DAR Golf Construction Announced as Official Sponsor at Punchestown Festival

DAR Golf Construction Announced as Official Sponsor at Punchestown Festival

Media Release, Friday 25th April 2025 – Punchestown Racecourse is pleased to welcome DAR Golf Construction as an official sponsor for the upcoming Punchestown Festival, from Tuesday 29^th April to Saturday 3^rd May. The DAR Golf Construction (Pro/Am) Flat Race, taking place on Saturday, 3rd May, the final day of the Irish jump racing season.

This sponsorship highlights DAR Golf’s growing commitment to Irish racing and their support for the continued development of the sport at all levels. With a reputation built on over 50 years of industry experience, DAR Golf Construction brings world-class expertise and innovation as seen in the completed projects at Naas, Mallow and Galway racecourses as well as numerous golf courses and GAA pitches throughout the country.

DAR Golf’s latest involvement at Punchestown showcases the scale of their capabilities. Since the conclusion of the 2022 festival, DAR Golf has been spearheading a major redevelopment project in two key phases:

Phase 1: Main Straight Widening Works

Widening of the finishing straight by approx. 35 metres
Drainage system includes 27,000 linear metes of sand slits, 3,500meters of piped drainage and 1,500meters of main carrier drains
Repositioning and increased capacity to the water reservoir in front of the Grandstand
Improve and grade the bend into the straight (not impacting on existing racing ground)
Installation of a service road on the inside of the newly widened finishing straight
Upgrade to the track crossing after the finishing line
80,000 tonnes of subsoil have been moved to facilitate the widening of the finishing straight (this ground has been raised by approx. 4 meters in places)
27,000sq meters of new track racing surface merged to the existing finishing straight
Completion and lining of a new water reservoir (capacity will increase from 9,000m3 to 12,500m3)

Phase 2: Blackhills Extension: A 650-metre extension at the Blackhills bend is underway, enabling greater flexibility in race distances and start locations while enhancing the overall racing programme.

These upgrades will allow all race meetings to be held on the outer track, preserving the inner straight for exceptional winter conditions. They also facilitate the construction of a full circuit ambulance road and a substantial increase in water reservoir capacity—an essential step toward long-term sustainability and irrigation improvements.

A family-run business led by Managing Directors Graham, Colin, and Brian D’Arcy, DAR Golf Construction is recognised as a leader in the construction and remodeling of golf courses, racecourses, and sports facilities across Ireland and Europe. Employing over 20 full-time, in-house trained staff, the company operates one of the most advanced fleets of specialist machinery in the industry—from GPS survey equipment and laser-guided earthmovers to trenching, turfing, and irrigation technology.

Speaking on the partnership, Richie Galway of Punchestown said:
“DAR Golf’s commitment to excellence, precision and innovation aligns with Punchestown’s vision for the future. This is the most significant project undertaken at Punchestown in modern times, the scale of which will safeguard the racecourse going forward. It was imperative that the we had the best available and we welcome DAR Golf Constrcution’s sponsorship support at the 2025 festival.”

Graham D’Arcy, Co-Director of DAR Golf Construction commented:
“At DAR Golf Construction, we pride ourselves on service, detail, and delivering top-tier results. To be involved in such a major project at an iconic venue like Punchestown has been a flagship contract for our company. The work being undertaken at Punchestown is setting a new standard in Irish racing, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”

The 2025 Punchestown Festival promises five days of top class jump racing, vibrant atmosphere. Stunning style, great food, beverage, music and entertainment for all ages.
For event details and ticket bookings please visit www.punchestown.com