'It's a massive loss' - local businesses rue Punchestown festival cancellation
The loss of this year's Irish National Hunt Punchestown festival has been described as "a devastating blow" to the local economy, with some traders saying their "second Christmas" has been totally wiped out.
Lawlor's Hotel, located in the centre of Naas, is not only a popular meeting place with racegoers before and after racing, but their occupancy rate during that particular week is never less than 100 per cent.
Currently undergoing renovations that will see 72 rooms ready for the 2021 Punchestown festival, the financial consequences later this month will be severe, according to their director of sales and marketing Mercedes Bagnall.
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