @marinotmillinery
handmade bespoke hats designed in Connemara
Rathlin Knitwear – www.rathlinknitwear.ie
Hand-loomed signature line in Donegal tweed from progressive Gaeltacht company.
Tidings – @tidings.ie
Marrying Irish design with Italian silks.
Sophie Hunter @sophiehuntermillinery
Hats and headpieces as unique as you.
RedMills Store @redmillsonline
Lifestyle store with exclusive brands
Agent 74 www.agent74.ie
Optical equipment specialists with a great range of sports themed gifts & accessorie
Claire O’Connor @clareoconnor_studio https://www.clareoconnor.net/
Luxury brand of wearable art with silk and cashmere scarves.
Equieire @equieire
Equestrian sportswear using regenerated fabrics and innovative design
Olimar Gifts @olimargifts
Gifts and accessories
Sarah Lennon Art @sarahlennonart
Seeing it in colour.
Bermingham Cameras @bermingham_cameras
50 years supplying photographic equipment and excellent customer service.
Metal & Mallet @metalandmallet
Irish bespoke sustainable hand carved art and furniture.
Devils Edge @DevilsEdgeShirts
Tailoring beautiful made to measure luxury shirts.
HRI Owners @hriowners
Here to assist new and existing owners through the exciting journey of racehorse ownership.
Louis Fitzgerald Hotel www.louisfitzgeraldhotel.com
Designed for business and leisure guests.
www.PunchestownLive.ie
The One
Ladies fashion
Welcoming exhibitors old and new to Osprey Avenue Shopping
Brought to you by
The return of the much-loved Punchestown Festival is only a matter of days away and as always whilst the top-class racing takes centre stage organisers will provide a full programme of social events throughout the week with retail therapy featuring strongly!
The Osprey Avenue returns this year with some exciting new additions to the exhibitor line-up. Sponsored by the Osprey Hotel in Naas, the Osprey Avenue champions homegrown talent and hosts some leading names in Irish design, jewellery, millinery and art.
We strongly recommend allowing time for a stroll and browse along Osprey Avenue where acclaimed artists and sculptors exhibit their wonderful work. Long time regular Marina Hamilton returns with her wonderful and endearing studies of animals from her native rural Donegal base. John Fitzgerald’s works have caught the eye of many high-profile horse racing patrons and as always Sarah Lennon’s work is uplifting, vibrant and captivating.
With style and fashion delivering the colour and vibrancy of the festival, we are delighted to welcome back talented milliners Sophie Hunter and Isobel Marinot. Enhancing the lifestyle and design factor are newcomers Vanessa Ree Jewellery, Clare O’Connor luxury Irish design, aoife Lifestyle and award winning Tidings scarves.
Well-dressed gents in attendance will enjoy a visit to Devils Edge Shirts for made-to-measure tailoring while the ever popular Rathlin Knitwear, are famed as much for their warm welcome as for their hand loomed Donegal wool signature pieces. Horse industry favourites Redmills and award winning new comer Equieire cater for all things country and equestrian attire, whilst Agent 74 deliver the goods on sports accessories such as binoculars and more.
PunchestownLive.ie brought to you by Media Force will offer racegoers and interactive media experience by bringing the festival to a huge digital audience. Elsewhere fans of racing can enquire about upgrading their interest with a visit to the Horse Racing Ireland Owners stand where details on clubs, syndicates and how to get involved will be available.
If you’re looking for something unique for your home or as gift we recommend you stop by the Metal and Mallet stand to view their bespoke sustainable hand carved art and furniture. Olimar return with their selection of gift wear and accessories. Photography professionals and enthusiasts will already know Bermingham Cameras who have been supplying excellent photograpy equipment and customer service from their Dublin base for over 50 years.
So the message is clear. Factor in time and make your way to Osprey Avenue, enjoy a coffee, a chat and a browse through some wonderful Irish exhibitors stands where you could pick out something special to spend your winnings on!
The 2023 Osprey Avenue Exhibitors:
Aoife Lifestyle – @aoifelifestyle
Irish award winning luxury sustainable fashion accessories brand
Marina Hamilton Art – @marinahamiltonpainterand
Donegal based painter and sculptor.
