2021 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Final

WELCOME TO THE 2021 FINAL OF THE

RACE PROGRAMME Saturday 24th April 2021 With the support of

www.limerickgreyhoundstadium.ie

Chairman’s Welcome A Chairde, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everybody participating in the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake Final and the Sean O’Connor Cup Final 2021.

On behalf of Rásaíocht Con Éireann, and indeed the Irish greyhound racing industry, I wish to convey our sincere thanks to Noreen and JP McManus for their continued and generous sponsorship of our sport. We do not underestimate the importance of their continued support which is hugely appreciated. This event not only enhances the annual racing calendar hugely but it continues to be a great boost to Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

This is the eight year that Limerick Greyhound Stadium has hosted this competition, on what has now become recognised as the launch-pad of the careers of top class young greyhounds. Recent years highlight that several greyhounds have gone on to compete in various classic events including the Irish and UK Derby.

The nominator initiative introduced by the McManus family has helped to bring together two great organisations, both of which form the backbone of Irish life. Greyhound racing and the GAA enjoy a special relationship that has existed for decades at every track in the country.

I want to wish the very best of luck to the six nominator finalists Askeaton Ballysteen LGFA, Hospital Herbertstown GAA, Askeaton GAA, Killeedy GAA, St. Senans GAA and Castletown Ballyagran GAA. Thanks to the generosity of Noreen & JP McManus, all will receive a prize money cheque tonight for investment in their clubs. Indeed, we owe a great level of gratitude to Limerick GAA Chairman John Cregan, Mike O’Riordan, Secretary and Siobhán Scanlon, Project Coordinator in getting behind this great event.

As we all are aware, Covid-19 continues to have a significant impact on all sporting activities. We have worked hard to ensure that greyhound racing, in accordance with government directives and guidance, is permitted to continue. I want to acknowledge and thank all trainers, owners and staff who have co-operated fully and helped to ensure that we continue to race, albeit behind closed doors. I appreciate that many of you have been engaging online on Talking Dogs TV over recent weeks and tonight we bring you the final on RPGTV. Con & Annie Kirby were regulars at the former Markets Field venue and are part of the close-knit Limerick racing community. We’re very proud to hold the eighth annual running of the event here this evening which is named in tribute to them.

To conclude, I wish to commend the Limerick Advisory Council who have contributed greatly to Limerick Greyhound Stadium and fully supported this event. The competition and its sister event the Sean O’Connor Cup, would be nothing without the high quality greyhounds that are a credit to the breeders, owners, trainers involved.

The finalists tonight are there on merit and I want to extend my best wishes to the six finalists, their connections and their corresponding GAA clubs. I have no doubt that we are in for a very exciting night of racing.

Is mise le meas,

Frank Nyhan

Chairman Greyhound Racing Ireland

Welcome Note.... from Sean O’Criogain Cathaoirleach Coiste Luimni It is fantastic to see that we have reached the final of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake 2021. The pandemic that we are currently living through has proved difficult for everyone, however, the last 5 weeks of greyhound action and virtual activity with the GAA Clubs has certainly helped us through. It is a credit to all involved in the Greyhound Industry but especially to the Greyhound owners & trainers and thanks to you all it is great to be back for this most prestigious sporting event.

Limerick GAA Clubs winnings have amassed a whopping €140,000. What has really impressed me and I know has also very much impressed the event sponsor and is most commendable, has to be the 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 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. Míle Buíochas from all at Limerick County GAA Board.

Congratulations also to all our boys and girls who participated in our fringe events, the Club Virtual banner competition, the Club Virtual Art Competition, Club Virtual Skills Competition and well done to our various winners. To our Project Co-Ordinator Siobhán 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 Ger Dollard and of course Orla Strumble, Dawn Quinn & Thomas Ryan for ensuring that this event could take place during these difficult times. I would also like to personally thank the Limerick Track Supporters Club and in particular Joe Sheahan whose direct engagement with the clubs helped to foster their support and interest in their nominated greyhound.

Finally, thank you to all of our Clubs for your participation in this event and indeed your co-operation during same.

Good luck again to tonight’s six finalists, owners, trainers, handlers & especially our Limerick GAA Clubs.

Séan Ó Criogain Cathaoirleach Coiste Luimni

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THE 1st ROUND

Saturday 27th March

Saturday 27th March

1ST ROUND & CLUB NOMINATORS HEAT 1 1 Explosive Boy 2 Rural Star 3 Billis Tudor 4 Victor 5 Envoi 6 Clona Bolt (w)

Askeaton GAA Fr. Caseys GAA Granagh Ballingarry Camogie Galbally Camogie Knockainey GAA Feenagh Kilmeedy GAA

HEAT 8 1 Fabulous Azurra 2 Nitro Anto 3 Bockos Belly 4 Coolavanny Lilly 5 Riversidechester 6 Macho Pride (m)

Ballysteen GAA Kilmallock GAA Gerald Griffins GAA St. Patricks GAA Dromcollogher/Broadford GAA Croom GAA

HEAT 2 1 Appreciate It 2 Navy Blue 3 Glengar Masha 4 Ballymac Merlin 5 Waikiki Bomber 6 Rackethall Leo (w)

Tournafulla GAA Patrickswell GAA Banogue GAA St. Senans GAA Blackrock GAA Dromin Athlacca GAA

HEAT 9 1 Ballymac Cashout 2 Rioja Smasher 3 Agent Stanley 4 Stormy Diego 5 Epic News 6 All About Ted (m)

Pallasgreen GAA Templeglantine GAA Askeaton Ballysteen LGFA Athea GAA Ballybrown GAA Ballybricken Bohermore GAA

HEAT 3 1 Angry Dad 2 Good Cody 3 Ballymac Belvolt 4 Loher Ron 5 Deadly Destroyer 6 Allforthebest (w)

Effin GAA Glin GAA Knockaderry GAA Ballylanders GAA South Liberties GAA Camogue Rovers GAA

HEAT 10 1 Ballymac Fairone 2 Corbrack Prince 3 Angry Tornado 4 Scala Omeara 5 De Machine 6 Hello Mikey (m)

Na Piarsaigh GAA Claughan GAA Crecora GAA Galbally GAA Hospital Herbertsown GAA Mountcollins GAA

HEAT 4 1 Stonepark Leo 2 Singalong Sally 3 Thosedaysaregone 4 Luminous Light 5 Meduza 6 Hazelhill Kelso (w)

Castletown/Ballyagran GAA Killeedy GAA Monagea GAA Monaleen Ladies Glenroe GAA Dromin Athlacca Banogue LGFA

HEAT 11 1 Barneys Road 2 Dark Ava 3 Adamant Best 4 Runo Bruno 5 Bombardier 6 Mallogs Stormzy (m)

Treaty Gaels Camogie Kilteely Dromkeen GAA Adare GAA Cappagh GAA Ahane GAA Old Christians GAA

HEAT 5 1 Romeo Magico 2 Flyers Iniesta 3 Permanent Smile 4 Only Perfection 5 Darbys Delight 6 Rockalong Rocket (w)

Galtee Gael GAA Staker Wallace GAA Na Piarsaigh Camogie Murroe Boher GAA Abbey Sarsfields GAA Galbally Handball Club

HEAT 6 1 Vigorous Buck 2 Jacob Tashadelek 3 Ive Everything 4 Where Am I 5 Billys Diva 6 Ballymac Ariel (m)

HEAT 12 1 Burgess Glengar 2 Deadly Tornado 3 Tyrap Luke 4 Droopys Fittest 5 Broke With Hope 6 Vipers Buzz (m)

Rathkeale GAA Caherconlish GAA Croagh Kilfinny GAA St. Kierans GAA Monagea LGFA Newcastlewest GAA

Kildimo Pallaskenry Camogie St. Senans LGFA Granagh Ballingarry GAA Garryspillane GAA Knockane GAA Doon GAA

HEAT 7 1 One Time Only 2 Burgess Dalo 3 Zafiro 4 Benalmadena Roxy 5 Valegro 6 Palatine Leon (m)

HEAT 13 1 Mindhowyougo 2 Mallogs Marley 3 Jackslittlething 4 Scarty Yank 5 Ballyhimikin Boy 6 Salmic Sunset (m)

Cappamore GAA Mungret GAA Bruree GAA Monaleen GAA Ballinacurra Gaels Bruff GAA

Kildimo Pallaskenry GAA Ballyagran Camogie Oola GAA St. Patricks LGFA Caherline GAA Feohanagh Castlemahon GAA

#Kirby2021

EXPLOSIVE START TO CON & ANNIE KIRBY MEMORIAL IN LIMERICK 1st Rounds by Peter Farrell

The opening round of the 2021 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial took centre stage last night at Limerick greyhound stadium and those who tuned into the inaugural Talking Dogs TV were treated to a feast of unbelievable action that saw the Country’s brightest young talents on display.

