First National Greyhound Consultative Forum event of 2019 takes place in Limerick as IGB announce 2018 statistics

 

The first National Greyhound Consultative Forum of 2019 took place in IGB head offices in Limerick on January 30 and positive discussions were had around a number of key issues.

Brexit was particularly highlighted as a key challenge that the industry must face in 2019.

IGB Chairman Frank Nyhan opened the Forum and began with the positive news that breeding numbers have ‘stabilised’ among Irish greyhounds along with Christmas having been a good one for stadia “across the board.”

IGB Chief Financial Officer Michael Murnane then presented a financial review of the year 2018, which was described as a “mixed year”, with Q4 being “relatively strong”. Total turnover from racing activities in 2018 was €27.3 million, compared to €26.4 million in 2017.

Overall attendance at the 16 stadia was 506,142 last year, compared to 514,876 people passing through the turnstiles in 2017. However, IGB-controlled tracks (Shelbourne Park, Limerick, Cork, Youghal, Tralee, Waterford, Galway, Mullingar & Newbridge) saw a 3.2% increase in overall attendance, from 376,019 to 388,079. Average attendances per race meeting are down overall and this was again referenced as something that needs to be addressed within the industry as a matter of urgency. The outlook for 2019 predicts an increase in prize money, mainly due to the restoration of a full racing calendar.

The following offers an overview of the financial performance of the IGB for the year ended 31 December 2018: