2022 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Final Race Programme

WELCOME TO THE 2022 FINAL OF THE

RACE PROGRAMME Friday 22nd April 2022 With the support of

www.limerickgreyhoundstadium.ie

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME A Chairde, On behalf of Rásaíocht Con Éireann I want to welcome you all here to Limerick Greyhound Stadium for the Finals of Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake and the Sean O’Connor Cup. It is fantastic that we can all be here in person to once again enjoy the thrill of live greyhound racing.

In this, the 9th year of the event, I want to express the gratitude of the entire Irish Greyhound Industry to Noreen and JP McManus for their continuing and generous sponsorship of our sport.

The Con and Annie Kirby Stake is known to be the shop window for our best young greyhounds that are the backbone of many Irish rural communities, Rásaíocht Con Éireann and the GAA. The presence of the six nominator finalist Clubs adds greatly to the pageantry of the evening and on this very special weekend we wish the Limerick teams every success.

I want to thank the Limerick Advisory Council and the greyhound community in Limerick and Clare for their enthusiastic and ongoing support for this event which pays fitting memory to Con and Annie Kirby, stalwart supporters of the Markets Field.

I ask you to give due recognition to the greyhounds and their owners with us here. By making proper provision for our past heroes, we secure the future of the industry for us all.

We wish all of the greyhounds racing here this evening, their owners, trainers and nominators every good fortune agus go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo arís.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Frank Nyhan

Chairman Greyhound Racing Ireland

WELCOME NOTE

from Sean O’Criogain Cathaoirleach Coiste Luimni

TONIGHT’S final of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake is the ninth running of this most prestigious sporting event. Limerick GAA Clubs will have benefited financially to the tune of One Hundred and eighty Thousand Euro and what has really impressed me and I know has also very much impressed the event sponsor is the commendable manner in which our Clubs that tasted success have reinvested their prize money so wisely in their various development projects.

The unselfish generosity, the sporting passion and above all the love of all things Limerick shown by JP and Noreen McManus and their family never ceases to amaze.

Your ongoing and loyal financial support of Limerick GAA is greatly appreciated, supporting our Clubs through the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake and supporting our County through our sponsorship arrangement with Adare Manor Hotel. Mile Buiochas once again from all at Limerick County GAA Board.

Congratulations also to all who participated in our fringe events, the club colours competition, the very successful Poc Fada and Cic Fada, the club colouring competition, and well done to our various winners. To our Project Coordinator Siobhan Scanlon and our Games Manager Noel Hartigan and his support staff your hard work is very much appreciated.

It has been a pleasure for Limerick GAA to work through this event with the Chairman of Greyhound Racing Ireland Frank Nyhan, C.E.O Dearbhla O’Brien and of course Orla Strumble, Dawn Quinn, Thomas Ryan and their colleagues at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

Finally, thanks to all of our clubs across Limerick GAA, Camogie, Ladies Football and Handball for your participation in this event and indeed for your co-operation during same and good luck to tonight’s six finalists.

Séan Ó Criogain Cathaoirleach

First of all decide on the type of bet you want to make (see below options) and then pick the dog number(s) that you are going to bet on.

Pick one dog to win. If your greyhound wins, you win! Ask for Stake – WIN – TRAP NUMBER, e.g €1.00 – WIN – TRAP 3 MINIMUM BET - €1

Pick one dog to finish in either first or second place. You collect on the bet if the dog finishes in either first or second place.

Ask for Stake – PLACE – TRAP NUMBER, e.g €1.00 – PLACE – TRAP 6 MINIMUM BET - €1

This is a win bet plus a place bet on one greyhound. Your selected dog must come either first or second to claim any winnings on this bet. If your dog wins you will collect on the win bet plus the place bet. If the dog comes second you will receive the place dividend only.

Ask for Stake – EACH WAY – TRAP NUMBER, e.g €1.00 – EACH WAY – TRAP 2 MINIMUM BET - €2

Pick two dogs to finish first and second and the dogs must finish in the correct order that you choose.

Ask for Stake – STRAIGHT FORECAST – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – STRAIGHT FORECAST – TRAP 2 & TRAP 1 MINIMUM BET - €1

Pick two dogs to finish in either first or second place. Your two dogs must finish in first and second place in any order.

Ask for Stake – REVERSE FORECAST – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – STRAIGHT FORECAST – TRAP 5 & TRAP 6 MINIMUM BET - €2

Pick three dogs and two out of the three dogs must finish in either first or second place in any order to collect on this bet.

Ask for Stake – FORECAST ALL WAYS – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – FORECAST ALL WAYS – TRAPS 1, 2 & 3 MINIMUM BET - €6

Pick three dogs to finish first, second and third and the dogs must finish in the correct order that you choose.

Ask for Stake – STRAIGHT TRIO – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – STRAIGHT TRIO – TRAPS 2, 4 & 5 MINIMUM BET - €1

Pick three dogs and the three must finish in first, second and third place in any order.

Ask for Stake – TRIO ALL WAYS – TRAP NUMBERS, e.g €1.00 – TRIO ALL WAYS – TRAPS 3, 5 & 6 MINIMUM BET - €6

Ask your nearest Tote Operator for more details/options

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WE MAKE THE BEST PETS!!