With thirteen heats down for the decision on the night, it was fitting that Talking Dogs TV was on hand to showcase some top-class racing at Limerick Greyhound Stadium and there was little doubt who the star of the show was as Explosive Boy produced a sensational performance in the opening heat of the night.

In what was one of the most eye-catching heats on the night with many of the runners boasting strong outright claims, heat one ended in a procession victory for the extremely talented Explosive Boy (Good News Delightful Girl). Trained by Pat Guilfoyle for Peter Sutcliffe, Explosive Boy was expected to start fast from trap one and he duly pinged the lids to go clear into the opening corner. Followed in second by Victor from trap four, another fancied runner in Clona Bolt occupied fifth place and had plenty of work on his plate in order to qualify for next week's second round. Stretching his lead to seven lengths down the back however, it was one-way traffic up front for Explosive Boy and he posted an unbelievable 15.87 to the third turn. Clona Bolt, meanwhile, was making swift progress between the bottom two bends and as traffic ensued, Tom O’Neill’s greyhound tracked nicely to stay on well and grab second, with Rural Star coming through for third. Explosive Boy was nine lengths too good however, and as he stormed across the line, the time was a terrific 28.08. (15.87 sec)

HAT-TRICK FOR HOLLAND

Graham Holland is always a peripheral figure in major Classics and the Golden trainer notched a treble on the night as he landed heats five, eight and thirteen respectively.

The first of the treble came in heat five as the well supported Romeo Magico (Magical Bale – Fabulous Artist) justified big support to run out a comfortable winner for owner David Firmager. A decent break from trap one saw Romeo Magico reel in Rockalong Rocket in the early yards and after shipping a bump with his rival at the opener, Romeo Magico drew clear down the back straight. The race firmly put the bed entering the final fifty yards, this was a very likeable performance from Romeo Magico and he came home six lengths clear of Rockalong Rocket in second, with Galway raider Flyers Iniesta claiming third.

The time was a brisk 28.40. (16.16 sec).

The Firmager/Holland partnership teamed up again in heat eight which despite being only a four dog affair with two vacant traps on the outside, it certainly didn’t take away from a quality performance from Fabulous

Azurra (Magical Bale – Fabulous Artist). A litter sister of course to Romeo Magico who landed an earlier heat, David Firmager has a fine crop at his disposal at present and Fabulous Azurra bolted from trap one to lead early. Striding out brilliantly down the back straight, Coolavanny Lilly was improving in second and despite keeping the leader honest throughout, Fabulous Azurra crossed the line a length and a half clear of Coolavanny Lilly in second, with Nitro Anto taking third spot. The time was 28.50. (16.19 sec).

The treble was completed in the final heat of the night as Jackslittlething (Droopys Sydney – Limini) galloped to a comprehensive victory for the Pillar Syndicate.

After running out a terrific winner of the Rural Hawaii @ Stud Unraced at Clonmel last month, Jackslittlething broke well from trap three to dispute early on with Salmic Sunset before the duo came together at the opening corner. Using the momentum gathered from the bumping however, Jackslittlething shot clear down the back and the progressive black opened a seven length lead over Scarty Yank in second. The race already sewn up, Jackslittlething stayed on strongly in the closing yards and he was eight lengths better off than Scarty Yank at the winning line. The time was 28.71. (16.41 sec).

FINE TUNE FROM SALLY

Singalong Sally (Tullymurry Act – Droopys Smasher) has made many a headline in recent weeks after her Juvenile Classic success at Tralee a fortnight ago and the Pat Buckley trained bitch followed that up with an expert performance in heat four.

Breaking smartly wearing the blue jacket, Singalong Sally outpaced the opposition early on as she turned the opener with clear daylight over her rivals. Stonepark Leo was the nearest challenger in second and he showed eye-catching pace down the back straight to close the gap entering the penultimate corner. However, pulling clear once more in the final yards, Gilbert Anderson’s classy bitch ran out a convincing, seven length winner over Thosedaysaregone, who finished with a wet sail to take second, while Stonepark Leo took third. The time was another slick 28.32. (16.19 sec).

DEADLY PERFORMANCE

Deadly Destroyer (Droopys Jet – Cruel Intentions) was mighty impressive on his last outing at Shelbourne Park and the flying early pacer was equally brilliant on his first start at Limerick in heat three.

Pinging the lids from trap five, Gary Hannon’s runner tracked well around the opening bend as Good Cody ran off from trap two, enabling Deadly Destroyer to open an unassailable lead in front. Trained by Karol Ramsbottom, it was all over as a contest thereafter and he stayed on stoutly to cross the line four and a half lengths clear of the fast finishing, Ballymac Belvult in second. Bling Bling Paul claimed third and the time was a hot 28.36. (16.19 sec).

FITTEST STARS FOR REIGNING CHAMP

I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion my admiration for Droopys Fittest and the Robert Gleeson trained son of Laughil Blake – Droopys Saga ran out a most impressive winner of heat twelve.

From a reasonably level break, Droopys Fittest displayed the superior early pace to get across to the rails from trap four and he showed his rivals a clean pair of heels down the back straight. Showing every bit of that huge engine he displayed in Clonmel, Droopys Fittest, owned

by Killian Cronin and Kevin Barry, was followed by Vipers Buzz in second and despite the latter running a huge race in second, Droopys Fittest proved three parts of a length too strong at the winning line. Vipers Buzz is certainly a dog to keep an eye on and he advances to the next round, as does Broke With Hope who took the third qualifying position. The clock was a blistering 28.35. (16.17 sec).

ROUNDING UP THE HEATS

HEAT 2 – Rackethall Leo (Tyrur Big Mike – Leamaneigh Breda) had caught the eye in each of his starts prior to last night despite not raising a flag but Liam McGrath’s charge broke his duck in impressive style in heat two.

A massive eighty-seven pound tracker, Rackethall Leo was running from the stripes but was led early on by Waikiki Bomber who emerged from the pack, showing good early dash from trap five. Nestling two lengths in behind down the back straight, Rackethall Leo quickly reeled in the leader as he showed immense pace to swoop the penultimate corner and take charge. From here, it was game over for his rivals and Rackethall Leo was over three lengths too good for Waikiki Bomber at the winning line. The time was 28.45 as Ballymac Merlin claimed third. (16.24 sec) HEAT 6 – Dubbed the clash of the night with Billys Diva meeting Ballymac Ariel, unfortunately on this occasion it didn’t materialize as Vigorous Buck (Droopys Jet – Vigorous Lindsey) benefited from some bad luck on behalf of Billys Diva. At traprise it was Billys Diva who showed big early pace from trap five and she held a narrow advantage into the opening corner from the improving Jacob Tashadelek in second. However, at this point space was at a premium and although Billys Diva was within a hair of making the turn, the duo came together which ended both chances of progressing any further in the competition. In contrast, Vigorous Buck railed well from one and took his chance as he shot clear down the back straight. Making every yard of the running thereafter, Vigorous Buck came home seven lengths clear of Ballymac Ariel, who finished well after walking from traps in second, with Ive Everything landing third.

The time was 28.61. (16.36 sec) HEAT 7 – In what looked a very open contest on paper, Valegro showed real determination and track craft to land heat seven. Owned by Paula and Maurice Heffernan, Valegro was led early on by One Time Only in trap one but he tracked expertly early on from trap five to dart up the inside of the aforementioned One Time Only and

from here, it was a professional display from the son of Ballymac Vic – Higher Level. Staying on stoutly in the closing stages, Valegro was only getting stronger in the final yards and he was a length and a half better off than One Time Only in second, as Benalmadena Roxy claimed the bronze position. The time was 28.64. (16.31 sec).