Vanessa Ree Jewellery – @vanessa_concept_jewellery
Contemporary and meaningful fine jewellery designed for you.
John Fitzgerald Art – @johnfitzgeraldart
Meath based leading sporting, equine and portrait artist and sculptor.
Marinot Millinery – @marinotmillinery
handmade bespoke hats designed in Connemara
Rathlin Knitwear – www.rathlinknitwear.ie
Hand-loomed signature line in Donegal tweed from progressive Gaeltacht company.
Tidings – @tidings.ie
Marrying Irish design with Italian silks.
Sophie Hunter @sophiehuntermillinery
Hats and headpieces as unique as you.
RedMills Store @redmillsonline
Lifestyle store with exclusive brands
Agent 74 www.agent74.ie
Optical equipment specialists with a great range of sports themed gifts & accessorie
Claire O’Connor @clareoconnor_studio https://www.clareoconnor.net/
Luxury brand of wearable art with silk and cashmere scarves.
Equieire @equieire
Equestrian sportswear using regenerated fabrics and innovative design
Olimar Gifts @olimargifts
Gifts and accessories
Sarah Lennon Art @sarahlennonart
Seeing it in colour.
Bermingham Cameras @bermingham_cameras
50 years supplying photographic equipment and excellent customer service.
Metal & Mallet @metalandmallet
Irish bespoke sustainable hand carved art and furniture.
Devils Edge @DevilsEdgeShirts
Tailoring beautiful made to measure luxury shirts.
HRI Owners @hriowners
Here to assist new and existing owners through the exciting journey of racehorse ownership.
Louis Fitzgerald Hotel www.louisfitzgeraldhotel.com
Designed for business and leisure guests.
www.PunchestownLive.ie
The One
Ladies fashion
Osprey Hotel is the place to be before and after the races once again for 2023 and is bigger and better than ever, this year the 4-star hotel in Naas has lined up another fantastic week of entertainment to coincide with the Punchestown Festival 2023.
As a sponsor of Punchestown with the growing Osprey Avenue shopping village at the festival, this year the hotel is pulling out all the stops to make 2023 the best one yet.
A complimentary shuttle bus will be running regularly each day from the hotel to the festival before and after the races.
A new addition this year is the star studded Punchestown Preview from 12 – 2pm on Tuesday 25th April in partnership with the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund in the refurbished Osprey Ballroom, a great way to start the week hearing from RTE broadcasters, racing pundits and jockeys. Enjoy some delicious carvery options, while enjoying a pint and soaking up the atmosphere for the start of the festival, before you head for the track for an amazing day of racing.
After hopefully a successful day at the races, there is plenty of reason to return to the Osprey Hotel afterwards and soak up the atmosphere and witness the great entertainment on offer.
Live entertainment will be on each evening in the Osprey Bar, grab a drink and absorb everything the hotel has to offer. New for 2023 is the addition of our SilverStream food truck in our courtyard with a post race BBQ on Thursday 27th April.
On Friday night the Osprey Hotel hosts the Ultimate Festival Finale to a packed house, our DJ’s will entertain in the lobby, restaurant and bar while the ticketed ‘ULTIMATE FESTIVAL FINALE’ event takes place in the ballroom featuring for 2023, none other than ‘SPRINGBREAK’ and includes full access to our courtyard stretch tent, food truck and outdoor bars.
Michael Boyle, General Manager is eagerly awaiting the arrival of this years festival:
“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship with Punchestown Festival for 2023. Even more so this year as it’s such an exciting time at the hotel at the moment with so many positive things happening within the team and hotel property. We were delighted to complete the refurbishment of our public areas with the full refurb of our bedrooms due to commence in the coming months. We recently celebrated being awarded ‘Great Place to Work’ accreditation along with receiving Silver status through our sustainability endeavors with Green Tourism. The team enjoy the week so much, welcoming back our regular racing guests and the general buzz and atmosphere makes it the most anticipated week of the year at Osprey and we can’t wait”.
For full details visit www.ospreyhotel.ie or follow on their social media platforms.
Bollinger Best Dressed – Full Stop.
New approach to race day fashion as the Bollinger Best Dressed Style Council and concept for the Punchestown Festival is unveiled.