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

CLOONTURK VIXON (Vicky) Vicky is 4 years and looking for her forever home.

Vicky is an amazing girl who loves her cuddles, ear rubs and treats. She loves meeting new people, and getting lots of attention.

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Race 1

Race 2

HEAT 1 KILGRANY SYDNEY 28.24

HEAT 4 GLENGAR SCHOLAR 28.24

HEAT 6 THE OTHER KOBE 28.39

HEAT 2 SWORDS REX 28.48

FIRST ROUND HEAT WINNERS

HEAT 3 DROOPYS EDISON 28.27

HEAT 5 TOMMY TOO MANY 28.43

HEAT 7 BALLINABOLA ED 28.23

HEAT 8 DEADLY SHOWTIME 28.16

HEAT 9 CRAFTY KOKORO 28.64

HEAT 10 MELODYS VIM 28.79

HEAT 11 DROOPYS PILGRIM 29.23

HEAT 12 DA BOLD FREDDIE 28.48

HEAT 13 DROOPYS NICE ONE 28.39

Race 3

HEAT 1 MAGICAL KUBA 28.23

HEAT 2 LENSON ON ICE 28.66

HEAT 3 DEADLY SHOWTIME 28.29

HEAT 4 TOMMY TOO MANY 28.54

SECOND ROUND HEAT WINNERS

HEAT 5 SWORDS REX 28.20

HEAT 6 BALLYMORE BORDER 28.35

HEAT 7 CRYPTOPUNK 28.61

HEAT 8 DROOPYS NICE ONE 28.33

Race 4

1ST QUARTER FINAL MAGICAL KUBA 28.02

2ND QUARTER FINAL KILDARE 28.45

QUARTER FINAL WINNERS

3RD QUARTER FINAL BALLINABOLA ED 28.15 4TH QUARTER FINAL SCOOBY PRINCE 28.30

Race 5

1ST SEMI-FINAL KILDARE 28.21

SEMI-FINAL WINNERS

Pictures courtesy of Brendan Gleeson

2ND SEMI-FINAL DROOPYS EDISON 28.47

Race 6

The Story So Far!

by Paul Cooney

SPECTACULAR 2022 RENEWAL HAS BEEN WORTH ALL THE WAITING!

Following cancellation in 2020, the JP & Noreen McManus sponsored Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake was contested in front of empty stands at Limerick Greyhound Stadium twelve months ago and as such, the loyal Dock Road patronage had waited all too long to revel within the “Kirby’s” most unique atmosphere.

Finally welcoming racegoers through the turnstiles once again however, a spectacular 2022 renewal has been worth all the waiting as old friends and racing enthusiasts reunited to witness some of the finest sport that the Limerick circuit has ever staged.

Now hosting the ninth renewal of this modern-day classic, the Kirby was first held in 2013 when won by the Owen McKenna trained Roxholme Bully in 28.65 for the 525 yards. That inaugural winner was followed by a brace for the kennels of Brendan Matthews with Boylesports Hero in 28.31 and Cable Bay in 28.11 before the event was dominated by its most successful trainer over the next three years. Pat Buckley firstly guided Droopys Roddick to 2016 victory in 28.09, which was followed by Bentekes Bocko the following year in 28.39, with Droopys Davy completing the Buckley hattrick in 2018 while dominating his final in 28.10. Robert Gleeson became just the fourth Kirby winning trainer in 2019 when his Toolmaker Josie posted 28.37 in final victory and little did we know then that the Kirby would not return for two years!

When it did, a packed stadium was all that was lacking in the brilliant victory of Stonepark Leo for Mark O’Donovan twelve months ago and though his racing career would be cut short soon after his 28.38 final victory, his event unveiled future stars of greyhound racing, just as this wonderful competition has done since the very first heat in 2013. In every Kirby there is future classic winners, award winners, dogs that we will rush to at stud

in years to come, bitches whose offspring we will desperately wish to own and of course, the greyhounds in any Kirby renewal are the sporting stars that will shape greyhound racing at elite level over subsequent seasons.

Attracting the very best of eligible greyhounds each year, we have the McManus family to thank, for their innovation and generosity has given us an event which is only surpassed in monetary terms by the Derby itself. With a total prize fund of €160,000, the inclusion of GAA Clubs from all over County Limerick ensures a most unique atmosphere as they compete for a share of €20,000 while filling the stadium with colour and fervour. Bringing two sporting communities together in a wonderful celebration of racing, a packed Limerick Greyhound Stadium for the Con & Annie Kirby is a truly fitting tribute to the late parents of Noreen McManus in whose honour this wonderful event is named.

PUTTING ON A SHOW IN DEADLY START TO KIRBY 2022

A notable achievement in any renewal, the honour of fastest in the first round went to Deadly Showtime when claiming Heat 8 in a dominant display as he lay down a big marker, posting 28.16 for the 525-yard Kirby trip.

Sharp at trap rise, the Karol Ramsbottom youngster showed narrowly in front from trap 3 and displaying slick early pace, produced a stunning 15.95 sectional on his way to an eight-length verdict over Ballymac Leon with Lenson On Ice third.