HEAT 9 – Ballymac Cashout was the headline maker last Saturday night at Limerick after posting an unbelievable 28.08 in a trial prior to racing and he was expected to land heat nine for Liam Dowling. However, it was All About Ted for trainer Peter Cronin who landed the spoils on this occasion. At traps, it was All About Ted who broke best of all wearing the striped jacket and a greyhound who has caught the eye in the past, William Rigley and Richard Brown’s charge swept the opening bend to take control. Followed closely by Ballymac Cashout, the latter piggy backed onto All About Ted at the second turn which halted his progress. However, showing fantastic speed down the back, Ballymac Cashout looked a massive threat rounding the bottom two bends before losing his footing once again. That said, All About Ted was very impressive given the amount of time he has been off the track and the son of Kinloch Brae - Enable stayed on well to land the spoils. Ballymac Cashout lost absolutely nothing in defeat to land second and he will no doubt be a threat going forward, while Epic News also ran a fine race in third. The time was 28.74. (16.32 sec).

HEAT 10 – De Machine clocked an excellent 28.16 in a tune-up trial last week and he was fancied to follow that up with a win. However, despite running a massive race in defeat, it was Hello Mikey (Tyrur Big Mike – Keeperhill Honey) who made Gary Silcock’s journey worthwhile in heat ten. It was Scala Omeara who led early from trap four and as De Machine met traffic early on, an upset was very much on the cards rounding the opening turn.

Striding out well in front, Scala Omeara was seeking what would be a big giant killing but creeping into contention was both Hello Mikey and De Machine, who were showing big speed in behind. The winning line now well within sight, De Machine steered a wide course on the run for home and despite finishing at a rate of knots, the inside line that Hello Mikey held proved crucial and he scored by a short head at the line. Scala Omeara ran a cracker to take third and the time was 28.77. (16.31 sec).

HEAT 11 – Pat Buckley looked to have a strong hand heading into heat eleven but Mallogs Stormzy (Droopys Roddick – Emers Poppy) didn’t read the script as he ran out a brilliant winner for owner Sean Drohan. It was Adamant Best who was expected to dictate early and he did so from trap three to show fantastic early gears and take the field into the back straight. Followed in second

by Barneys Road, there were two lengths separating first from second. However, Mallogs Stormzy was creeping into contention all the while and as he breezed past Barneys Road to move second, there was certain inevitability about the result thereafter. Clearly relishing the big galloping circuit, Mallogs Stormzy crossed line an ever extending four length winner over Adamant Best in second, while watch out for Runo Bruno in the coming weeks as he flew home to take third. The time was 28.70. (16.15 sec).

You polished off your silverware ...and told us your story!

VIRTUAL TROPHY PARADE

THE STORIES AND THE 3 WINNERS ARE........

Sean’s Proudest Day

"I'm from StakerWallace Gaa and the proudest day of my life was when we won the shield for u8 hurling in Glenbrohane gala day 2019. We were defeated by a point in 2018 and won by a point in 2019.

It was Staker Wallace's first time ever winning the shield so we made history. We now share our name on the shield with many well known Limerick hurlers like TJ Ryan and Graeme Mulcahy.

It's a day I will never forget it was better than Limerick winning the All Ireland. Sean is my name and I was lucky enough to be the captain on the day. Staker Wallace abu. I love my club."

Each will recieve a €200 LIMERICK GREYHOUND STADIUM VOUCHER! for use on reopening

Jennifer’s entry for St. Patrick’s Ladies Gaelic Football

On that day, our girls headed to Cappagh to play St Senans in the shield final. Our girls were nervous & excited as for many it was their first final.

The lead swapped many times, but at the final whistle, we were ahead by 1 point.

Our girls were absolutely delighted with the win. Our final at the crossroads is a fantastic memory for all our girls, as for most it was their first football silverware. We are also delighted that the vast majority of that team are still playing and can’t wait to get back to football again.

A Famous Victory - Anglesboro School Team South Champions 2020 “That day we headed to Martinstown not knowing, that it would be the last time we would step on the field as a team as we went into Lockdown a week later.

We made history that day being the second girls team in the schools history to win, we came out on top that against our club mates in Kilbehenny, the first one was in 2005 where Aine Mc Grath captained the team.

Twelve years later Aine won an All Ireland medal with Limerick it was great to be part of this sharing my last memory in primary school with my classmates and friends and to captain the team was amazing I’d like to think one day that I could follow in Aine’s footsteps.”

THE 2nd ROUND Saturday 3rd April

Saturday 3rd April

2ND ROUND & CLUB NOMINATORS HEAT 1 1 2 3 4 5 6

Bombardier Epic News Adamant Best Runo Bruno Benalmadena Roxy Clona Bolt

HEAT 2 1 2 3 4 5 6

Luminous Light Agent Stanley Coolavanny Lilly Scala Omeara One Time Only Rackethall Leo

HEAT 3 1 2 3 4 5 6

Thosedaysaregone Ballymac Merlin Darbys Delight Ballymac Belvult Deadly Tornado Rockalong Rocket

HEAT 4

1 2 3 4 5 6

Explosive Boy Bling Bling Paul De Machine Ballymac Cashout Deadly Destroyer Nitro Anto

HEAT 5 Ahane GAA Ballybrown GAA Adare GAA Cappagh GAA St. Patricks LGFA Feenagh Kilmeedy GAA

1 2 3 4 5 6

Scarty Yank Broke With Hope Droopys Fittes Mallogs Marley Romeo Magico Hello Mikey

HEAT 6 Monaleen Ladies Askeaton Ballysteen LGFA St. Patricks GAA Galbally GAA Kildimo/Pallaskenry GAA Dromin Athlacca GAA

1 2 3 4 5 6

Fabulous Azurra Bockos Belly Vigorous Buck Valegro Ballymac Ariel Vipers Buzz

HEAT 7

Monagea GAA St. Senans GAA Abbey Sarsfield GAA Knockaderry GAA Caherconlish GAA Galbally Handball Club

1 2 3 4 5 6

Zafiro Envoi Glengar Masha Flyers Iniesta Waikiki Bomber Mallogs Stormzy

HEAT 8 Askeaton GAA Fedamore GAA Hospital Herbertstown GAA Pallasgreen GAA South Liberties GAA Kilmallock GAA

1 2 3 4 5 6

Singalong Sally Rural Star Jackslittlething Ive Everything All About Ted Stonepark Leo

#Kirby2021

Monaleen GAA Monagea LGFA St.kierans GAA Mungret St. Pauls GAA Galtee Gaels GAA Mountcollins GAA

Ballysteen GAA Gerald Griffins GAA Kildomo/Pallaskenry Camogie Caherline GAA Doon GAA Newcastlewest GAA

Oola GAA Knockainey GAA Banogue GAA Staker Wallace GAA Blackrock GAA Old Christians GAA

Killeedy GAA Fr. Caseys GAA Bruree GAA Granagh Ballingarry GAA Ballybricken Bohermore GAA Castletown/Ballyagran GAA

THRILLS AND SPILLS IN CON & ANNIE KIRBY SECOND ROUND 2nd Rounds by Peter Farrell

After a number of sensational opening round performances in the 2021 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick greyhound stadium, last night’s second round action promised to make for fascinating viewing and there was no shortage of thrills and spills on the night as some big names went crashing out of the event.

Explosive Boy was the star of the opening round as he flew around the Limerick circuit to clock an unbelievable 28.08 and it was his heat in particular, heat four, which saw the biggest casualty of the night as Ballymac Cashout was eliminated. The shocks didn’t stop there however, as Clona Bolt, Rackethall Leo, Droopys Fittest, Romeo Magico, Jackslittlething, Coolavanny Lilly and All About Ted all made their exit from the competition on a night where the 2021 Kirby was blown wide open.

