Ballina Rugby Football Club’s Annual Galway Races Race Day returned in style on Friday, July 31st, with this year’s event taking place for the first time at our new venue, the Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone.

With 250 guests in attendance, there was a fantastic atmosphere from the moment the doors opened, as friends, members, sponsors and supporters of Ballina RFC came together for an afternoon and evening of racing, dining, live music and plenty of craic.
Guests were welcomed with a prosecco reception from 3.30pm before sitting down for a four-course gala dinner, with the first race from Galway getting underway at 5pm. The racing provided plenty of excitement and conversation around the tables, while live music and entertainment kept the atmosphere going throughout the evening.

A real highlight of the day was the attendance of our special guests, Connacht Rugby Head Coach Stuart Lancaster and former Ireland international Bernard Jackman, who joined us for a hugely enjoyable Q&A.

The conversation explored Ballina RFC’s proud rugby tradition and its remarkable record of developing both men’s and women’s players who have progressed to provincial and international level. That tradition includes the likes of Dave Heffernan, Harry West, Fiachra Barrett and Ballina legend Gavin Duffy, alongside an impressive group of women’s players including Alish Quinn, Clara Barrett, Evie Kennedy and Emily Foley, as well as many more who have proudly represented Ballina RFC beyond the club game.

Stuart also spoke warmly about the tremendous community spirit surrounding Ballina RFC and commended the atmosphere and support on display at the Race Day, recognising the important role events like this play in bringing a rugby club and its wider community together.

There was no shortage of colour and style either, with our Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentleman competitions once again proving hugely popular. We’ll have more on both of our 2026 winners in separate articles.

The move to the Diamond Coast proved a great success and it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces, along with plenty of new ones, coming together to enjoy the occasion and support Ballina RFC.

An event of this scale takes a huge amount of work behind the scenes. Special thanks to our President Richard West, John Rush, John Rafferty, Alan Rowe and Ed Gunning, along with all of our club volunteers and the management and staff of the Diamond Coast Hotel, whose hard work and support helped make the day such a success.

A huge thank you also goes to our event sponsors, Connolly Motor Group and Cahill & Trautt Accountants Limited, along with all of our raffle sponsors and everyone who generously donated prizes.

Events like this are an important part of club life and help support our continued investment in our players, teams, facilities and rugby programmes.
To everyone who joined us and supported the day, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did — and we look forward to seeing you back at the races in 2027!