Arriving to Limerick having lowered the track record figures for the 525-yards at Tralee, Ballinabola Ed confirmed his Kirby credentials with a dominant performance to land Heat 7 while completing a double for Pat Buckley. Always in command, he posted 28.23 with over five lengths in hand of debutant Kildare. Sparking the kennel double, Glengar Scholar dominated in a facile

trap-to-line victory while posting 28.24 in Heat 4.

The opening act in the 2022 Kirby set a target for those to follow and ensuring a high standard from the outset, Thomas Buggy’s Kilgraney Sydney ignited the event with a dominant passage through Heat 1 while posting a classy 28.24 before leading Kirby fancy Swords Rex justified favouritism when commencing his campaign with a cosy victory in Heat 2. Displaying his slick early pace, the Graham Holland charge led throughout his three-length defeat of Disco Pants in 28.48.

A clash of note in Heat 6 saw a strong challenge from the kennels of Jennifer O’Donnell commence with The Other Kobe who was completing a Limerick hattrick while posting 28.38 in a two-length defeat of the eyecatching Magical Kuba, which followed a very smart performance from Derek Loughnane’s Tommy Too Many who posted 28.43 in advance of debutant Cryptopunk.

Amongst the most entertaining victories on opening night, Peter Divilly’s Crafty Kokoro produced her trademark fast finish to grab Fernandes on the line in Heat 9.

Posting 28.64, Scooby Prince battled gamely to retain his hopes in third. A leading fancy for the event, Heat 3 went to Robert Gleeson’s Droopys Edison as the Juvenile Classic runner-up posted a slick 28.27 in advance of Coolavanny Hoffa before Tommy McDonagh’s market springer Da Bold Freddie claimed Heat 12 while registering 28.48 in advance of Townview Syd. Closing out the round, there was a second heat win for the bitches when Murt Leahy’s Droopys Nice One led from the opening bend in Heat 13, posting an impressive 28.39.

REX THE ROUND TWO FASTEST

Backing up his opening night success, Swords Rex progressed for that outing when fastest of the secondround heats while sparking a double for trainer Graham Holland in his dominant passage through Heat 5. Getting the better of his early tussle with Droopys Edison, Rex registered a slick 28.20 in a four and a half-length verdict. Completing the Holland brace when shedding his maiden tag, Cryptopunk displayed the benefits for his debut second while leading throughout Heat 7 for a two-length defeat of Fernandes, with Kildare keeping his hopes alive in third.

In total, four runners remained unbeaten at secondround stage and further confirming his designs on outright glory, Deadly Showtime doubled down in Heat 3 as his vicious early dash again secured a virtual solo passage when posting 28.29 ahead of Ballymac Leon.

Keeping viable hopes for a first bitch success in the event alive, Droopys Nice One again impressed as the sharp early pacer led throughout Heat 8 while repelling the remarkable staying effort of Crafty Kokoro, posting 28.33 in a forecast for the girls. The fourth runner to remain unbeaten on the night, Tommy Too Many came out on top in a high-class tussle with Glengar Scholar in Heat 4, posting 29.54 as Da Bold Freddie filled third.

Billed as the heat of death in the second round, the opening act saw Pat Guilfoyle’s Magical Kuba score a most

game first Kirby heat win over a stellar cast of outright fancies. Striking the front on the outside at the closing bends as his main rivals suffered crowding, he led home the brave performances of Ballinabola Ed and The Other Kobe with three lengths to spare in 28.63. The remaining heat of the round saw Owen McKenna’s Ballymore Border bounce right back to form as he posted 28.35 in a comfortable score where significantly, Scooby Prince again battled bravely to rescue his Kirby hopes in third.

KUBA A KIRBY CRACKER IN THE QUARTERS

Having claimed maiden victory in a stacked second round heat, Magical Kuba (right) found further progress in his short career start while producing the fastest run of the competition in the opening heat of a sizzling quarterfinal session. An improved start from trap 6 afforded him the opportunity to chart his own course around the turns for the first time in his career and a one length lead over Da Bold Freddie quickly increased from the crown of the bends. Extending to a commanding seven length verdict over that same rival, Magical Kuba posted a stunning 28.02, with Crafty Kokoro again staying very strongly to fill third.

Emphasising the hugely competitive nature of the 2020 renewal, all four unbeaten quarterfinal contenders suffered defeat on the night and containing Deadly Showtime in Heat 3, Ballinabola Ed lay down a big marker when overhauling that early paced rival around the opening bends before drawing clear to a two and a halflength verdict in a brilliant 28.15. In a treacherous assignment, Pat Buckley also filled third as he guided Glengar Scholar to semi-final stage.

Having battled to brave qualification in previous rounds, Heat 4 saw Scooby Prince rewarded for those efforts with a thrilling first win of the event. Almost four lengths adrift on the run to halfway as Lenson On Ice cut out the running, the Jennifer O’Donnel strong runner firstly overhauled Swords Rex off the final bend before striking the front close home for a one length verdict over Lenson On Ice, with just a neck back to Swords Rex in 28.30.

In a true baptism of fire, Peter Cronin’s Kildare commenced his career in the opening round of the Kirby and following a brace of highly promising qualifying efforts, shed his maiden tag in a wonderful Heat 3 performance.