Heat 6 winner FABULOUS AZZURA

FABULOUS PERFORMANCE FROM AZZURA

Fabulous Azzura (Magical Bale - Fabulous Artist) is quickly establishing herself as another leading female in the Country and she further enhanced those credentials with a terrific performance in heat six.

Owned by David Firmager, Fabulous Azzura was seeking a brilliant fifth win from seven starts and just like last week, she bolted from trap one to lead the field a merry dance into the opening corner. Followed in second by the strong running Valegro, Ballymac Ariel was forced to settle for third upon entrance to the back straight.

Setting a ferocious gallop down the back, the chasing pack were making little inroads into Fabulous Azzura’s

lead as Ballymac Ariel was now challenging Valegro for the runners-up position. However, there was no catching the leader and Fabulous Azzura stayed on stoutly in the closing yards to cross the line three lengths clear of Valegro in second, with Ballymac Ariel just a head back in third. The time was a scorching 28.26, the fastest of the heats on the night. (16.04 sec)

DEADLY DEFEATS DE MACHINE

The most eagerly anticipated heat of the night was heat four which included last week’s fastest performer Explosive Boy and it made for fascinating viewing with no shortages of talking points.

After posting a sensational 28.08 last week from trap one, many would have expected Explosive Boy to reproduce his ping break on route to another routine victory. As with greyhound racing though, it rarely goes by the script and as Explosive Boy missed the kick slightly, it was Ballymac Cashout who pinged the boxes from trap four. The run to the opening bend would prove crucial and with Explosive Boy improving on the inside and Deadly Destroyer now showing sizzling early gears on the outside, Ballymac Cashout was to be the meat in the sandwich as the two speedsters edged Liam Dowling’s star out of contention rounding the opening turn. Heading into the back and Explosive Boy held his rails pitch to take a narrow advantage over Deadly Destroyer as the duo galloped into the penultimate turn with little to separate them. However, Deadly Destroyer, trained by Karol Ramsbottom, showed fantastic determination at this point and he swooped the third turn to take charge as the eye-catching Ballymac Cashout once again found trouble when improving back in third. Deadly Destroyer was now two clear turning for home but the race was far from over as De Machine, who was last entering the opening corner, was absolutely flying in behind and he looked nailed on for victory with fifty yards remaining. However, De Machine came together with Deadly Destroyer in the closing stages and the son of Droopys Jet - Cruel Intentions once again displayed all of his battling qualities in seeing off the late challenger.

A very nice display for Garry Hannon’s star tracker, the time was 28.52. Explosive Boy landed the final qualifying spot back in third as Ballymac Cashout, after a luckless passage, exited the stake. (16.20 sec).

OVER EARLY FOR BOMBARDIER

Pat Buckley has landed the Con & Annie Kirby on three occasions in the past and he sent out Bombardier who landed the opening heat of the night in comprehensive fashion.

Bombardier is best known for his strong running abilities from halfway but it was Javier Jarne’s charge who showed first wearing the red jacket and he led early on from Benalmadena Roxy in second. Traffic in behind at the

opening corner saw the progress of leading fancy Clona Bolt come to a halt and in contrast, both Bombardier and Benalmadena Roxy turned into the back straight clear. A real powerhouse of a greyhound, it was always going to take an almighty effort to overcome Bombardier and he extended his advantage to three lengths at the penultimate bend. Pressing home his lead in the final fifty yards, the son of Ballymac Matt – Ballymac Efirgie drew clear in the closing stages and at the winning line, the impressive July 19’ youngster was six and a half lengths better off than Benalmadena Roxy in second. Epic News claimed the final qualifying position in third and the time was a fast 28.31. (16.25 sec)

DRAW KEY FOR SCARTY

Heat five was stacked with greyhounds who all had live hopes of landing the spoils but it was Scarty Yank who used trap one to his advantage in leading from trap to line.

Many expected the buckle to be between two of last week’s most eye-catching performers in Droopys Fittest and Romeo Magico but it was Scarty Yank who trapped in front and in truth, once doing so it was lights out as a contest. Housed in one, Gary Dineen’s runner boxed brilliantly and as he drifted off the rail, he in effect made the race for himself as his rivals were also forced wide.

Turning into the back straight with clear daylight, Mallogs Marley was the nearest challenger in second, with Romeo Magico now improving into third after recovering from early traffic at the opening corner. However, a two length advantage soon doubled in the closing yards and Scarty Yank, a son of Droopys Sydney – Lisnaboy Scolari, stepped it up a notch to storm across the line with four lengths to spare over Mallogs Marley in second. Broke With Hope came back for more late on and he took third as the clock returned an exceptional 28.31. The leading fancies in the race, both Droopys Fittest and Romeo Magico, had luckless passages throughout and as a result both made their exit from the event. (16.20 sec)

second of the Ballymac’s, Ballymac Belvult, flew home to claim third. (16.11 sec)

STANLEY HOLDS ON

The second heat of the night had the look of a very open contest and this so proved as Agent Stanley got the better of Luminous Light to land the spoils.

As expected, it was Scala Omeara who showed first from trap four and the local runner showed the best of the early gears to lead into the back straight. The favourite meanwhile, Rackethall Leo, seemed to charge the traps slightly and as a result, he trailed the field around the opening corner and had a lot of work on his plate to qualify. Heading into the back straight and it was threeway buckle between Scala Omeara, One Time Only and Agent Stanley and it was the latter who flew up the inside to take charge, with One Time Only looking a real threat out wide in five. However, rounding the bottom two bends it was Agent Stanley who held all the aces and despite Luminous Light producing a big finish as he stuck to rails close home, Agent Stanley, owned by Patrick Flanagan and Erwin Birkmyre, held on to get the nod by a head. The time for the Marie Gilbert trained son of Laughil Blake – Sidarian Pearl was 28.56, with One Time Only also holding on to take the third qualifying position. Both Rackethall Leo and Coolavanny Lilly went crashing out. (16.17 sec)

Heat 7 winner ENVOI

DELIGHT FOR DARBY

After an eye-catching performance in the opening round of the Kirby, Thosedaysaregone was expected to make a bold bid in heat three but it was Darbys Delight who sprung a surprise in running out a very deserved winner.

Thosedaysaregone broke well wearing the red jacket but after being outpaced on the run to opening bend, the improving Deadly Tornado took control from trap five to lead into the back straight, closely followed by Ballymac Merlin in second. The lead changed hands down the back as the latter showed fine pace from two to three to storm to the front and at this point, the race looked all over as the strong running Ballymac Merlin looked a winner heading for home. However, creeping into contention all the while was Darbys Delight who showed brilliant track craft earlier in the race and the Connor Byrne owned greyhound railed around the home turn before delivering a late flurry in the closing stages. Powering past Ballymac Merlin approaching the line, the son of Over Limit – Kittys Box, trained by Neilus O’Connell, crossed the line with a half a length to spare. The time was a fast 28.42 as the

ENVOI UPSETS THE ODDS

There was another upset on the cards in heat seven as Envoi proved a cut above his rivals as he showed big speed from halfway to land the spoils.

Waikiki Bomber set the pace last week and he was once again swiftly into stride from trap five to get to the rails early and lead Envoi into the opening corner. Little to separate the leading pair up front, Envoi never broke stride rounding the second turn and within a matter of strides, Paula and Maurice Heffernan’s charge loomed alongside Waikiki Bomber at the midway point of the race and looked a major threat given his strong running

capabilities. Swooping the penultimate turn, Envoi stayed on well in the closing stages and the son of Ballymac Vic – Higher Level crossed the line with a length in hand over the fast finishing Flyers Iniesta in second. It was close for third with Zafiro just about booking his spot in next week’s quarter finals. The time was 28.62. (16.20 sec)

LEO MAKES ALL

The final heat of the night may have been the slowest in terms of the clock but take nothing away from the performance of Stonepark Leo as Mark O’Donovan’s greyhound produced a career best effort.

A noted eye-catcher last week when showing tremendous back straight pace, Stonepark Leo had a switch in seeding after that round and found himself in trap six last night.

