Youghal's Inaugural Donkey Derby

Champion Jockeys Line Out For Youghal’s Inaugural Donkey Derby

Seven of Ireland’s top jump jockeys got under starters orders as they competed in the inaugural ‘Paddy Power Celebrity Donkey Derby’ on Friday 23rd March 2012 at 7.00 p.m on the Main Street of Youghal, Co. Cork, in front of a crowd of over three thousand people

Fresh from their exploits in Cheltenham, local Youghal favourite, Davy Russell lined up in battle against fellow big names such as Paul Carberry, Paul Townend, Martin Ferris, Andrew McNamara, Pat Mullins and Davy Condon. The race saw the professional jockeys riding donkeys on the Main Street of the East Cork Town. The event was held in aid of The Annual ‘Queen of The Sea’ Festival, which takes place from 7th – 9th July 2012 in the seaside Town in aid of Childline and the RNLI.

Organised by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development, the event saw jockeys team up with local pubs and sporting clubs for an evening of fun and mass hysteria! A warm-up ‘trainer’s race’ in advance of the Donkey Derby saw teams compete in an obstacle course throughout the town and included: a baby tractor race, a trolley dash with a twist, jumbo bouncy balls and a series of vintners challenge and hurdles! Commentary on the evening was by the infamous Pat ‘Nobber’ Daly and Mick Sheehan.

Speaking in advance of the fundraising event, Youghal Chamber Director, Seamus Curran of The Quays Bar said: "We are very excited that these professional jockeys have agreed to come to Youghal for a fun night to help us to raise funds for the ‘Queen of the Sea Festival’. This is something really different for Youghal and will help us raise funds for our main festival of the year. These funds will allow us to deliver a festival that will be bigger and better than ever, which will give an early kick start to the tourist season."

Each jockey teamed up with a club and team sponsor – these include:
Paul Carberry and Youghal Athletic Club (Sponsor The Red Store Bar)
Paul Townend, Pat Mullins and Youghal Rugby Club (Sponsor: Farrell’s Summerfield Bar)
Davy Russell and Youghal Soccer Club (Sponsor: The Quay’s Bar)
Martin Ferris and Youghal GAA Club (Sponsor: The Nook Bar)
Andrew McNamara and Youghal Golf Club (Sponsor: Bertie’s Bar)
Davy Condon and Youghal Cycling Club (Mackey’s Bar)

The celebrity jockeys arrived in Youghal on Thursday 22nd March where they were treated to dinner and luxury overnight accommodation courtesy of Aherne’s 5* Restaurant and Guesthouse.

The organisers would like to thank the jockeys who gave of their free time to support the ‘Queen of the Sea Festival’.

Further details contact: Siobhan at Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development
Tel: 024-92447 E: info@youghalchamber.ie