Despite charting a wider course to the backstraight, he ranged up on the outside of The Other Kobe before striking the front at the third bend for a three-quarter length verdict in 28.45 as Droopys Edison filled third.

KILDARE THE WOULD-BE KING IN SEMIS

Continuing his remarkable career start within this Kirby campaign, Kildare found yet further progress at semi stage when a dominant winner of the opening, and fastest heat! Breaking best from trap 5, the Peter Cronin charge continued to belie his inexperience when leading Swords Rex throughout a one and a half-length score in 28.21. Getting the better of a high-class tussle for third with Da Bold Freddie while six lengths adrift of the winner, Magical Kuba rescued his hopes with just a

head to spare following a poor start.

The second semi-final was an eventful affair and getting back to winning ways for his second heat win of the event was Droopys Edison. Tracking the early pace of Lenson On Ice around the opening bends, the Robert Gleeson winner benefitted as the leader was clipped from behind by kennelmate Ballinabola Ed. Advancing to lead on the run to halfway, Droopys Edison kept Scooby Prince at bay in a strong running two length victory, posting 28.47 as Ballinabola Ed emerged best from bumping between a trio of Pat Buckley runners to ensure a presence in the final for the Kirby’s most successful trainer.

THE VERDICT.... THE VERDICT.... THE VERDICT....

As with any final prediction, the starting point is attempting to establish those runners with the most likely clear passage throughout the early exchanges and there can be reasonable hopes for a largely clean-run race now, although examination of each finalists’ movements in their initial gallop from traps does offer food for thought.

From the inside, Swords Rex is ideally drawn in the context of this final and although he will move a touch away from the rails on the run to the bend, he has claims to avoid any damaging collision because his neighbour in trap 2 has a similar and natural move from boxes. With very smart early pace, Swords Rex often secures himself a forward position from which to launch his powerful backstraight surge and is in pole position now. A repeat of his best 16.01 sectional while galloping the shortest route would be near impossible to contain and he justifies his narrow favourite tag while seeking to deliver a first Kirby title for Graham Holland.

To his immediate outside, Jennifer O’Donnell’s Scooby Prince has been chalked up as something of a rank outsider at double figure prices and is without doubt the value of the race with realistic claims for victory. The manner in which he posted 28.30 in quarterfinal victory was the performance of a true elite racer and the fact that he was contained from halfway by the strong running Droopys Edison last week should not be used in isolation to rule out the National Puppy Stake champion. The problem he does have, is that while he will naturally move away from Swords Rex in the early strides, Droopys Edison will be holding a straight line and it is possible that he could be forced to race in very tight quarters on the run to the corner, meaning his chances may hinge on finding his very best break.

For Droopys Edison, he too may require his best break now for while the strong running Juvenile Classic runner-up will finish as fast as any of his rivals, it goes for every finalist that there just simply is rivals on all sides that will not be for passing. From trap rise, he will have the early pace of Kildare to fend off and while that rival will gallop a true line to the bend if Edison matches him from traps, he will find Kildare dashing across his nose if he doesn’t match him! Bidding to give Robert Gleeson a second title, the formidable duo can’t be ruled out, but space could be at a premium if not fast away.

In a wide open final, much depends on the performance of Kildare from trap 4 as he can shape this final and influence the chances of many runners, and most pertinently his own, should he repeat his latest fast start. He has had only four races so there are no trends with Kildare but in his opening rounds with company on his inside at trap rise, the most inexperienced finalist was happy to chart a straight course until movement inwards was safe. However, finding an improved break last week, he was moving left straight away out of trap 5! Visually improving with each passing round, we don’t yet know where the ceiling is for this prodigious talent but if repeating his latest break, he has the early pace to lead the three runners on his inside and would scarcely be for passing following his latest 28.21 performance. Peter Cronin has a real live chance to pick up his first Kirby title!

Pat Buckley hasn’t had much Kirby luck since his hattrick heroics of 2018 and that included last week’s semi-final where his three remaining runners clashed but rescuing his chances then may have been a fateful act from Ballinabola Ed for there is no disputing his ability to fully cash in on such a reprieve now. The Tralee track record holder for 525 yards has been sensational when finding clear passage at Limerick, and he has plausible claims for that again now.

Yes, his track craft at this early part of his career could be questioned having struck his kennelmate from behind at the second bend last week, and some craft may be required now, but he is the one finalist who would not be overly inconvenienced by a smart start from Kildare. Sure, he would like to lead him from traps but possessing brilliant early pace himself, Ballinabola Ed has claims for clear passage either in front of Kildare, upsides, or even from a close tracking position to the backstraight. A rare talent, clear passage will make him extremely tough to contain.

Having claimed notable scalps in second round victory, the quarterfinal performance of Magical Kuba confirmed all suspicion that he was a special talent within a truly astounding generation and that 28.02 victory ensures that the Pat Guilfoyle powerhouse enters the final as the fastest Kirby runner. That one fact alone is enough for obvious claims

now and the manner in which he battled to secure his final berth last time attests to a brave willing attitude to accompany his astounding raw talents. However, a repeat of his semi-final break will not suffice now, for when tackling the bends with rivals to his inside, the natural wide seed surrenders precious ground while charting the widest course, ground that simply cannot be ceded to such exalted rivals here. Granted the opportunity to gallop the opening bends independently, he would hardly be contained but like many of his rivals now, that is going to require his very best break. Very strong from halfway though, his chance may not be dependent on leading and with the greatest claim for clear passage, should he lie within a length of any leader approaching the third bend, it would be race on!