However, despite this being a very hot heat indeed, the Michael Sean O’Dwyer owned greyhound showed terrific early gears to outpace his rivals early on and turn into the back straight with a healthy advantage. Holding a four length lead over Singalong Sally, who uncharacteristically missed her break from trap one, Stonepark Leo set a frantic gallop into the bottom two bends and despite coming back to the field late on, the son of Ballymac Best – Adamant Gem had two and half lengths in hand over Singalong Sally in second. The time was 28.78 as Rural Star stayed on well to advance in third. (16.33 sec)

BORDER IS ELECTRIC

Elsewhere on the card there were a number of smashing runs and the night got off to a flier in the opening race as Border Electric produced a career best effort for Gary and Donal Cooney.

Very much on the comeback trail in her last two starts after being off track for a year, Border Electric is firmly back to her best as she pinged the lids from trap two to take a comfortable lead into the opening corner. Stretch-

PREVIOUS WINNERS: 2013 ROXHOLME BULLY 2014 BOYLESPORTS HERO 2015 CABLE BAY 2016 DROOPYS RODDICK 2017 BENTEKES BOCKO 2018 DROOPYS DAVY 2019 TOOLMAKER JOSIE ing clear thereafter, the result was never in doubt for the daughter of Skywalker Puma – Borna Gem as she stayed on strongly to win by six lengths from Ballyelan Josie in second. The time was a slick 28.61.

Indeed, just as the night started with a Cooney winner, the night also ended in similar fashion as Runontheinside (Ballymac Vic - Glenlee) produced a trap to line display for connections. Bolting from trap two, Runontheinside put the contest to bed early as he showed brilliant speed down the back straight before staying on expertly to grab the win. Crossing the line three lengths clear of Lukes Fizz in second, the time was an excellent 28.64.

BLAKE BLITZES FIELD

The third race of the night proved to be another swift clock as Knockdine Blake showed impressive back straight pace to double his career tally.

Owned by Patrick Conlon and Helen O’Brien, Knockdine Blake was led into the back straight by Slanan Yum Yum but showed a fine turn of pace from bends two to three to storm to the front and take control. From here, the son of Laughil Blake – Mikeys Lass powered home and he crossed the line three lengths clear of Horsepound Gold in second. The time was 28.77.

UPCOMING EVENTS A1 550 Yards Stake - 22nd May Treaty Cup Open 350 – 12th June Limerick Stadium A2 Tri-Distance 550-600 – 17th July SIS Cambridgeshire Open 750 – 28th August

2ND ROUND - SATURDAY 3RD APRIL

EASTER COLOURING COMPETITION WINNERS!

Congratulations to

1st

Anna O’Neill aged 5, South Liberties

Congratulations to

1st

1st

Evan Murphy aged 8, Ballylanders

Congratulations to

Eoghan Murnane aged 11, Bruff GAA

THE QUARTER FINALS Saturday 10th April

Saturday 10th April

QUARTER FINALS & CLUB NOMINATORS HEAT 1 1 RURAL STAR 2 FLYERS INIESTA 3 LUMINOUS LIGHT 4 DE MACHINE 5 SCARTY YANK 6 EXPLOSIVE BOY

FR CASEYS GAA STAKER WALLACE GAA MONALEEN LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL HOSPITAL HERBERTSTOWN GAA MONALEEN GAA ASKEATON GAA

HEAT 2 1 ENVOI 2 BOMBARDIER 3 BALLYMAC MERLIN 4 BALLYMAC BELVULT 5 DARBYS DELIGHT 6 EPIC NEWS

KNOCKAINEY GAA AHANE GAA ST. SENANS GAA KNOCKADERRY GAA ABBEY SARSFIELDS GAA BALLYBROWN GAA

HEAT 3 1 SINGALONG SALLY 2 VALEGRO 3 BALLYMAC ARIEL 4 BROKE WITH HOPE 5 DEADLY DESTROYER 6 BENALMADENA ROXY

KILLEEDY GAA CAHERLINE GAA DOON GAA MONAGEA LGFA SOUTH LIBERTIES GAA ST. PATRICKS LGFA

HEAT 4 1 MALLOGS MARLEY 2 AGENT STANLEY 3 ONE TIME ONLY 4 FABULOUS AZURRA 5 ZAFIRO 6 STONEPARK LEO (M)

MUNGRET ST. PAULS GAA ASKEATON BALLYSTEEN LGFA KILDIMO PALLASKENRY GAA BALLYSTEEN GAA OOLA GAA CASTLETOWN BALLYAGRAN GAA

#Kirby2021

EXPLOSIVE BOY & SINGALONG SALLY BOUNCE BACK IN A DECISIVE NIGHT AT LIMERICK Quarter Finals by Peter Farrell EXPLOSIVE BOY & SINGALONG SALLY BOUNCE BACK IN A DECISIVE NIGHT AT LIMERICK Last night saw the quarter finals of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial take place at Limerick greyhound stadium and while Explosive Boy and Singalong Sally both bounced back from prior round defeats, few would have predicted the outcome of the remaining two quarter finals as a number of market leaders made their exit from the competition.

Despite quite a few opening round headline makers making their exits from the Kirby memorial last week, it certainly felt like a decisive night at the Dock Road circuit last night as the prestigious Classic was trimmed to just twelve runners. Ahead of the quarter finals there were many questions posed but perhaps the biggest question marks surrounded two of the outright market leaders in Explosive Boy and Ballymac Ariel. Could Explosive Boy overcome a tricky trap six berth? Was this the night that Ballymac Ariel returned to her very best form? Anyone that tuned into Talking Dogs TV saw contrasting fortunes for the aforementioned duo but as the competition now enters its semi final stages next week, the 2021 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial is coming to the boil nicely.

Normally it’s a case of saving the best to last but the opening quarter final of the night put a line through that theory as Explosive Boy (Good News - Delightful Girl) bounced back from defeat last time out for trainer Pat Guilfoyle. There was little doubt ahead of the opening heat that the biggest stumbling block separating Explosive Boy from victory was his draw in trap six.

However, for a greyhound who was two from two while occupying the outside boxes, those fears were put to bed early as he bolted from traps to show a devastating turn of early pace in the opening yards. Posting a 4.12 early sectional, Explosive Boy rounded the first corner with an already comfortable, three length advantage over Denis Lennon’s Luminous Light, while De Machine was just a length further back in third. Entering the back straight and Explosive Boy extended his lead to four lengths as he galloped into the penultimate turn in 15.87 with De Machine, who remained a huge threat, now moving into second at the crown of the third bend. Still all to play for in the final one hundred yards, Explosive Boy’s lead was cut in half but he wasn’t to be denied as despite the building pressure from De Machine, who ran another serious race in behind, Peter Sutcliffe’s star tracker crossed the line with a half a length in hand. The time was a magnificent 28.15 as Luminous Light ran another cracker in behind the leading pair to take third. (15.95 sec).

MASTERCLASS FROM SALLY

Next best on the clock came in heat three and this was dubbed the clash of night as Singalong Sally, Ballymac Ariel and Deadly Destroyer were all penned in together.

In truth however, this clash didn’t materialise as the Pat Buckley-trained Singalong Sally (Tullymurry Act - Droopys Smasher) produced a masterclass of front-running to get back to winning ways. From a very level break, it was Singalong Sally in red and Deadly Destroyer in trap five who emerged from the pack but as the latter pushed for the rails early on, bumping ensued and Singalong Sally made full use of her plumb pitch on the rails to turn the opening bend clear. Quickly establishing a four length lead into the back straight, Singalong Sally had clear daylight as Belnamadena Roxy benefited from her draw in stripes to swoop around in second, while Valegro occupied third at this point. Rounding the penultimate turn and barring incident, Singalong Sally had this contest in the bag as she tracked brilliantly around the bottom two bends to maintain her five length lead over the Benalmadena Roxy, who had now made the runners-up spot her own. All eyes were drawn to the battle for third in behind as Valegro, Ballymac Ariel and Deadly Destroyer were all staking a claim entering the home straight with just a length separating the trio. However, there was little doubt about the winner as Singalong Sally, owned by Gilbert Anderson, crossed the line five lengths clear to record a sizzling 28.21.

