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WELL, it certainly scored all the points when it came to getting the summer started in fine style. Killarney’s May racing festival attracted bumper crowds as it hosted its Mad Hatters day on its opening day on Sunday as well as its Lá na gClub on Monday evening and again drew eager racegoers to the popular track for the concluding meet today.

Jason Browne from Laune Rangers GAA Club kicked his way to winning the €3,000 prize for his club on Monday evening at Killarney Races. Six clubs took part in third annual free-taking event, Glenflesk, Laune Rangers, Milltown/Castlemaine, Legion, Dr Crokes and Gneeveguilla. Jason Browne kicked seven from seven free kicks against the clock. “We were delighted with our opening festival of the season, crowds were up, the racing was fantastic and the atmosphere was great!” said Brid Lucey, sales and marketing manager of Killarney Racecourse.

“We are now focusing on our renowned July festival which promises to be another great festival!”

Sunday was ‘Mad Hatters Day’ sponsored by Ryanair and Kerry Airport, and there was plenty of imagination, style and fun on show.

Judges Mary MacBride from Mac Bee’s Boutique and Noel Ryan from Kerry Airport had a difficult task in choosing the winners on the day.

Ella Galvin scooped first prize in the children’s category and won a prize of a trip to London with Ryanair and Kerry Airport. The prize included return flights for two adults and two children to London with Ryanair from Kerry Airport, two nights’ accommodation in a three-star hotel, and a one-day ticket pass for Legoland Windsor for two adults and two children.

The second prize, an Apple iPod was won by Brothers Ben and Darren O’Brien.

In the adults category, first prize went to Shirley Flynn from Co Waterford for her ‘Butterfly and Buttons’ hat and she won a of return flights for two to London from Kerry Airport with Ryanair including two nights’ accommodation and lunch for two with paired wines at Corrigan’s Mayfair. The second adult prize, two tickets to Killarney Races’ renowned ladies day on July 14 which included the much sought-after hospitality in the Panoramic Restaurant was won by Maeve Brassil from Killarney.

 
The Lá na gClub 2016 winner of €3000 was the Laune Rangers star Jason Browne. PICTURE: DOMNICK WALSH