Councillor opposes council sponsorship of Kilbeggan Races

A local councillor has voiced her opposition to Westmeath County Council's annual sponsorship of an event at Kilbeggan Races, saying that racing is already well-funded and the council's money should be put to other community uses.

The local authority sponsored the 'Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Handicap Hurdle' which was one of the attractions at the final race meet of the year in Kilbeggan last Friday.

A sum of €3,500 for sponsorship of the event was included this week in an Athlone Moate Municipal District programme of €14,000 for festival and events funding, but Cllr Louise Heavin disagreed with this allocation.

"Horse Racing Ireland is incredibly well-funded out of the public purse. I would be reluctant to sponsor that race and, if it was me drawing up these allocations, I certainly wouldn't have sponsored it," said the Green Party representative.

"It's a huge chunk of this budget, to put our name on a race, compared to all of the community groups that have asked for bits and pieces. I really don't think it's fair at all and I would like to see it revisited next year."

Her stance was not supported by any of the other eight councillors at the Municipal District meeting, most of whom spoke in support of Kilbeggan Races and its importance to the county.

The council's Director of Services, Barry Kehoe, said the sponsorship was influenced by the "long tradition of equine activity" in Westmeath.

"It's effectively the same sponsorship that's given every year by the council and it's our understanding that the council, notwithstanding (Cllr Heavin's) views, would wish to continue with that sponsorship," said Mr Kehoe.

Cllr Tom Farrell described Kilbeggan Races as "a shining light for Westmeath" and said the local authority should be proud to be associated with it.

"Many years ago Kilbeggan Races was nearly gone, only (for it to be rescued by) the voluntary committee. There are a lot of overheads to run these races, and for us to spend €3,500 a year on the sponsorship of a race is well worthwhile."

Kilbeggan native and Mayor of the Municipal District Liam McDaniel also said the sponsorship was well-deserved, pointing out that Kilbeggan Races was "probably one of the oldest events in the county."

The races offer "a great day out for anyone" said Cllr Jamie Moran, while Cllr Frankie Keena said: "Kilbeggan Races had attracted large attendances pre-Covid and large numbers will come back post-Covid."