Belnamadena Roxy ran a cracker in behind for Stephen Pennel as she claimed second, and it was Valegro who held off the fast finish of Ballymac Ariel to land the final qualifying position in third. (16.09 sec)

STANLEY MAKES ALL

There was a shock in the final quarter final of the night as Agent Stanley made it back-to-back wins for Patrick Flanagan and Erwin Birkmyre with hot favourite, Fabulous Azzura going crashing out.

All eyes prior to the race would have been on Fabulous Azzura as she bid to maintain her unbeaten record in the stake. However, after completely fluffing the start from trap four, her Kirby tilt was quickly over. In contrast, Agent Stanley bulleted from trap two to clock a 4.12 early sectional and he took a commanding lead into the opening corner where he was followed by the improving Mallogs Marley in second. Heading into the back straight and Agent Stanley held a four length advantage as the Marie Gilbert trained son of Laughil Blake - Sidarian Pearl proceeded to set a frantic gallop in front with Stonepark Leo now beginning to wind up his challenge in third.

However, Agent Stanley was a dog on a mission and rounding the bottom two bends the impressive black, who now boasts eight wins from just fourteen starts, stayed

on well to cross the line a length and a half clear. Mallogs Marley kept the leader honest throughout and he finished at speed to close the gap in second, while Stonepark Leo landed the final qualifying position back in third. The time was a fine 28.40. (16.03 sec)

BELVULT BLOWS AWAY RIVALS

The remaining quarter final was the second of the night and it was Ballymac Belvult (Vulturi - Ballymac Belle) who overcame a tricky trap four draw to land the spoils.

Bombardier was ultra-impressive in winning his second round contest and he was largely expected to follow up that victory for trainer Pat Buckley. Indeed, it was Bombardier who trapped best of all from trap two as Darbys Delight, another impressive scorer last week, followed him up in second. Galloping into the opening corner and as Bombardier checked slightly on the inside, several run-

ners were crowded out of contention as the Liam Dowling pairing of Ballymac Belvult and Ballymac Merlin, who occupied the last two positions heading into the bend, both benefited from the traffic to dart through an inside gap.

It was Bombardier who still held a narrow advantage into the back straight as Epic News and Ballymac Belvult both loomed large and it was the latter who blew holes in his rivals down the far side to take charge at the crown of the penultimate turn. Bombardier was forced to check at this point, allowing Ballymac Merlin to slip through into second but from here, there was little doubt about the winner as Ballyma Belvult, a strong stayer, powered up the Limerick straight to record a convincing five length win over Bombardier, who came back for more late on. The time was 28.42 and Liam Dowling will be doubly represented next week as Ballymac Merlin also qualified in third. (16.46 sec).

QUARTER FINALS, SATURDAY 10TH APRIL

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SEMI-FINALS Saturday 17th April

#Kirby2021

Saturday 17th April

SEMI-FINALS & CLUB NOMINATORS 1st SEMI-FINAL

1 Explosive Boy 2 Benalmadena Roxy 3 Mallogs Marley 4 Agent Stanley 5 Bombardier 6 Ballymac Merlin

2nd SEMI-FINAL 1 Singalong Sally 2 Valegro 3 De Machine 4 Ballymac Belvult 5 Luminous Light 6 Stonepark Leo (m)

Askeaton GAA St. Patricks Ladies Gaelic Football Mungret St. Pauls GAA Askeaton Ballysteen Ladies Gaelic Football Ahane GAA St. Senans GAA

Killeedy GAA Caherline GAA Hospital Herbertstown GAA Knockaderry GAA Monaleen Ladies Gaelic Football Castletown Ballyagran GAA

#Kirby2021

BOY TURNS UP THE HEAT AS LEO UPSETS THE ODDS IN KIRBY SEMI FINALS Semi-Finals by Peter Farrell

THERE is little doubt that after a series of terrific performances thus far in the stake, Explosive Boy has been the star of this year’s Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick Greyhound Stadium and Pat Guilfoyle’s tracker produced another flawless display last night to power into next week’s €80,000 decider.

Anyone involved in the ownership or training aspect of greyhound racing will attest to the fact that the tension on a semi final night is even greater than that of the final itself, such as the prize at stake for reaching any final nevermind a Classic of this caliber. That said, connections of Explosive Boy and indeed Stonepark Leo would have lit up as their charges flashed from traps to put themselves into commanding positions early on in what proved to be two semi finals of an unbelievably high standard.

BOY AND STANLEY BATTLE IT OUT

Explosive Boy’s first round clock of 28.08 has yet to bettered in this stake but when the market leader was drawn to run from red in tonight’s opening semi final, a bold bid wasn’t out of the question given that a clear run was almost guaranteed for Peter Sutcliffe’s star tracker.

Indeed, that premonition came to light and as the hare flashed past traps, so too did the head of Explosive Boy as he bolted from his inside berth early on. Not to be outdone however, the Marie Gilbert trained Agent Stanley was alongside the favourite for the opening yards and as expected, he proved to be the biggest threat in terms of a possible upset. Posting a rapid 4.08 sectional early on, Explosive Boy scraped the paintwork as he tracked brilliantly around the first corner to quickly establish a two length lead over Agent Stanley in second. Meanwhile, Bombardier edged inwards early on from trap five and after appearing to brush the rail slightly, he lost momentum which allowed Ballymac Merlin to swoop around and occupy the third qualifying spot.

ALL OVER

At this point Explosive Boy was in full flow and he duly extended his advantage to four lengths down the back as Agent Stanley, try as he might, simply could not live with Pat Guilfoyle’s flying black and his job was to now hold the improving Ballymac Merlin to secure a safe passage into next week’s decider.

Motoring into the bottom corner, Explosive Boy clocked an amazing 15.85 sectional and he was showing no signs of fatigue despite setting what was a ferocious pace to this point. The lead extended even further in the closing yards as the son of Good News - Delightful Girl comfort-

ably crossed the line five lengths clear of Agent Stanley, who ran a fine race in second. The time was another sensational 28.08 as Ballymac Merlin claimed the third qualifying position back in third. Of the others, Bombardier produced his customary fast finish to miss out by just half a length in fourth, while both Mallogs Marley and Benalmadena Roxy fell fowl to poor starts which effectively ended any hopes of advancing.

LEO UPSETS THE ODDS TO POWER INTO KIRBY DECIDER

If the opening semi final was straightforward in terms of flashing from traps to make all, the second semi final made for fascinating viewing as a neck, a head, and three parts of a length separated the first four greyhounds home.

A five dog affair after the unfortunate withdrawal of Valegro, joint market leader Singalong Sally would have been short odds given there was now a vacant trap on her outer to contribute to an already attractive pitch in one.

However, although Singalong Sally pounced from trap one as expected, Stonepark Leo also broke fast and Mark O’Donovan’s greyhound proceeded to show an unbelievable burst of early speed to outpace his more fancied rival in the opening yards. Sweeping the bend in front wearing the striped jacket, Stonepark Leo led the field into the back straight as Singalong Sally followed in second, with De Machine, who shipped a hefty bump at the opening corner, sitting menacingly back in third.

EXCITING FINISH

Holding a two length lead into the far side, Stonepark Leo displayed that exceptional back straight pace seen in prior rounds and yet again, Singalong Sally was chasing down a greyhound who up to now, was the only rival to inflict defeat on the Juvenile Classic champ in this stake.

Maintaining a healthy advantage approaching the penultimate bend, Stonepark Leo posted a slick 16.00 sectional, however, the chasing pack of Singalong Sally and De Machine were now making swift progress into the lead.

Stonepark Leo had done a lot of running to get this point but he was begging for the line in the closing yards and it came just in time for Michael O’Dwyer’s black as he held on to record neck victory over Singalong Sally in second.

The time was an exceptional 28.25 as De Machine, who perhaps didn’t produce the finish many expected based on his exploits in behind Explosive Boy last week, landed the final qualifying position at the expense of Ballymac Belvult, who ran a terrific race to just miss out by a head.

The remaining runner was Luminous Light and after producing that brilliant display last week, a hefty bump at the opening turn put an end to his challenge although he is certainly one to watch out for in the future.

SEMI-FINALS SATURDAY 17TH APRIL

GAA SKILLS CHALLENGE Thank you to everyone whotook part in our Virtual Skills Challenge!

