Locals donate rare items for fundraising auction in Ballyshannon, Kildare

Rare pieces of horseracing memorabilia are among the items going to the highest bidder at an auction fundraising to pay for legal action against a proposed quarry.

Ballyshannon Action Group near Kilcullen is strongly opposing the development at Racefield, Ballyshannon by Kilsaran Concrete.

Auction items include the Ascot cuff links and hat of a local jump jockey William Robinson who won the 1964 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Mr Robinson won the prestigious race on the Irish-bred racehorse Mill House, and lived locally in Carrighill, Calverstown.
There will also be signed Kildare GAA jerseys on offer at the auction in Dowling’s Bar in Ballyshannon on tomorrow. 

Also up for sale will be tours at some of the top stud farms in Kildare, golfing with a sports legend and All Ireland Hurling Final tickets.

Ballyshannon Action Group is seeking a judicial review of a decision by An Bord Pléanala to approve the quarry development.

Lawyers for Kilsaran advised the court in January that they are contesting the request for leave to be granted for a judicial review.

Legal submissions are being exchanged between parties before a High Court hearing on October 20 next.

The action group claims the quarry will create dust and noise and bring HGV trucks to local roads every day. Kilsaran Concrete said the development will deliver a supply of materials to meet the ongoing demands of the construction industry.