A new €6m pavilion stand at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, has been officially opened by Irish Minister Batt O'Keefe.

A full day of racing was accompanied by music from 'Nice and Easy', and children's entertainment, including a bouncy castle and face painting.

Horse Racing Ireland's Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh congratulated the project team on delivering 'such an impressive stand' on time.

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The project was delivered in 14 months from appointment of the design team.

Hamilton Architects designed the stand to match the existing facilities which were completed in 1997.

It offers a public bar, fast food bar and coffee bar which can cater for up to 1000 people on the ground floor and a 250 seat restaurant on the first floor. A Paddy Power betting office is situated on the ground floor.

Joe Walsh, Chairman of the racecourse, said that the stand will give the venue 'an added vibrancy' as it will not only be used for racing fans but will be used for non-racing activities too, such as weddings, exhibitions and conferences.

"All in all, this is a great social venue not to be missed," he added.

(PR)