Clonmult / Dungourney Point-To-Point Races
2003 saw the inaugural meeting of the Clonmult / Dungourney Point-Point races following a successful revival of the races which were last held in the area over 70 years ago. Racing was held in Clonmult in 1901 when the point to point was held on the outskirts of the village. During 1920’s racing was held annually at Rathcanning, two miles outside Dungourney and there was even a handful of locals who recalled travelling to the ‘Race Field’ at Monashask Cross with a halfcrown in their pocket to place a few bets. The three mile course took in the townlands of Rathcanning, Dangan, Coolcap, Knocknakirka and Bawnadown.
In 2003 the races were ran on the lands of the Ahern Family Ballyknock . In later years they were ran on the lands of the Colbert Family Avaune. This year the races are going to be run at our neighbouring racetrack at Boulta Ballynoe on the 14th December.
The six Cups for which runners and riders compete for have each been kindly donated by local families, all who have strong racing links.
The William Fitzgerald Memorial Perpetual Cup is presented by the Fitzgerald Family in memory of the late William, formerly of Chestnut Lodge Clonmult, whose association with horse breeding extends back to such noted stallions as Cacador, Daybrook Lad and Lee Capricorn.
The Jack Griffin Memorial Cup is presented by the Griffin Family, Ballyeightra, in memory of the late Jack, whose long tradition in National Hunt racing started with the popular winner Cottstown Breeze, right up to the Griffin’s recent success with Ardsallaghs Lark.
The Smiddy Family Cup is presented by the Smiddy Family Balleightra, who have a strong involvement in horseracing, with their most recent winner being On The Outside last week in Tipperary.
The Billy Leahy, Bawnadown Perpetual Memorial Cup is presented by the Leahy Family Bawnadown, in memory of the late Billy, who was a familiar face at Point to Points for many years. The original Rathcanning races were run over part of the Leahy farm and a farm outbuilding was used as the weigh room.
The Brownstone Stud Cup is presented by the Cronin Family, Clonmult in memory of the late Edmond Cronin. The Cronin’s lengthy association with National Racing saw Edmond’s involvement with such winners as Kouron, Mandy Brown and Penthouse Pearl.
The Paddy Doocey Memorial Cup is presented by the Doocey Family, Rathorgan. The late Paddy trained popular winners such as Arch Royal, Bookmark, Book of Keels, Pages of Gold, Tooraloo and Ballyknock Boy.
We are fortunate to have such a good community spirit in Clonmult- Dungourney which is evidenced by the huge amount of work and dedication involved in running a race meeting. Organizing such an event safely and efficiently is only possible by the great help given to us by Dungourney GAA, Ladies Club, Clonmult Community Co-Op, Mogeely Vintage Club, neighbouring Point to Point Committee’s, landowners and the local community.
The Committee greatly appreciate the continued and loyal support that we receive from race sponsors, local sponsors, subscribers, patrons and the many racing people who attend the races on the day. We look forward to their support for many years to come.