The countdown is on and all bets are off ahead of the 2023 Bollinger Best Dressed competition at this year’s Punchestown Festival from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th April. Following such positive reaction to a fresh outlook on race day style at last year’s event, organisers have further enhanced this aspect as the 2023 Style Council is revealed.
The concept is Bollinger Best Dressed – Full Stop. The challenge is set and the competition is open to ladies and gents who catch the eye of the Style Council members by dressing with confidence, elegance and creativity whilst considering sustainability and appropriateness of their outfit.
Tasked with the challenge of scouring the Punchestown crowds and identifying the best dressed race goer is a collective of ladies and gents who are highly regarded in their respective fields, have a passion for style and have excelled to establish successful careers in the fashion, style and beauty industries.
The Bollinger Best Dressed Style Council Lead Jess Colivet explains what makes this Punchestown’s competition different to other best dressed race day’s: “whilst style is timeless we are looking for something fresh and new. Last year we embraced the fact that Punchestown was probably the first real opportunity to find your style feet again and dress up following Covid. This year all bets are off and we are looking for a fresh approach to race day and occasion outfits. We invite entrants of all ages and genders to show us their true style with special emphasis on individuality, creative styling and a fresh outlook.
Colivet continued to explain the sustainable angle: “Being stylish is not about spending a fortune, the most sustainable thing you can do when it comes to fashion is to wear what you already have in your wardrobe. Real style is how to wear it and what you wear it with so get creative and borrow, swap, reimagine and alter your way to the Bollinger Best Dressed title”.
Allow us to introduce you to the nine Bollinger Style Council members who will attend on a combination of days to ensure a diverse and varied selection of finalists:
Jess Colivet @jesscolivet
Jess is The Bollinger Best Dressed Style Council Creative Lead and this will be her second year judging The Bollinger Best Dressed at Punchestown. A London College of Style trained image and style consultant, Jess’s passion lies in assisting both women and men in discovering their own personal unique style. Jess is a neighbour of Punchestown racecourse and has enjoyed attending the annual Punchestown Festival for many years.
Jess’s work as a personal stylist involves a consultation service for clients who want to feel more comfortable, confident and happy in their general appearance. Jess believes that “feeling confident and happy impacts all aspects of life from personal through to business. This can come from something as simple as how you dress and present yourself to the world”. Jess believes that fashion is less about clothes and more about personal style.
Lawson Mpame @lawsofstyle
Lawson Mpame is a Creative Director and menswear stylist who has been working in the fashion industry for seven years. His passion for fashion and storytelling through visual mediums has led to collaborations and projects with some of the biggest fashion brands in the world. Styling their latest collections and creating high end content allows Lawson to showcase both his style and creativity. The three pillars of his brand are class, creativity and confidence. 2023 will be Lawson’s first year on The Style Council and his very first visit to the Punchestown Festival.
Suzie O Neill @suzie.ayu
Kildare resident and award-winning entrepreneur Suzie O’Neill is the owner and CEO of Ayu Cosmetics and Koolfit Apparel. Suzie’s ethos has always been about engagement with the customer and using feedback to inspire and develop new products. This will be Suzie’s second year on The Style Council at Punchestown.
Suzie’s business journey started with a range of affordable, premium quality brushes back in 2015 and since then AYU has expanded to include a full suite of cosmetics with many new and innovative products in the pipeline. A champion of women in business Suzie has a team of over twenty talented women across her brands.
When not running her successful business this busy Mum is running half marathons with Clane Athletics Club.
David O Connor @styledoc
Louis Copeland Group GM/Creative Director/ Made-To-Measure specialist.
Aptly named known as ‘The Style Doctor’ David has been working with the Louis Copeland group for over twenty years where he has styled some of the sharpest dressed, well known gentlemen including actors Patrick Dempsey and John C Reilly, celebrity chef Donal Skeahan, Tv Presenter and Olympian Greg O’Shea and globally renowned Mentalist Keith Barry.
This will be David’s Punchestown debut and as a passionate flag bearer of gentlemen’s style he will be looking for impeccable grooming, excellent tailoring fit and perhaps a different take on the traditional occasion suit. Keen to champion gentlemen’s style and optimize the opportunity for the title to go the way of the men for the first time, David will be looking for perfect fit through great tailoring as well as attention to detail on presentation.
