Gowran Park Racecourse

Gowran Park is a horse race course in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is located in the Annely Estate near the village of Gowran.The first meeting was held in 1914. and the first ever racecourse commentary in Ireland took place here in 1952.

Gowran Park hosts 16 race days throughout the year with both National Hunt and Flat meetings.

The racing season at Gowran Park has quality fixtures spread evenly throughout the year starting with the Thyestes Handicap Chase in January.

Notable races

References

External links

Coordinates: 52°36′55.74″N 7°04′15.73″W / 52.6154833°N 7.0710361°W / 52.6154833; -7.0710361

Gowran

Gowran (Irish: Gabhrán) is a town located on the eastern side of County Kilkenny, Ireland. The historic St. Mary's Collegiate Church is located in the centre of Gowran close to Gowran Castle. Gowran Park race course and Golf Course is located one km from the centre of Gowran. Gowran is located on the R448 regional road (former N9 national primary road) where it is crossed by the R702 regional road. Gowran is the birthplace of one of the country's most famous hurlers, D.J. Carey.

History

Gowran was a place of importance prior to the Norman invasion and a royal residence of the Kings of Ossory, who were sometimes recorded as the Kings of Gowran.Edward the Bruce with his army of Scots and Ulstermen took the town in 1316. James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormonde built Gowran Castle in 1385 close to the site of the present castle and town walls were erected circa 1415. King James I made Gowran a parliamentary borough in 1608.

The town, under the command of Colonel Robert Hammond, surrendered to Oliver Cromwell on 21 March 1650 following a siege. Colonel Hammond was a cousin of Cromwell's. The soldiers of the garrison accepted Cromwell's offer of quarter for their lives and handed their officers over to the Parliamentarians. Cromwell ordered the execution by firing squad of all but one of the officers; a priest captured in the castle was hanged.

Gowran (Parliament of Ireland constituency)

Gowran was a constituency represented in the Irish House of Commons until 1800.

History

In the Patriot Parliament of 1689 summoned by King James II, Gowran was represented with two members.

Members of Parliament, 1609–1801

1689–1801

Notes

References

Bibliography