Have a look at some of the brilliant entries on Facebook,search #Kirby2021 AND #Virtual Skills WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK!

The Story So Far!

by Paul Cooney

Counting our many lucky stars in McManus sponsored Kirby

Amidst worrying times within a global pandemic, greyhound racing has successfully strived to do its utmost in curbing the effects on society which have so curtailed all aspects of life since a first nationwide lockdown at this time last year.

We did, and could continue to, lament the loss of the 2020 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial as the biggest casualty of our entire racing calendar but twelve months on, it is far more appropriate now to be thankful that we are enjoying a wonderful renewal of the richest juvenile race on the planet in 2021.

We are lucky, and very much so, for we have been afforded the opportunity to continue racing behind closed doors and here at Limerick, the renewal of our historical flagship event, the Irish St Leger, was nourishment for our resolve as we await the day when we can all gather at the bookies pitch once again. However, this current staging of Ireland’s youngest classic at a time when there is light at the end of the Covid tunnel, can hopefully now serve as a virtual and impending farewell to the restrictions which forced its cancellation twelve months ago.

Our good fortune does not stop there however, and one of the greatest sponsors the sport could ever welcome have reaffirmed their commitment to greyhound racing in Limerick as the classic named in honour of Noreen McManus’s late parents roared back to the Dock Road with exhilarating action throughout the past month.

Catering for our associated GAA Clubs with a more virtual participation this year, we do of course lack the unique atmosphere that only the Con & Annie Kirby can provide when two wonderful sporting communities combine to fill our Greenpark venue. However, the appetite amongst all involved has been satisfied in 2021 for not only have JP & Noreen McManus ensured a €150,000 prize fund in addition to the €20,000 GAA Club initiative, our most sporting of patrons have also fuelled greyhound racing’s final drive, in coping amidst this pandemic

PREVIOUS WINNERS: 2013 ROXHOLME BULLY 2014 BOYLESPORTS HERO 2015 CABLE BAY 2016 DROOPYS RODDICK 2017 BENTEKES BOCKO 2018 DROOPYS DAVY 2019 TOOLMAKER JOSIE world. Their continued support perennially enriches our racing experience and a timely lift right now, we must thank our lucky stars for Noreen & JP!

BOY IGNITES KIRBY IN EXPLOSIVE OPENER

With eight previous renewals, the racing impact of the Kirby is such that there is scarcely any need to point out that the starting field here at Limerick, in any staging, will go on to shape racing at the highest level over coming seasons. Each event houses future classic winners, top broods, award winners and stud dogs, and any doubt that 2021 would be more of the same were resoundingly dispelled in the very first heat of the opening round.

A National Puppy Stake finalist, Explosive Boy lived up to his name for trainer Pat Guilfoyle when swift to stride on the fence, he set a searching gallop while never sighting a rival throughout a nine-length defeat of Clona Bolt.

His blistering early pace registered an astounding 15.87 on the sectional clock before posting 28.08 for our 525yard trip, lighting the litmus on Kirby 2021!

In search of a fourth Kirby crown, Pat Buckley is the event’s leading trainer. His hattrick of victories with Droopys Roddick, Bentekes Bocko and Droopys Davy, is one of the single greatest training performances that the sport has ever known. Always arriving with a strong

team, the Cappawhite kennels got their 2021 campaign off to a flyer when Juvenile Classic heroine Singalong Sally returned a flawless Round One winner, posting 28.32 ahead of Thosedaysaregone and Stonepark Leo. A first Kirby victory remains one of the very few accolades to have eluded Graham Holland but once again confirming his designs on the title, the Golden trainer lay down his marker with an opening round treble as Romeo Magico led the way with a slick 28.40. His litter sister Fabulous Azurra led home a forecast for the ladies in her defeat of Coolavanny Lilly in 28.50 before Jackslittlething completed the Holland trio in the concluding heat of the round, posting 28.71 ahead of Scarty Yank in a bumpy affair.

Most notable amongst the remainder on opening night, Deadly Destroyer impressed when leading home Ballymac Belvult in 28.36 before Valegro held off One Time Only and Benalmadena Roxy in a highly competitive 28.64 clash. Closing the action, Droopys Fittest went on all shortlists when repelling Vipers Buzz by just three parts of a length in their thrilling 28.35 buckle.

AZURRA WAS DEADLY IN FABULOUS ROUND TWO

First round form proved not to be the best guide ahead of eight second round heats in the 2021 Kirby as only a brace of our thirteen opening night winners managed to repeat and with the ladies threatening to take command of the event, it was Fabulous Azurra who went fastest of all. Gathering admirers at every turn, she again displayed an enviable proficiency at trap rise before scorching to a three-length defeat of Valegro in 28.26, with Ballymac Ariel third.

The only remaining runner to register back-to-back wins was Karols Ramsbottom’s Deadly Destroyer and

TRACK RECORDS

the powerful galloper truly elevated himself to outright contention with the gamest of victories in a stacked heat.

Holding strong against a bump with Explosive Boy at the opening bend, he got the better of that Kirby favourite at the closing bends before fending off fast finisher De Machine by half a length in 28.52, as Ballymac Cashout bowed out.

An upset in the concluding heat of Round Two saw Mark O’Donovan’s Stonepark Leo claim the scalp of Singalong Sally in 28.78 but bolstering the Pat Buckley challenge, Trial Stake winner Bombardier bounced back to his best when posting a brilliant 28.31 in defeat of Benalmadena Roxy. Bursting into Kirby contention, Darbys Delight displayed powerful staying abilities in his 28.42 success with the Liam Dowling brace of Ballymac Merlin and Ballymac Belvult filling the places.

Improving for his first sight of Limerick in the opening round, early pacer Agent Stanley dominated in his 28.56 defeat of One Time Only for Marie Gilbert before Scarty Yank confirmed the form of his Trial Stake win with a slick 28.31 in defeat of Mallogs Marley. The remaining winner of the round delivered a first heat win within a strong challenge from the kennels of Maurice & Paula Heffernan as Envoi held off Flyers Iniesta in 28.62.

BOY BEST WITH SALLY BACK ON SONG IN QUARTERS

If the second round had left a very open complexion to Kirby 2021, a sizzling session of quarter final heats confirmed the fastest of Round One, to indeed be the fastest runners of the event and back to his brilliant best, Explosive Boy again set the standard when blazing a trail to 28.15 in the opener.

Overcoming a tricky draw in trap 6, a slick break saw his blistering early pace all but settle the race by halfway but

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

09/08/2011

750

Skywalker Logan

41.41

12/09/2020

800

Lodge Lady

44.54

22/11/2014

again producing a power-packed finish, the astounding Brendan Matthews challenger, De Machine, incredulously just failed to negate a five-length halfway deficit when going down by half a length, with Luminous Light third.

Another for whom second round defeat seemed only to bolster concentration ahead of the quarter finals, Singalong Sally got back to winning ways in thoroughly professional manner. Breaking adeptly from trap 1, her impressive pace approaching the first bend saw her lead Benalmadena Roxy throughout a five-length verdict while posting 28.21 as the progressive Valegro held off Ballymac Ariel for a precious third qualifying spot.

Conspicuous by his absence from the list of heat winners at that stage, this year’s Kirby harboured mixed fortune for the prolific Liam Dowling, but the second quarter final would bring a change of luck as he guided a brace of comrades to semi stage. Stalking early paced rivals to the opening bend, Ballymac Belvult railed well before setting sights on pacesetting Bombardier to halfway. His passing move at the third bend brought an eye-catching five-length verdict in 28.42 as Ballymac Merlin also advanced in third when a length adrift of Bombardier.

Fourth in the opening round, it didn’t take very long for Agent Stanley to acquaint himself with his Dock Road surroundings and elevating to serious outright contention, the Gilbert hopeful would enter the semis as the only survivor with back-to-back victories in the Kirby following another dominant display. The slick early pacer flashed from trap 2 and led Mallogs Marley throughout a one and a half length verdict in 28.50, with Stonepark Leo third.

