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12 Days of Christmas
DAY 12 - Peter Farrell: There's a lot to look forward to for the Irish greyhound industry heading into 2019
GRI
1 January 2019
Eagle-eyed and regular Talking Dogs readers will already be aware that Peter Farrell began working as Talking Dogs correspondent for the Lifford, Limerick, Thurles, Clonmel and Galway tracks in November. Peter and his family have been steeped in greyhound racing for years, often racing out of their home track in Lifford.
DAY 11 - Declan Byrne: It's been a busy year in the Kennel - winning the Cesarewitch topped it all off
31 December 2018
A Cesarewitch winner, the oldest greyhound in the Irish St Leger final, a dog with a cult following in the Derby and much more – it’s been a busy year for Waterford-based trainer Declan Byrne. The highlight of the Byrne kennel’s year was arguably April’s Cesarewitch in Mullingar, where he trained 2 of the first 3 dogs in the final – winner Master Grizzly and third Crohane Ronnie – who took home €7000 in prize money between them.
DAY 10 - Denis Quinlan: Dynamo Supreme is six years old now but he still loves racing as much as ever
GRI
30 December 2018
Denis Quinlan decided to acquire his first greyhound when he was in his first year in secondary school. His family, his father in particular, have a long tradition of owning racing greyhounds. The Quinlan family are based in Macroom, Co. Cork, with Curraheen Park being their local track.
DAY 9 - Kieran Lynch: To win the Laurels with Rockybay Foley in Cork was special - he's not done yet
GRI
29 December 2018
For many people, Rockybay Foley crossing the line to win the Laurels in Curraheen Park in July is their highlight of Irish greyhound racing in 2018, for all sorts of reasons. For trainer Kieran Lynch, to win the Classic colloquially known as the ‘Southern Derby’ at his local track was extra special.
DAY 8 - Pat Doran: Winning on Derby final night was unbelievable, I know nothing else only dogs
GRI
28 December 2018
When Brownstown Tango crossed the line to win the BoyleSports Supporting Irish Sport Open Bitch 525 in Shelbourne Park on Derby final night, for many it was just another race. But not for Kildare trainer Pat Doran.
DAY 7 - Brenda Powderly: More work than ever before has gone in to promoting retired greyhounds in 2018
GRI
27 December 2018
It’s been a busy year for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust. As of the end of November 2018, 893 greyhounds have been rehomed in conjunction with the IRGT. Brenda Powderly, a trustee with the IRGT and a familiar face at Shelbourne Park with her beloved retired greyhound Ted, has a family history steeped in greyhound racing.
DAY 6 - Philip Buckley: If you believe in your dog and believe in yourself, don't listen to anyone else
IGB
26 December 2018
3… 2… 1. We have blast off! That was the sound as the winning greyhound crossed the line in November in the Barking Buzz App Irish St Leger final. Blastoff Jet, trained and owned by Philip Buckley in Tipperary, crossed the line in 29.65 for a two length victory.
DAY 5 - Michael Fortune: No matter the year, nothing ever compares to the Irish Greyhound Derby
GRI
25 December 2018
This was Michael Fortune’s 41st year crafting, building and distributing the annual ‘Greyhound Review’, and the voice of greyhound racing is showing no signs of stopping yet. When asked about his personal highlights of 2018, Michael says that no matter the year, nothing compares to the Irish Greyhound Derby.
DAY 4: Noel Coote: Newhall Missile passed all expectations in the Derby & we can reflect on great memories
GRI
24 December 2018
Newhall Missile’s journey throughout the 2018 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby – culminating in a semi final appearance and winning the Consolation Derby to boot – is arguably Irish greyhound racing’s feel good story of the year.
DAY 3 - Barry Drake: Rockybay Foley's victory in the Irish Laurels is my greyhound racing highlight of 2018
GRI
21 December 2018
It doesn’t come as a great surprise that Rockybay Foley’s victory in the 2018 Irish Independent Laurels is the standout moment this year for Talking Dogs’ correspondent Barry Drake. Barry, whose local track is Youghal, was one of a packed crowd who gathered in Curraheen Park to see Foley’s victory in July.
DAY 2 - Joe Sheahan: 2018 has been a phenomenal year for the UL Greyhound Racing Society
GRI
21 December 2018
2018 has been a “phenomenal” year for the University of Limerick’s Greyhound Racing Society, according to its co-founder, Joe Sheahan. The group, the first of its kind in an Irish third level institution, was formed in March 2017 by both Joe and Julianne O Keefe.
DAY 1 - Eamon Cleary: Winning the 2018 Derby with Ballyanne Sim is my proudest achievement
GRI
21 December 2018
Eamon Cleary, even after several months of reflection, still regards winning the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby with Ballyanne Sim his greatest ever achievement.