It really is a race where any of the six can win and there is no shock result possible but here is one wild swing!

The upwardly mobile Kildare breaks well, and his early pace sees him lead the trio to his inside on the run to the bend, with Ballinabola Ed fending off Magical Kuba as that duo battle for supremacy on the outside while almost upsides Kildare approaching the bend. On the inside, Swords Rex shows just in front of Scooby Prince and Droopys Edison but with space at a premium as Kildare moves across to sweep the corner, the inside runners suffer crowding while turning where Ballinabola Ed ranges up on the outside to tackle Kildare at the top of the backstraight.

Shuffled back a couple of lengths while widest at the turns, Magical Kuba chases the leading pair to halfway but is forced to settled for third as Ballinabola Ed overhauls Kildare for victory beyond halfway. 5-4-6

Thank you, Con and Annie!

by Paul Cooney

IT IS WELL known by now that the richest juvenile race in the world of greyhound racing is generously sponsored by JP & Noreen McManus. Both lovers of the sport, each has maintained a presence in racing since their first greyhound experiences while frequent patrons of the old Markets Field venue in Limerick City.

For Noreen, her adoration of greyhounds was passed down and fostered by her parents. It is in their honour that the youngest classic of racing is named and while ever grateful for a precious sponsorship, it will always remain that an entire greyhound fraternity have Con & Annie Kirby to thank most for an event which has so effectively enriched the sport of greyhound racing.

For our younger generation, Con & Annie Kirby are names from legend, or greyhound folklore, whose legacy merits their utmost respect for what is has brought to their sport. For our more senior patrons on the Dock Road however, Markets Field memories of racing occasions shared with Con & Annie will for-

ever spark fond memories of two precious friends who made that much lamented venue a staple of Limerick’s sporting history.

Proud stalwarts of Crecora GAA, the wonderful coming together of these two sporting communities which they loved so well, would make both very proud of this unique sporting venture in a Treaty County where they were held in the highest esteem.

An intrinsic part of racing in Limerick, Con served as chairman of the Limerick & Clare Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association for many years amidst a myriad of greyhound endeavours and their racing legacy immortalised on the Dock Road now, we will forever be in their debt.

2014

BOYLESPORTS HERO 28.31 GALBALLY GAA

2013

ROXHOLME BULLY 28.65 MONAGEA GAA

2015

CABLE BOY 28.09 FR CASEYS GAA

2016

DROOPYS RODDICK 28.09 BRUREE GAA

2018

DROOPYS DAVY 28.10 CAPPAGH GAA

2017

BENTEKES BOCKO 28.39 AHANE GAA

ROLL OF HONOUR 2021

STONEPARK LEO 28.38 CASTLETOWN BALLYAGRAN GAA

2019

TOOLMAKER JOSIE 28.37 GALBALLY CAMOGIE

Kindly Sponsored by

JP & Noreen McManus

1 2 3 4 5 6 Result Dist.

PROBABLE SP 11 - 4

SWORDS REX

Making an immediate impact with a stunning passage to victory in the Rural Kennels Open Unraced Stake at Clonmel, Swords Rex has been on every Kirby shortlist since that February event and now bids to deliver a first title for trainer Graham Holland. Commencing with a brace of slick victories, he has been forced to settle for places the last twice but with the plumb draw now, defence of the rails to the opening bend will make this powerful galloper extremely tough to contain if repeating his best of 28.20.

PROBABLE SP 10 - 1

SCOOBY PRINCE

A stunning winner of the National Puppy Stake in Shelbourne Park at the backend of last season, Jennifer O’Donnell’s Scooby Prince is another finalist for whom this Kirby has been a main target since first announcing himself as one of Ireland’s leading puppy talents. The manner in which he posted 28.30 in quarterfinal victory was a measure of his capabilities and though he must keep pace with the leaders to the top of the backstraight from this tight looking draw, inherent battling qualities give him every chance for final victory.

Commencing his career with a brilliant passage through the Juvenile Classic at Tralee before a most gallant runner-up finish in that prestigious event, Droopys Edison has grown yet further within his Kirby tilt and now bids to deliver a second title for trainer Robert Gleeson. A brace of battling places followed his sizzling opening night win, but he got back to winning ways in typically game style last week. A smart break is required now with slick pace on either side, but clear passage will bring highly plausible claims for victory.

Even acknowledging his undoubted raw ability, debuting in the opening round of the Kirby was as daunting a task as any that Kildare could have been set but rewarding his trainer’s faith, Peter Cronin now holds huge claims for a first victory in the event with Ireland’s latest racing sensation. Battling qualifying efforts preceded his first career win at quarterfinal stage and improving at every turn, the most inexperienced finalist was fastest of all last week in his brilliant 28.21 semi success. He will need another smart break to lead this field to the bend, but a truly astounding Kirby campaign could well end in glory if so.

