Cratloe GAA gone to the dogs

THE traps will rise on Cratloe GAA Club’s fundraising benefit night at the new Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Friday, September 23. The special night of greyhound racing, which commences at 7.45pm, features a 12-race card.
The benefit night is being organised by club stalwarts Liam Carroll and Colm Collins and the card carries a prize fund in excess of €5,000. Each race is supported by local businesses and friends of Cratloe GAA.
Liam says the night is a great social occasion for the people of the parish and despite the current economic climate, people have been very generous with their support to date.
“In the final run up to the event, club members will be hitting the roads around the parish in an attempt to secure nominators for each race. Great interest has been generated already and it promises to be a fantastic night’s entertainment,” he added.
Each successful nominator will be photographed with the winning greyhound and will also receive a memento of the occasion. Nominators will be paired with dogs at Cratloe clubhouse before the event.
Promoting a benefit night at the track is nothing new to Cratloe. In 1993, when greyhound racing was held at The Market’s Field, a doggie night was organised with the GAA club, the church and the community centre benefiting financially.
This time the dog night is being held in the recently development greyhound stadium at Greenpark and Liam expects to raise in the region of €20,000 for the club, which is enjoying a successful time both on and off the field.
“Development work at the club grounds is ongoing and we already have splendid facilities at Pairc Michéál Ui hEithir. Things aren’t going too badly on the playing front either and both the senior hurlers and footballers are through to the quarter-finals in their respective championships, while the U-21 footballers are preparing for the county final.
“I know we are in difficult financial times but people within the community are very generous with their time and in contributing to the club. I suppose the GAA plays a major role in most rural parishes and its value to the Cratloe community is well recognised.
“While the GAA club stands to benefit financially, we see this as a community event really, something for everybody to enjoy. From my own experience, you can’t beat a night at the dogs for a good night out,” Liam adds.