'It's a massive relief' - key Curragh gallop reopened after travellers' camp disbanded

Curragh trainers are breathing a huge sigh of relief after the disbandment of a campsite set up by the travelling community.

It was established on June 4 and similar activity has been a recurring headache in recent years, including when a key gallop was forced to close for more than a week.

The latest campsite was so large it forced the closure of the Little Curragh gallop as there were approximately 60 caravans located where the horses would usually pull up after their work. 

John O'Donoghue, who took over John Oxx's Currabeg yard in 2022, said after the gallop was reopened: "It's a massive relief for me and all of us here around the Curragh. 

"One of the main reasons we moved to Mr Oxx's yard was because of its proximity to that gallop, and we take five out of six lots there every day, so for it to be closed was a huge blow to me and all my team. 

"Thankfully, it's back open again now after the travellers left. They started to disperse on Friday morning and they'd all left by the end of the day. Last year they stayed for more than a month, so we were getting very worried. Hopefully this is the only time they will set up there this year, and a week out of the whole year won't be too bad."

The area in which the caravans were located is owned by the Department of the Defence, with the Curragh licensed only to operate the gallops on that land, which made it harder to get the travellers to leave.

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