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

GERALD GRIFFINS GAA

Commencing his career in the Juvenile Classic at Tralee, Pat Buckley’s redoubtable Ballinabola Ed atoned for elimination from the second round of that event by breaking the 525-yard track record on the Kingdom circuit in just his third career start. An astounding talent, 28.23 and 28.15 victories here make his final aspirations a distinct possibility. Ignore his latest line of form, if he can return to his best breaking form, simply sublime all round pace will make him extremely difficult to contain as he bids to deliver a fourth title for the Kirby’s most successful kennel.

Another to commence his career in the Juvenile Classic, Magical Kuba chased home his trap 5 rival now in that new 525-yard track record at Tralee before turning attentions to Limerick and overturning that form when shedding his maiden tag in the second round of the Kirby, the Pat Guilfoyle powerhouse advanced to a stunning quarterfinal victory when fastest of the entire event, posting a brilliant 28.02. Slow to stride a week ago, he again displayed brave battling qualities to earn his final opportunity and a return to his best can clearly secure the title if quicker to stride now.

____

GALTEE GAELS GAA

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

MUNGRET ST.PAULS GAA

PROBABLE SP 7 - 2

MAGICAL KUBA

3rd

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

PROBABLE SP 3 - 1

BALLINABOLA ED

____

CAPPAMORE CAMOGIE

PROBABLE SP 9 - 2

KILDARE

2nd

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

PROBABLE SP 4 - 1

DROOPYS EDISON

1st

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

PALLASGREEN GAA

4th

5th

6th

____ ____ ____

Time

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

PATRICKSWELL CAMOGIE

FORMGUIDE: Win/Place: 5 Reverse Forecast: 5-4 Trio All Ways:5-4-6

Race 7 FINAL

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE CLUBS PALLASGREEN GAA TRAP 1 SWORDS REX Pallasgreen GAA Club is situated in Pallasgreen/Templebraden Parish in East Limerick. The Club was founded in 1887 and has teams in Hurling, Gaelic Football, Camogie and Ladies Football, from U6 to adult.

The Club has a membership of approx. 300 of which 150 are juvenile members. Our Juveniles train Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings and new members are always welcome.

Our Adult team competes at Intermediate level in both hurling and football. We have won the Limerick County Intermediate hurling championship on three occasions (1995, 2002, 2014) and the Limerick County Intermediate football Championship on two occasions (2005, 2012).

Pallasgreen GAA Club would like to thank the McManus Family for their very kind sponsorship of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stakes each year. It is a tremendous opportunity for each of the Clubs in County Limerick to

be associated with the competition, and also a chance to win some much needed funds for the Club.

We would also like to thank Limerick GAA for their promotion of the competition.

We would like to wish our dog Swords Rex and trainer Graham Holland all the very best in the final. We have had a great run to date in each of the previous four nights and it has generated great interest and excitement in the Club. It is our first time ever reaching the final, and we are delighted to be involved on such a prestigious occasion.

We look forward to big support from the Club. It would mean so much to the Club to win as we are currently in the process of developing extra training facilities to cater for all our teams.

CAPPAMORE CAMOGIE TRAP 2 SCOOBY PRINCE Cappamore Camogie Club is still going strong after winning our first adult competition at junior level in 1988.

We competed at adult level until 1994 when our numbers dwindled and we were no longer able to field a team but remained at underage for a few more years.

Luckily some of those former players came back to reignite the club in 2006. In our first year we started with U10,U12 and U14 and in 2012 after a gap of 18 years we were in a position to enter our first adult team. In our first year we got to the Junior county final. We came back stronger the following year and won both the Junior cup and league. We progressed then to intermediate level and again won both cup and league in 2016 to achieve senior status, a very proud day for our club. Most of our panel started back at underage in 2006 and progressed through the age groups. Thankfully they are still going strong at adult level with the help younger girls who have joined the panel over the last few years. We were thrilled this year to go on and win the County Final in November and are looking forward to a great season at Senior level.

Many of our founding members are still involved in the club and those who have retired are still our best supporters on match days. We are fortunate to have such a strong club fielding teams in all age groups from U6 up to Senior. A special thanks to the coaches past and present at all age groups who give their time freely for the betterment of the club. A word of thanks also to all club officers without, whom the club could not survive. In 2019 we joined with the GAA club to become one club and are now known as Cappamore GAA and Camogie Club.

Everyone involved with Cappamore GAA & Camogie Club are delighted to be in the Final of the Con & Annie Kirby memorial stake we are very proud of our dog Scooby Prince and would like to thank the owner Steve Noble and trainer Jennifer O’Donnell.

A very special word of thanks to JP and Noreen McManus for there sponsorship of this event and allowing all clubs to come together in a fun and entertaining way.

GERALD GRIFFINS GAA TRAP 3 DROOPYS EDISON The original club was under the name “Brothers Sheares” club of Loughill/Ballyhahill. It was one of 56 clubs affiliated to the county board on the 17th March 1888.

In 1919, the club had its first taste of championship success beating Newcastle West in the West Limerick Senior Football Final. In 1927 the junior side won the West Junior County Junior Football titles. In 1931 the junior team won a second West Junior Football title. In 1941 the junior football team won both the West and County Championship titles.

