Dundalk Ramparts Greyhound Stadium

Dundalk Greyhound Stadium also known as the Ramparts was a greyhound racing stadium off Rampart Lane on Townparks, Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland.

Origins and opening

On 18 September 1930, a licence was granted by the Irish Greyhound Racing Association to the Dundealgan Greyhound Racing Company in order to race behind a mechanical lure at the Dundalk Athletic Grounds. A trackless hare was installed and the first race meeting in aid of the County Louth Infirmary took place during October 1930. The venue became known as the Ramparts and was found east of central Dundalk, south of Rampart Lane. Paddy Martin was the founding director and also acted as Racing Manager at the track. Michael Kerley was the first chairman.

In March 1932, Denis McArdle was appointed Racing Manager and the Dundealgan Greyhound Racing Company announced plans to open a new track adjacent to the athletic grounds.

History

Paddy Martin's brother Jimmy took over the reins as Racing Manager in 1957 and in 1965 the company built a new cafe and bar on site and then one year later installed a new lighting system costing £5,000. Also in 1966, the company applied for planning permission for a new stand to be erected. The stand was built at the cost of £35,000 with an 80% grant from the Bord na gCon.

The Dundealgan Greyhound Racing Company decided to introduce a major event to the track in an attempt to attract the open race stars. That event was the Dundalk International and the excellent prize money ensured that entries from the United Kingdom were also received. The first running was in 1968 and won by Not Flashing. The list of winners included many famous greyhounds that included Time Up Please, Ivy Hall Flash, Mutts Silver and Nameless Pixie.

The stadium benefited from considerable investment in 1968, resulting in a new glass fronted grandstand, tote facilities and increased terracing, at the cost of £100,000. The new facilities were opened on Thursday 15 August 1968 by Don Davern ( Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture) and the meeting attracted a record attendance.

In 1973, the Irish Greyhound Derby sponsors PJ Carroll Ltd offered a huge single race prize of £1,200 for the Dundalk International event which was won by Bashful Man.

During the 1980s and 1990s the stars continued to grace the track, Rapid Mover, Cooladine Super, Hit the Lid, Adraville Bridge and Farloe Melody (twice) all won the prestigious race.

The track required a facelift and in the early 1990s the situation was addressed. The greyhound management of Jim Martin Jr., Gerry Kerley and Hugh McGahan met with the horse racing management who were also experiencing tough times and they discussed the idea of a merger in late 1996. In 1999 the Dundalk Race Company PLC and Dundealgan Greyhound Racing Company Limited merged to form Dundalk Racing (1999) Ltd. This would allow a new horse racing circuit to be built over the existing turf course and a greyhound track inside the main course.

Closure

The Ramparts was closed on 20 November 2000 during which time the horse racecourse was undergoing major changes. The site today is covered partly by an Aldi and builders merchant next to the Marshes Shopping Centre.

Competitions

*Dundalk International

Track records

References

{{Greyhound stadiums in Ireland

1930 establishments in Ireland
2000 disestablishments in Ireland
Defunct greyhound racing venues in Ireland
Sports venues in County Louth
Sport in County Louth
Sport in Dundalk