Katie Du Jour @katiedujour
2019 Bollinger Best Dressed Winner and 2022 Style Council member Kate Nally McCormack is a mother of four from the Midlands who works with the HSE. Although a Punchestown Festival regular for many years, Kate made her best dressed debut in 2019 a winning one and having literally walked the walk knows what it takes to land the coveted title. The winning prize of a money cannot buy trip to France including an exclusive tour of Champagne Bollinger Estate, Michelin star dining and chauffeur transfers ranks as an experience of a lifetime for Kate. She believes that everyone should give it their best shot to be in with a chance to enjoy the same wonderful experience.
Kate possesses the knack of achieving a polished stylish look by combining high street with designer or vintage items.
Sinead Keary @sinead_keary_personal_shopping
Sinead Keary is a fashion designer and entrepreneur who founded her self-titled fashion label in 2019. The first collection came to life after 12 years of working in luxury retail and with hundreds of personal shopping clients who repeatedly expressed the age old adage that they had a wardrobe full of clothes and nothing to wear.
Sinead set about designing a collection of luxury essentials to help in forming the foundations of a capsule collection. Minimalism, femininity, fine fabrics and perfect fit are all essential components to the label collection that has been worn by Vogue Williams, Fearne Cotton and Rachel Stevens.
Sarah Battle @housebythewhitethorns
Sarah Battle is a modern day wonder woman. She lives in the West of Ireland with her husband and five kids. In 2019 Sarah began her blog to showcase her passion for home décor, style, baking and now uses her platform as an insight to daily family life along with style and décor advice. Sarah has collaborated with many high profile fashion and lifestyle brands and has amassed over 123,000 followers on Instagram.
Roxanne Parker @roxanne_parker
Roxanne Parker began her journalism career 20 years ago and has been working as a fashion stylist for more than 15 years. Roxanne’s styling skills are highly sought after for magazine and print media editorials and designer brand look books as well as curating television broadcast wardrobes. Roxanne holds a regular TV segment on Ireland AM and has dressed celebrities in sustainable looks for the red carpet. Roxanne has launched a Sustainable Fashion Podcast My Soul Style.
Roxanne champions sustainable and slow fashion and supports designers and brands creating pieces with a planet conscious mission while encouraging people to dress as their authentic selves and not be a slave to trends. A Roxanne style top tip would be to source a great tailor and alterations service which can transform existing items or elevate great second hand finds.
Michelle O’Sullivan, Champagne Bollinger International Representative
Perhaps the most qualified of all the style council members Michelle O’Sullivan, representing Bollinger International has observed the evolution of style and occasion dressing at Punchestown since Bollinger’s sponsorship began in 2016. Bollinger say life can be perfect and with years of experience in the industry Michelle knows exactly what encapsulates the iconic Bollinger brand, ethos and customer.
Punchestown’s Shona Dreaper explained the thinking behind the Style Council concept “ The style element of the festival is so important and the best dressed competition gets plenty of discussion and airtime throughout the week I can assure you! At Punchestown we embrace progress and fresh thinking. Our concept is to move away from the traditional format, encourage entrants of all genders, age and style to get involved. The Punchestown Festival is a celebration and like all great parties a well-dressed guest list is essential”.
The Bollinger Garden in The Style Quarter will be the epicentre of all things fashion at The Punchestown Festival. From Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th April, style scouts will be tasked with finding the most stylish attendees at the racecourse. Finalists will be selected each day and daily winners will be presented with Bollinger goodie bags complete with gorgeous AYU products. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday’s winners will be fast-tracked to the grand final on Ladies Day, Friday 28th. Stay tuned for more information on prize and format as the countdown to Punchestown 2023 continues.
The Punchestown Festival runs from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th April. Race & Dine Hospitality packages from €159pp. Tickets from just €35 with group concessions available. Bundled transfers, accommodation and event packages are available.
ENDS.