The clubs second West Senior title was added the following year in 1942. Also in 1942 when the minor team claimed a first West Minor Football title. In 1950 the minor football team won the County Minor Football Championship.

During the mid 1960’s the club adopted the name

Gerald Griffins. In January 1983 under the chairmanship of Gerry Brennan, the officers of the club decided to purchase a field at Finnoe, Ballyhahill and on June 2nd 1985 the field was officially opened by Dr. Mick Loftus, President C.L.G. Success followed at under-age level with these successful teams aiding the Junior team who won the West Junior A Championship titles in 1994 and 1995 with the County Junior A Championship being added in 1996.

The Intermediate title was added in 2000 and the club played in the Senior ranks for a number of years. Recently the West and County Junior A Championship titles were won in 2016 with the club remaining very competitive in the Intermediate division since then.

We wish to thank the owners of Droopys Edison, Michael Dunphy and Paul Allen, and the trainer, Robert Gleeson, for having the dog in such fantastic form and we wish them all the best on the night. We also wish to extend our huge thanks to the McManus Family for

sponsoring this competition and thanks to Limerick Greyhound Stadium for its hosting. Whatever prize money is won by the club on the night will be invested in the continuing development and improving of our GAA field and facilities.

GALTEE GAELS GAA TRAP 4 KILDARE Galtee Gaels GAA club is located in the south east corner of county Limerick at the foot of the Galtee Mountains and draws players from the parish of Kilbehenny and Anglesboro.

The club fields Gaelic football teams at all age groups up to and including Junior B and Senior football teams. Down through the years variations of football teams saw the parish represented by separate Anglesboro and Kilbehenny teams and for many years by the Galtee Rovers team.

The club under its present guise was formed in 1970.

Galtee Gaels home is located at the picturesque John O’ Mahony Park , Kilbehenny. The first recorded history of GAA activity in the parish was in 1885. This year will be our third season in the Senior football championship after maintaining our senior status in 2021 and reaching a county semi-final last year.

Our Junior team continues to be competitive winning a South Junior A league last year. Our ladies club from starting with one U12 team eleven years ago now field teams in all seven age grades. Our underage boys also field teams at all age levels and are very competitive. Our primary schools

have 148 pupils and our preschools have 22. Our ladies club have 100 registered players and our adult and Club na nÓg have 186 registered players.

On the playing front the future of the club is very bright as can be seen with how busy our pitch is each night. Over the last six months we have undertaken a major re-development of our club facilities in John O’Mahony Park. This involved the building of a new 500 metre tarmacadam walkway around the perimeter of our pitch. In addition, we have also installed a high-grade spectator fence to run alongside our new walkway. It is our hope in the future to install lighting so this facility can be used at night as a safe place for exercising.

We are also undergoing works to resurface our training area. If successful at tonight’s race any prize money would go towards these development works. All in Galtee Gaels would like to sincerely thank the McManus family for their generosity for sponsoring this event each year and for all the great work they do supporting Limerick GAA.

MUNGRET ST.PAULS GAA TRAP 5 BALLINABOLA ED Mungret St. Pauls are delighted to take part in the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake each year since it began in 2013. We are very thankful to the Kirby and McManus family for their very generous support on this event every year bringing the two sports together where the GAA clubs have to back their dogs rather then their players.

For our dog Ballinabola Ed to get into the final for us has been a great boost for our club as we have just embarked on a five year investment into our club grounds where we will be developing lands we purchased in 2007 to accommodate the growing numbers of players in each code- Ladies Football, Camogie, Hurling and Gaelic Football from U-6 to adult.

Our grounds are only a short distance from the greyhound track and we were one of the first GAA clubs that were established in Limerick. We purchased our first 10 acres of land in 1983, since then with the help of our many

great volunteers we have developed the grounds to what they are now with our Community Centre and juvenile pitch which were completed in 1987.

A senior pitch was completed and opened along with the dressing rooms in May 2002. We have ran out of room so plans are afoot to develop the acquired land so we would have 2 senior pitches, 2 juvenile pitches, an Astro surface training area and ball alley along with a new club house.

We have been successful in recent years being promoted last year to Senior Hurling and hope to promote our Intermediate Footballers after our U-19 Premier Footballers win last year. We have two Junior Camogie teams out and an Intermediate and Junior Ladies Football team.

Our pitches are always busy with training or matches.

PATRICKSWELL CAMOGIE TRAP 6 MAGICAL KUBA Patrickswell Camogie Club was initially founded in 1950s and won its first senior county title in 1956. This team disbanded in the late 1950s.

Building on the strong traditions of our well established Hurling club the existing Camogie Club was set in 1983 but Phil Mann, Byrdie Enright, Teresa Lynch, Kathleen Enright, Josephine O Neill, Joan McNally, Rosemary Kelliher and Geraldine Leahy. In the first year teams were fielded at u12,u14,u16 at under age level as well as an Intermediate team. In 1991 the new club won its first County title when we defeated Doon in the Junior League final.

