Off the back of the success of the company trip to Kilkea Castle in 2023, the whole Rogerson Reddan team (save for a few faces) again packed their bags for a few days of R&R at the beautiful County Kildare resort.
Over the course of two days in March, the RR team took the opportunity to get together and enjoy some rest and relaxation. There was an array of activities to choose from. Whether it be a leisurely spa treatment, or a not-so-leisurely bike ride, there was something to please every disposition.
The weekend teed off on Friday morning, when the golfers dusted off their clubs and hit the course at Kilkea Castle to duke it out for the coveted RR Golf Classic trophy. In what was a tightly contested affair, the players showcased their remarkable ability to always hit the fairway and consistently reach the green in regulation, with “birdies” and “pars” raining down all afternoon. As there is no video evidence of the tournament, we’ll have to take their word for it...
The golfers at the first tee
The cyclists, barely finished shaking their heads in disapproval at the golfers’ choice of pastime, headed out in tight formation shortly after. Searching for something to get their heart rates into the “red zone”, the peloton ascended some steep inclines with gusto. Under pressure to make it back in time for the evening’s festivities and determined to rack up the kilometers, the cyclists made no time for coffee and scones this year. They filtered back into the Kilkea Castle car park in a slightly more stretched-out formation, but nevertheless on time for dinner, and thoroughly satisfied with their afternoons’ work.
As for those less interested in putting or pedaling, there was a healthy cohort of RR staff who opted for the sanctuary of the Kilkea Castle Spa. Amidst the ambient music and a choice of treatments from massages to facials, these members of the RR team arrived at the evening’s festivities refreshed and rejuvenated.
On Friday evening, the whole group got together to enjoy each other’s company over a few drinks and a delicious meal served up by the staff at Kilkea Castle.
Kilkea Castle
The following morning brought the whole group together again, and after breakfast it was time to delve into the world of thoroughbred horseracing and breeding, with a trip to the nearby Irish National Stud and Gardens.
The expert tour guide showed the group around the meticulously maintained grounds of the National Stud, and gave surely more insight into the ins and outs of breeding champion racehorses than any of the team had wagered for! Besides catching a glimpse of some days-old foals, the highlight of the tour was the Irish Racehorse Experience, which gave an idea of the level of detail that goes into selecting, nurturing, and ultimately racing these fine creatures.
And so, after all that excitement, the sun set on another memorable weekend away together for the Rogerson Reddan team.