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 Yards Greyhound Time Date Notes320 Dark Landing 17.82 12 June 1982 320 Lough Tan 17.82 14 June 1986320 Routhen House 17.78 26 August 1989320 Top Marks 17.78 320 Eden Castle 17.76 15 August 1991320 Boyne Walk 17.46 15 August 1993325 Mourne Return 17.85 25 July 1958 350 Boston Heather 18.8918 April 1970 435 Farloe Border24.03 1940500 Pointers Prince 1957500 Grisette28.47 13 September 1969 500 Why Me 28.38 8 August 1974 500 Mineola Apollo28.22 23 August 1986500 Greenpark Fox 28.12 1988500 Angelo Carlotti28.12 500 First Officer28.04 15 August 1990 525 April Flower29.38 11 October 1967 525 Summerhill Flash 29.42 1982525 Chief Ironside29.304 August 1984525 Hit the Lid 29.2815 August 1988525 Lisglass Lass 29.18 August 1993 Dundalk International525 Dynamic Fair =29.16 16 August 1996 Dundalk International550 Calypso Melody 31.02 28 August 1969550 Disco Clare 30.72 15 August 1986 550 Hit The Heights 30.72 4 August 1987550 Silver Ball 30.68 15 August 1988 700 Twelfth Man 40.20 10 June 1967 760 Leinster Luck 43.98 23 May 1987 760 Rush For Silver 43.78 1990760 Ratify 43.44 15 August 1993765 Quakerfield Boy 44.81 1970765 Full Book 44.48 7 August 1971325 H Lovely Munro 19.00 1970 325 H Boston Heather 18.89 18 April 1970500 H Tivoli Valley 29.26 17 August 1974 525 H Cross Street 31.09 1970 525 H Right O'Myross 30.72 9 August 1971525 H Master Bob 30.42 31 July 1982 550 H Pick Me 31.90 30 July 1977

References