[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=656[

Racing Home for Easter Festival Mallow 2010 by Marketing Department

Iarnród Éireann is delighted to support the traditional Easter Racing Festival at Cork Racecourse, Mallow this year from Saturday 03rd April to Monday 5th April. This event will be a three day food, arts and sporting festival highlighting all the Blackwater Valley region has to offer.

The rail company will be offering train tickets to Mallow over the Bank Holiday weekend at special rates to Mallow from Cork and Tralee for €10 day return available only at the booking office. In addition, Irishrail.ie will also be offering €10 each way fares on selected services over the Easter weekend between Mallow and Dublin.

This year, local business people and community groups decided to further develop the event to promote not only Mallow, but the Blackwater Valley region. The new 3 day “Racing Home for Easter Festival Mallow 2010”, will include an on-street food and arts fair with the best of local produce on display, street concerts and other entertainment in the heart of Mallow town as well as sporting events and talent competitions.

Highlights of the 3 day festival, include
* 96FM Street Party sponsored by Market Square,
* Pub trails offering great entertainment,
* a Best Dressed Lady competition with great prizes on offer,
* guided heritage trails and walks,
* an Easter Egg hunt at Cork Racecourse Mallow on Easter Sunday,
* all this as well as three great days of racing, including 4 winner point to point races on Easter Monday.

A three day racing ticket can be pre-purchased from Cork Racecourse Mallow for the special price of €30 by calling +353 (0)22-50207.

Local radio station C103 is official media sponsor for the festival and will be broadcasting live from Cork Racecourse Mallow over the 3 days.

Local hoteliers and restaurateurs will be supporting the festival by offering special packages for those who want to come and experience the atmosphere.

An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said “as part of the community of Mallow, we hope that this event will build success and momentum over the coming years. This is a great initiative to encourage domestic as well as inward tourism to the Mallow region.”

Full details or a programme of events can be seen on www.mallow.ie or www.corkracecourse.ie or click here to download a brochure http://www.irishrail.ie/upload/Mallow%20Festival%202010.pdf