'No respect' - Warning to people spotted in selfish act on track at Punchestown

Punchestown Racecourse has issued a warning to members of the public to stay off the track as work continues ahead of the 2025 festival. 

The 2025 Punchestown Festival kicks off on April 29 and runs until May 3 with ground work continuing apace for the centrepiece of Ireland's national hunt season. 

Thousands of people will descend on the Kildare track in a few weeks time but bosses at the track are telling people to stay off the turf after some members of the public were spotted in 'disrespectful' activities on the banks.

"Once again we respectfully ask that the public stay off the track, hurdles, fences and banks. Our track crew are working around the clock to prepare for the upcoming festival," a post on social media read.

"Unfortunately some members of the public are using the course itself as a play area or to exercise dogs. This is our centre court, our Croke park pitch, our greenway, and has many signs asking people to not enter," the statement continued.

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"The entire site is scheduled to be closed from Monday 14th April until Tuesday 6th May. This may need to be brought forward if necessary.

"Thank you for your support and cooperation. Looking forward to welcoming everyone in three weeks time - just not on the track itself! Please share," they concluded.

Followers were quick to blast the behaviour. One wrote: "Pure entitlement. These would be the kind of people who tie poo bags onto a tree branch instead of finding a bin."

A second added: "Some people have no respect. Same with their dogs off the leads. Ruins it for everyone."

A third said: "That's terrible how people are so disrespectful, looking forward to the festival. Can't wait!"