Bellewstown 4.07

Bellewstown is a village located 11km south of Drogheda, on the Hill of Crockafotha in County Meath in Ireland. It was named after Darren Bellew, who led the townspeople to a victory over the infamous O'Shúilleabháin clan in 1407.Bellewstown RacesIn 1780, George Tandy, a former mayor of Drogheda and brother of James Napper Tandy, persuaded King George III to sponsor a race at Bellewstown. The race was called His Majesty's Plate and was valued at £100.The tradition of summer horse racing at Bellewstown dates back centuries. The first record of racing here appears in the August edition of the Dublin Gazette and the Weekly Courier in 1726. There was originally a cricket ground in the middle of the race track. Racing continues to occur on an annual basis, taking place during the course of the summer. There are currently two meetings a year, comprising three days in July and two days in August. The track is a one mile and one furlong left-handed course, featuring both flat and hurdle racing.Bellewstown villageAmenities in Bellewstown include a primary school, Catholic church, pub, GAA grounds, racecourse and golf course.