OVER 200 employees of Naas General Hospital will be guests of Naas Racecourse at next Monday’s fixture.

The gesture continues the Naas Racecourse tradition of having a charitable element to this bank holiday fixture. In 2020 the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes day featured the Lockdown Hero initiative. Last year the track staged a charity fundraiser campaign for Barretstown Children’s Camp.

The racecourse is treating the hospital staff to a day at the races to show the community’s gratitude and appreciation for their efforts during the pandemic. All departments of Naas Hospital and all over the world have been critical in fighting Covid-19 and saving the lives of many.

In addition to racecourse admission, these special guests will receive racecards, a barbeque meal and there will be live music on the day.

Racecourse chairman Dermot Cantillon said: “All frontline workers have been truly amazing throughout the pandemic. Naas Racecourse is fully supporting this day to recognise those who have worked so hard at our local hospital to save others over the last two years. We hope everyone can have a well-deserved break here on the day and enjoy the racing, barbeque and atmosphere.”

Local councillor Colm Kenny said: “Naas General Hospital and Naas Racecourse are two of the town’s oldest and most valued institutions.

“When I approached the board and management of Naas Racecourse about an event to acknowledge the front-line role of staff in Naas General during Covid, I was delighted with the enthusiastic and generous response. There was an equally positive response from NGH Staff Engagement Committee and Management.