Fairyhouse Racecourse

music festival in 2002|alt=From a place up high and distant is viewed a vast open field of grass, trodden bare and brown in places with little people dotted around like ants beside enormous tents, marquees, performance stages hosting deafening arrays of musical-event speakers. The horizon is low and far away and the sky is dotted with broken clouds. Fairyhouse hosts both the Irish Grand National and Irish Gold Cup and races have featured Desert Orchid, Prince Regent, and Persian War among others. The Powers Gold Label Stand and Jameson stand were reopened following refurbishment in 1999 and Fairyhouse is described by Meath Tourism to be "firmly established as one of the most modern facilities in the country, providing an outstanding level of comfort and service." ==Managerial==

Fairyhouse is owned by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and was managed by Doneraile man Dick Sheil, a graduate of Warrenstown Agricultural College and UCD from 1999 until October 2006, one year after ownership passed hands from Fairyhouse Club LTD owing to financial difficulties. HRI viewed Dick Sheil as a tremendous asset to the course having brokered considerable sponsorship and managing many major meetings. The course was overseen by a caretaker manager for almost a year and on 1 October 2007 the position was filled by chartered accountant Caroline Gray who had worked for the HRI finance department for five years previously and was described as an "innovator" by HRI. The Powers Whiskey sponsorship is backed up by the Irish branch of Pernod Ricard, a sponsorship existing since 1960 and the longest sponsorship in Irish racing. Fairyhouse General Manager Caroline Gray credits this sponsorship for making the Irish Grand National what it is today but the term is due to end in April 2010 and future sponsor is currently uncertain. Wet weather often affects Fairyhouse and Ireland had been experiencing the worst flooding on record in 2009. ==Notable races==

On a Sunday, when there are no race meetings, Fairyhouse opens as a market selling local produce ranging from saddlery and tools to fresh vegetables, arts and crafts products and even electrical goods. The market also accommodates car boot sales. The course is also a premier venue for musical events and festivals. ==References==