Bantry Blues celebrate while others under 'starter's orders' at the Maritime Hotel, Bantry.
Whether you were a football fanatic, a hurling legend or a racing fan, Bantry was abuzz with sporting celebrations last weekend.
The 4* Maritime Hotel's Cheltenham Preview Night on Friday last saw a panel of well known experts demonstrate their racing nous in advance of the famous racing festival which will doubtless have racing pundits from West Cork glued to their tv screens or there in 'in the flesh' at Cheltenham next week.
Jockey of Master Minded Noel Fehily, retired Jockey Jim Culloty (who will be forever revered for winning three successive Gold Cup's with Best Mate), racing commentator Kevin O'Ryan, popular horse trainer Raymond Hurley and Paddy Power's Tom Farrell were all in attendance to give a flavour of what can be expected at this racing Mecca. Events surrounding riders and jockeys at previous Cheltenham Gold Cup races, and discussion around those who took part in the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, World Hurdle and Queen Mother Chase were analysed in great detail, peppered with references to great horses such as Kauto Star, Big Zeb, Imperial Commander and Denman. Great excitement for those lucky enough to be travelling to the races!
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Declan O'Rourke kick-starts a great line-up of entertainment at The Maritime Hotel, Bantry
The 4*Maritime Hotel, Bantry is gearing up for an exciting line-up of entertainment over the next few months, starting with an evening with platinum record singer and songwriter Declan O'Rourke on April 2nd.
O'Rourke, originally from Dublin, is a well known figure in the music industry in Ireland and abroad, and can boast completing tours with A-list celebrities Paulo Nutini, Paul Weller, Paul Brady, The Cardigans and also making an appearance with Snow Patrol, as lead guitarist, during their performance during Oxegen 2007. Declan describes his music as 'kind of rootsey – folk – and in broader sense, poppy, jazzy. I don't think I fit into any particular box.' O'Rourke told us. The hotel is heavily involved with the well-established West Cork Chamber Music Festival (Friday 24th June-Saturday 02nd July), West Cork Literary Festival (Sunday 03rd July –Friday 08th July) and Masters of Tradition (Tuesday 09th August-Sunday 14th August) when the town is buzzing with lovers of good music and literary genius from all over Ireland.
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