Over the last 39 years Patrickswell Camogie Club has continued to grow and develop and we are now fielding teams across all age categories from u6 up to Junior A. This is of course due to the dedication and commitment of coaches, mentors volunteers players and parents.

The club currently operates very successfully under the Oneclub Model with Patrickswell GAA club. We are very grateful for the support we receive from them aswell as that from our club sponsor Duggan Systems.

We continue to have representation on county panels at

u14, u16,minor and senior level.

Many county titles have been won by our club over the years including 2012 u14B County Final 2016 Junior County A Final 2020 u14 A County Final 2020 u16 C County Final 2021 u14 county Shield 2021 Minor 12 a side We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to represent our club.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the McManus family and Limerick Greyhound Stadium for giving us this opportunity to raise much needed funds for Patrickswell Camogie Club.

On behalf of the club I would like to congratulate Magical Kuba and trainer Patrick Guilfoyle for getting to the final and we wish them all the best tonight.

If we are successful we intend to use the prize money to invest in equipment and to upgrade our facilities in Patrickswell.

Race 8

comp s r winne

BEST DRESSED SUPPORTER WINNERS Congratulations to Galtee Gaels Jamie, Jack & Jason Kelly & Mungret St.Pauls Caoimhin Dwane!

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Race 9

comp s r winne

ABOVE: Noel Hartigan (centre) pictured with the Sic & Poc Fada winners (L-R) Emilyann O’Neil Ahane GAA, Carroll Kildimo Pallaskenry, Tom Conway Ahane GAA & Adam Kiely Blackrock

CIC & POC FADA COMPETITION WINNERS & PICTURE GALLERY

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

Race 10

Race 11

Race 12

ENTRIES REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING STARTING SATURDAY 30TH APRIL

2022 EPIC HERO LIMERICK OAKS

Winner €3,000 For 24 Bitches @ €30 each Entries close Monday 25th April @ 3pm PRIZEMONEY FOR SWEEPSTAKES SUBJECT TO ENTRIES

Entries by Text: 085-8797575 Email: james.murray@grireland.ie

ADDITIONAL MEETING MONDAY 25th APRIL

(There will be no racing @ Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday 23rd April)

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reserves

reserves

reserves

reserves GET READY, GET SET

GO GREYHOUND RACING

PUNTERS PACK €18 pp

T’S & C’S APPLY. GROUPS OF 6+.

DOES NOT INCLUDE RESERVED SEATING

EVERY THURSDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT

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TRACK RECORDS Distance

Greyhound

Time

Date

350

Blame The Game

18.37

22/06/2019

525

College Maybe

27.95

02/02/2013

550

Jaytee Taylor

29.21

02/11/2019

575

Riverside Mary

30.96

17/03/2012

600

Lemon Belle

32.21

19/08/2011

750

Roaming Mystery

41.40

28/08/2021

800

Lodge Lady

44.54

22/11/2014

MEETING DATE : 22nd April 2022 MEETING NO : 35 Greenpark, Dock Road, Limerick Phone 1 : 061 - 448038 Fax : 061 - 448041 or 061 - 303788 Racing Office Opening Hrs Tuesday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.

Racing Manager: James Murray 085 8797575 RSO: Jody Thompson Control Steward: Peter Quinn Hare Driver: Andrew Barrett/J.Quinn/D.Benn Groundstaff: Tommy Bolton / Andrew Barrett / David Benn Judge: John O’Donnell / Sarah Hennessey Time Keeper: J.Murray Vet Surgeon : A Hanley MVB MRCVS Steward: P.Quinn, J.Murray, J.Waters, J.Thompson, P.Maher, A.Barrett, T.Bolton

OWNERS & TRAINERS ARE REMINDED TO CHECK PAPERS & GRI WEBSITE TO SEE IF THEIR GREYHOUNDS ARE RUNNING. RACING CANNOT BE GUARANTEED FOR ANY DOG ENTERED AT THIS TRACK.

NOTICE

Declaration of a ‘NO RACE’ The stewards may declare a ‘No Race’ only in the following circumstances: (1) Where there is mechanical or other defect of the hare equipment or starting box or any outside interference with the race, or (2) If any of the dogs fight, and as a consequence, all fail to pursue the hare, or (3) If for any other reason all dogs fail to pursue the hare.

Note: A greyhound turning back in a race does not constitute outside interference.

Unauthorised photography in this stadium is strictly prohibited.

If through any cause the meeting has to be abandoned before the start of the Fourth Race, pass out tickets will be issued, but, under no circumstances, will admission money be refunded.

Greyhounds Turning in Traps: (a) If a greyhound turns before the hare is put in motion that greyhound will be taken out and and righted.

If, however, he turns again no further attention will be given to him. (b) If a greyhound turns while the hare is in motion the hare should not be stopped and the traps should be released. (c) If the hare passes the traps and for any reason the traps do not operate then all the dogs should be taken out and be re-examined before they are put into traps again.

Computerised Trap Draw made at Greyhound Racing Ireland.

Kennel area strictly out of bounds to all except owners, trainers, and officials.

IF GREYHOUNDS HAVE TO BE WITHDRAWN, OWNERS ARE REQUESTED TO DO SO BEFORE THEY APPEAR ON THE RACE CARD.

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