Nua Healthcare Sponsors St. Patrick’s Festival Season Opener at the Curragh Racecourse

A Fun-Filled Family Day Promoting the Link Between Physical Activity and Mental Health
Nua Healthcare Sponsors St. Patrick’s Festival Season Opener at the Curragh Racecourse

Pictured at the launch of the Nua Healthcare sponsored St Patrick's Festival Race Day at the Curragh Racecourse are L-R Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager with the Curragh Racecourse; JJ Carey, Director of Supported Living Services and CLaD Hubs; Danika McCartney, Chief Operating Officer, MH Services; Shane Kenny, Chief Operating Officer, ID Services; Noel Dunne, Chief Executive Officer, Nua Healthcare alongside the very aptly named 6 year old filly God Knows with jockey Kodai Matsukawa

Nua Healthcare Services, based in Naas, is proud to sponsor the St. Patrick’s Festival Family Race Day at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, March 16th, 2025. This exciting event not only marks the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day but also signals the start of the 2025 flat racing season at the iconic Curragh racecourse.

Nua Healthcare Services, a leading provider of community-based residential, specialist hospital, and supported living services for individuals with mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities, is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and well-being for all members of society. As part of their sponsorship with the Curragh, Nua Healthcare Services is teaming up with Kildare Sports Partnership to renew the race day’s Sweepstake initiative which proved so popular in 2024. Reinforcing the significant link between physical activity and mental health, the initiative will also raise much-needed funds for local sports clubs.

The Curragh Racecourse, Nua Healthcare Services, and Kildare Sports Partnership invite every sports club in Kildare to join the fundraising initiative. Through this collaboration, clubs can participate in a sweepstake linked to the major race of the day, the Nua Healthcare Services Irish Lincolnshire, with the opportunity to win €1,000 for their club. This unique and enjoyable initiative is open to all local sports clubs and societies at no cost. In addition,1,000 complimentary race day tickets have been made available to all sports clubs and societies through the Kildare Sports Partnership. Instructions on how to apply for these tickets will be communicated by Kildare Sports Partnership.

Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager for the Curragh Racecourse, said:

“Engaging with local communities is a priority for us in 2025. Partnering with Nua Healthcare Services to highlight the connection between physical activity and mental health is the perfect way to kick off our racing season. We encourage all sports clubs in Kildare to participate in our sweepstake and take advantage of the complimentary tickets available to come along and enjoy a day at the Curragh. The winning club will receive €1,000 to support their efforts, and we look forward to a fantastic day filled with family-friendly fun.” Noel Dunne, CEO of Nua Healthcare Services, commented:

“We are thrilled to once again partner with the Curragh Racecourse and raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity for people with mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities. By highlighting the benefits of physical activity alongside Kildare Sports Partnership, we hope to bring together sports clubs and the wider community in a celebration of well-being.” Syl Merrins, Kildare Sports Partnership, added:

“Once again, we are excited to join forces with Nua Healthcare and the Curragh Racecourse for this special event. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for sports clubs to raise funds while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. The Curragh Racecourse has been a long-time supporter of our work, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Nua Healthcare to promote physical activity across the county.” 

Family Entertainment 

Off track, there is plenty to see and enjoy on the racecourse with a variety of free family friendly entertainment throughout the day including live music from the Naas Hospital Choir and traditional musicians Ceili Cottage. The Moyglare Kids Zone will feature many free activities for younger race goers with Glitter Tattooing and Storytelling from the Talking Tree! There will also be an appearance from Patches the Friendly Leprechaun mascot who is happy to take photos!

Admission 

Adult €15 (in advance at curragh.ie until midnight the night before) Under 18s Free accompanied by an adult 

Transport 

Free shuttle buses from Kildare and Newbridge Train Stations and Towns –click here to find times. Free car parking close to the racecourse for those travelling by car.

For more information about the race day please visit www.curragh.ie.

More in this section

Kildare Nationalist