Celebrate 25 Years at Curraheen Park

On Friday 16th May We Celebrated 25 Years at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium!

Cork's Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium turns 25 in 2025 and to mark the occassion we celebrated the 25th anniversay on Friday 16th May. 

Can you believe it's been a quarter of a century since we opened our doors, having said goodbye to the Western Road, the home of greyhound racing in Cork for so many decades.

Video: 25 Years In Curraheen Park And A Lifetime Of Memories

Video: A Timeline of Milestones in Cork Greyhound Racing from the 1920's - 2020's

Pictures From The Night

Click through the photos belows to see the celebrations from the night. Thank you to everyone who joined us on the night to Celebrate a wonderful 25 years at Curraheen Park

VIDEO: Join the 25 Year Celebrations At Curraheen Park

A BRIEF HISTORY OF GREYHOUND RACING IN CORK

Greyhound racing in Cork began in 1928 with the opening of The Show Grounds Greyhound Track in Ballintemple, the first provincial track in Ireland and third overall after Celtic Park and Shelbourne Park. Built on part of the 27-acre Lower Park site, the venue could accommodate 20,000 spectators and was served by tram, with races held over 525 and 550 yards. Despite its impressive start, criticism over its location led to its closure in 1935.

A year later, in 1936, a new and more centrally located stadium opened on Western Road, which became the heart of greyhound racing in Cork for six decades. The track hosted major events including the Oaks (1939, 1943), the Pegasus Cup (later the Guinness Trophy), and most notably, the Laurels, first run in 1944 and established as a premier event. In 1942, Cork also hosted the Irish Greyhound Derby, drawing record crowds.

The venue was modernised over the years, including the installation of a totalisator system in 1960 and full acquisition by Bord na gCon in 1969. However, by the 1990s, the facilities could no longer meet demand, and the stadium closed in 2000. The third and current chapter began with the opening of Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium on 8 April 2000, located in Bishopstown on the city’s western edge. Costing IR£8.5 million, the new venue boasted modern amenities and a striking glass-fronted grandstand. Officially opened on 20 May 2000, Curraheen Park continues to be the home of greyhound racing in Cork, with the Laurels remaining its flagship competition.