Punchestown 2023:
The Punchestown Festival runs from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th April. Race & Dine Hospitality packages from €159pp. Tickets from just €35 with group concessions available. Bundled transfers, accommodation and event packages are available. Punchestown offers a unique blend of fashion, entertainment, shopping, food, music and all the fun of a festival. The famous atmosphere comes alive when racing champions go head-to-head and Ireland’s most stylish take each other on in the fashion stakes. The Bollinger Best Dressed Competition will take place over the first four days with the final of the competition on Friday, 28th April. For all your festival information visit www.punchestown.com, call 045 897704 or follow us on social media.
About Bollinger:
BOLLINGER, the iconic Champagne House respected and beloved the world over, is proud to be associated with an event that shares the same values and aspirations as Bollinger: great food, glamorous fashion, good company and thrilling sport. Bollinger Special Cuvée is a joy to be savoured on any special occasion, with the distinctly rich and elegant “Bollinger Style” lauded and admired the world over. http://www.champagne-bollinger.com/
It’s been a while. Too long, but good times are back with a bang today at Punchestown! The Punchestown Festival, one of Ireland’s favourite social and sporting events returned today and it certainly did not disappoint.
Here are some of today’s highlights;
Racing
Gordon Elliott had a four timer Party Central, Mighty Potter, Felix Desjy and Absolute Notions.
Willie Mullins won the feature race the William Hill Champion Chase of €275,000 with Energumene ridden by Paul Townend in the colours of Tony Bloom.
The Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase of €125,000 was won by Capodanno owned by JP McManus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Mark Walsh.
Fashion:
Dee Ahearn from Kilcullen, Co. Kildare won the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady Competition on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival. Wearing a stunning turquoise dress she designed herself and had made by local dress designer Liz Byrne a couple of years ago when Hilary Clinton was visiting Barretstown where Dee is the Chief Executive Officer. She teamed the dressed with a stunning Prada bag, Nine West heels and a headpiece she hired from Marinot Millinery at the Osprey Avenue, the shopping village area of the Style Quarter onsite at the Punchestown Festival. She is fast tracked to the final on Friday where she can wear the same outfit or choose to change it up!
Attendances were slightly behind on 2019 figures however, presales and all indication signs are pointing for it to build as the week continues.
The Punchestown Festival is a showcase of jump racing is in store with 12 grade one contests and over €3.3 million in the purse. It offers a tremendous mix speed merchants with stamina stars. Seasoned campaigners compete shoulder to shoulder with rookies and new names. This is where champions are crowned and fresh talent emerges. It is truly a fitting homecoming for our horses, trainers, jockeys and owners who have flown the flag with such success to deserted grandstands and silent stadiums in recent years.
Few sporting experiences compare with the raw energy of horse racing. In Ireland horse racing is where sport and culture combine. It is inherent in Irish culture and heritage. It is fast, it is tough, it is fiercely competitive but it is exhilarating, thrilling and passionate in equal measure. The energy from the track feeds the enclosures where the atmosphere is unbeatable. The soundtrack of cheering, chat, live music and bustling bars injects that festive spirit. Punchestown is proud to retain its title as Ireland’s largest corporate sporting event. This is where two worlds collide with business running in tandem with a relaxed fun day.
Over 17,000 corporate hospitality guests will enjoy delicious seasonal produce at Punchestown this year. Impress clients, guests and friends in our selection of restaurants, pavilions, bars and private suites and rest assured that you will relax and enjoy the very best of Irish sport with delicious seasonal food and beverages in a wonderful famous setting.
Finally, an occasion to dress up for! The prestigious Bollinger Best Dressed Competition will run each day from Festival Tuesday 26th April to the grand final on Ladies Day, Friday 29th April. The all-expenses paid 5 star VIP trip to the Home of Bollinger is the coveted money cannot buy prize on offer this year. The new addition of The Style Council demonstrates a fresh take on all thins fashion at Punchestown. All finalists from Tuesday to Friday will receive a Bollinger goodie bag complete with gorgeous, hand-picked luxury products from Bellamianta, AYU, Declaré, Kotanical, Bollinger and race tickets from Punchestown.
So dress up or dress down, network in corporate hospitality or meet friends in the bar but most importantly gather, gather to celebrate the return of good times. The Punchestown Festival runs from Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th April. Race & Dine Hospitality packages from €149pp. Tickets from just €30 with group concessions available. Visit punchestown.com