Walking Sunday, the annual custom where people from Naas and Kildare walk the course at Punchestown on the Sunday before the races. A day out with lots of fun activities on offer.
Sherry FitzGerald O’ Reilly is lending its support to the event this year again. The first walkers are invited to set off around 2pm (2.2 mile walk in total but people are free to walk as much or as little as they wish) where the reception area in Punchestown will be the starting and finishing point. “We are urging walkers - fit or otherwise, families, dogs and their owners, children in fancy dress, indeed anyone who just wants to take a short stroll, to come along and join in some of the wonderful activities we have lined up on the day,” said John O’ Reilly on behalf of Sherry FitzGerald O’Reilly. “There will also be a carnival, Billy Bonker’s Madcap Magic Show, rosettes for doggies who walk, kiddies walking achievement certificates, and lots of goodies for early comers too,” he added.
The traditional ‘Millbrook Cup’ cross country race will take place at 3pm and there will also be a fun-run at 2.30pm -one lap (approx 2 miles). For those who might be interested in a quick health check following their walk or run, O’Reilly’s Pharmacy will be on hand with the latest speedy technology to assess heart rate, blood pressure and BMI.
Between 2pm and 3pm, there will be a ‘Best Dressed Doggie Competition’ and also a ‘Matching Mutt Contest (dog and owner)’ where prizes will be sponsored by Husse Pet Food and the proceeds will go to local animal rescue organisation Celtic Animal Lifeline. Commenting on 'Walking Sunday', Dick O' Sullivan, Manager of Punchestown said: "It was great to see so many local people out here last year enjoying the facilities and the activities which Sherry FitzGerald O'Reilly had lined up. Tradition is very much part of Punchestown and we are delighted to see such local involvement."
Everyone who attends the day will be invited to enter a free competition where prizes will include a family break for five to Trabolgan Holiday Village for four nights, family day passes to Trabolgan, Annual Members’ badges for Punchestown, vouchers for tickets to the reserved enclosure in Punchestown and MBT physiological footwear.
