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03 Oct 2025

Kildare winners of creative competitions at Curragh Racecourse

The awards recognise outstanding artistic talent that captured the spirit of Irish racing  

Kildare winners of creative competitions at Curragh Racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse has  celebrated the winners of two creative competitions “Beyond the Finish Line” and “The Artist of the Curragh”

Reporter:

Kildare Reporter

03 Oct 2025 10:22 AM

The Curragh Racecourse in Co Kildare has celebrated the winners of two creative competitions “Beyond the Finish Line” and “The Artist of the Curragh”—at the Goffs Millions Race Day on Saturday 27th September, recognising outstanding artistic talent that captured the spirit of Irish racing.
 
Artist of the Curragh – 2025–2026 Art Competition
Newbridge local and final-year NCAD art student Isabelle Smith was crowned the winner of the Artist of the Curragh competition by judge acclaimed Kildare artist Emma Campbell. Isabelle’s impressionistic painting, created live on race day, captivated Emma with its vibrant atmosphere and dynamic flow.
“The reason I picked the winner was mainly because it was atmospheric, it was colourful and it was impressionistic,” said Campbell. “The painting really embodied the atmosphere of a day at the races. I absolutely loved it. It had movement and flow and everything I look for in a finished piece. Congratulations to Isabelle who has a bright future as an artist ahead of her.”
Isabelle reflected on the experience: “To get to the final was more than I expected. The experience of being here meant so much and was so much fun. I enjoyed being able to interact with everyone and talk to people about my work. Winning was the icing on the cake.”
Isabelle will receive a €1500 commission from The Curragh, and her winning piece will be displayed at the racecourse throughout 2026.
 
Beyond the Finish Line – 2025 Photography Competition
Local photographer Paul Dempsey was awarded first prize in the “Beyond the Finish Line” photography competition, in partnership with Bermingham Cameras. A long-time local photographer, Paul has spent over a decade capturing life at The Curragh.
“I was really honoured to receive first prize,” said Dempsey. “I have been snapping photographs for nearly 12 years on the Curragh constantly as I live nearby.
"This is the first prize I have ever won for my photography, so I was thrilled to bits.”
Paul received a Canon Pixma G4511 Printer valued at €300, with two runners-up each receiving a Canon Selphy QX10 Printer, all generously sponsored by Bermingham Cameras.
Ruth Norton, Marketing Manager for The Curragh Racecourse, commented: “These competitions are a celebration of the artistry, emotion, and heritage that make The Curragh Racecourse a very special place. Whether through lens or brushstroke, we were delighted to see such powerful interpretations of racing culture.”
For more information, visit www.curragh.ie or follow The Curragh Racecourse on social media.

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