BOY BLASTS AGAIN AS LEO LAYS DOWN MARKER IN SEMIS

With semi-final stage a nervous time for all connections, we reached our final line-up of six aspiring champions with a brace of sublime early paced performances as once again, Explosive Boy led the way on the clock, matching his stunning 28.08 from Round One. Back in the red jacket of trap 1, the Guilfoyle star made a swift exit to repel Agent Stanley for a half-length first bend lead but extending while turning, he blazed a trail to the closing bends, increasing his advantage with every stride. Registering an astounding 15.85 on the sectional clock, Explosive Boy was never threatened in a fivelength verdict over the gallant Agent Stanley as Ballymac Merlin overcame his daunting trap 6 draw to qualify in a close-up third.

Scoring second round victory over the more fancied Singalong Sally in Round Two, young Michael O’Dwyer’s Stonepark Leo repeated the feat in the second semi-final as his ideal draw in trap 6 saw the Mark O’Donovan charge lay down a significant marker ahead of this week’s €80,000 showdown.

With the best early pace on the outside, Stonepark Leo swept across the Kirby’s leading lady at the first turn before defending a strong two-length lead to the closing bends. Singalong Sally closed steadily thereafter but as De Machine finished with a rattle for third, Stonepark Leo

retained a neck winning margin at the line in a brilliant 28.25.

Our final line-up complete, all that remains is to thank our generous sponsors and of course, Con & Annie Kirby, for it is truly an honour to play even the smallest part in their “Kirby”, within a wonderful legacy which so greatly benefits our beautiful sport.

THE VERDICT: As with any greyhound race, the trap draw is the most crucial factor when attempting to decipher the winning puzzle and for the 2021 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Final, the draw drum was in mischievous mood.

With five inside seeds, it was inevitable that at least some of our finalists would face complications from boxes and indeed, it is difficult to envisage a clear path to the first bend for all. Explosive Boy has been paw-perfect in his three victories but if his second-round defeat confirmed anything, it was that he must lead around the opening bend if he is to reach a decisive halfway advantage.

The way he has trapped the last twice suggests that he can indeed lead once more but it must be remembered that he only held a half-length over Agent Stanley at the first bend last week when on the inside and if that was repeated, Explosive Boy would have to negotiate his way around that rival while turning this time.

There could be more immediate concerns for the favourite at trap rise however, as Singalong Sally is sure to move due left from trap 4. The brilliant bitch is capable of fast starts and when facing a near identical scenario in the final of the Juvenile Classic, she popped out and scampered to the rail ahead of early paced rivals in a dominant victory.

A repeat of that performance is needed from Sally now for if only producing a moderate break, she will be moving left into a rival that she won’t outpace to the bend, and if Singalong Sally and Explosive Boy do come together, it could spell curtains for the chances of both while opening the heat right up! It seems almost unfair to say after a month of brilliance from both, but their respective aspirations in the context of this final, have been reduced to a crucial first five yards!

The wonderful progress of Stonepark Leo within the Kirby has been a joy to witness, developing his racing skills while advancing from rank outsider to major final contention. Possessing exceptional early pace, his seeding has proved highly beneficial with the ability to contest the lead with clear racing room, and he will have that opportunity again as the best drawn dog in the final.

Any bumping to his inside will aid his cause and only a clear run will suffice for any wishing to reel-in this viable candidate for the early lead. The fancy prices are long gone, and you will find little dissuasion here if Stonepark Leo is your pick!

Next best drawn on the fence, Agent Stanley appears to have time to find but with the make-up of this race, it

may not work out that way. Trap 1 is a gift in context for he is infinitely capable of leading on the inside and if the traffic does materialise for the middle runners, some of those who can clock faster, will not get the opportunity. Its not beyond the realms that he could contest the lead with Stonepark Leo and in that scenario, it would be race on!

At first glance, we could be forgiven for entertaining only trio claims at best for Ballymac Merlin but from trap 5 and with Singalong Sally sure to move left, the Dowling pup can race with freedom to the opening bend. His win chance will depend on who leads up but with claims to turn close off the second bend, his backstraight pace can threaten. Confidence is tempered by the lack of a heat win however, a comment which also applies to De Machine.

The Matthews powerhouse is certain to finish fast and his effort behind Explosive Boy at quarter final stage

clearly showed that he has the pace to win classics.

However, highly likely to trail the entire field in the early stages, he may be required to plot a complicated course beyond halfway behind exalted rivals who will be difficult to overhaul.

Overall, and with all scenarios considered, the ability of Explosive Boy to exit traps on a full stride earns him the vote in the expectation that he can immediately gain a crucial advantage over Singalong Sally. Backing him to sweep across Agent Stanley at the first bend, he can be followed through at close range by Stonepark Leo before extending to a decisive lead at the closing bends. Having proved a trio banker throughout, De Machine gets the nod for third.

Selection: 3-6-2

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.

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THIS RUNS

Reminder, please update your greyhounds records on our RCETS Traceability app or website If you need help visit grireland.ie/tracehelp or get in touch with our team Call 061448120 or email rcets@grireland.ie Visit grireland.ie/tracehelp to view Frequently Asked Questions, download the apps and more

Limerick & Clare Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association Limerick & Clare Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association would like to take the opportunity to express a very sincere word of “thanks” to the McManus Family for their generous sponsorship of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Sweepstake; the single most prestigious provincial event on the greyhound calendar.

Best wishes to all finalists and their connections!

The Association shall endeavour to ensure the viability of Limerick Greyhound Stadium going forward.

To this end the organisation will continue to sponsor sweepstakes over various distances and across a wide range of racing grades.

Sponsoring an event is an ideal way of getting your “brand name” into the public domain.

If you are interested in sponsoring a sweepstake why not contact one of the committee members for details.

The Association enjoys a good working relationship with Greyhound Racing Ireland together with Limerick Track Management and Staff. It shall continuously strive to achieve standards of excellence on behalf of its members.

www.limerickandclaregoba.com

GREYHOUND CARE AND WELFARE RCÉ Injuries at Tracks Recovery Scheme RCÉ wish to remind all Owners and Trainers that funding is available through the “Injuries at Tracks Recovery Scheme” for the treatment of greyhounds which have been injured while racing at RCÉ Licensed stadia. The Scheme is open to all owners and trainers who have incurred veterinary costs in the treatment of greyhounds to repair a *career-ending orthopaedic (bone) injury. *Career ending bone injuries may include fractured hocks, fractured long bones and multiple fractures of the metacarpals/metatarsals.

An application to the Scheme shall be made in the knowledge that the greyhound will be immediately retired from competitive action (trials and races) following its treatment and every effort must be made to find this greyhound a suitable home. This greyhound shall not be used for breeding purposes. Any greyhound that has been treated through the Scheme shall not be sold or given away for other purposes including breeding and racing.

A fully paid invoice from the veterinary practice that completed the treatment of the greyhound and the completed application form together with a veterinary certificate of treatment issued by the ‘track vet’ at the time the injury occurred, shall be submitted when applying to RCÉ for funding under this Scheme. RCÉ may require additional evidence regarding the retirement details of the greyhound prior to settling any application for funding.

Assistance funding will be set at 50% of the veterinary cost, up to a maximum of €500 for hock or long bone injuries, per greyhound.

RCÉ is committed to encouraging responsible greyhound ownership and spreading the message amongst industry patrons that all racing greyhounds must be treated with care and that after racing each greyhound is afforded an opportunity to enjoy a happy retirement.

Note that all claims from the GRI Track Injury Recovery Scheme will be individually assessed and reviewed in detail. GRI reserves the right to withhold payment if it has reason to believe the claim to be fraudulent.

The Application Form for the Assistance Funding through this Scheme is available at www.grireland.ie/Resource/greyhound-welfare/injury/

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE CLUBS

TRAP 1

AGENT STANLEY ASKEATON BALLYSTEEN LGF

TRAP 2

DE MACHINE

HOSPITAL HERBERTSTOWN GAA

TRAP 3

EXPLOSIVE BOY ASKEATON GAA

OUR MISSION for this club is to provide a sporting and social outlet for the girls and women of our community. We want this club to become a place where girls and women can experience all the benefits of being part of a team, through a fun healthy and supportive environment, while learning the skills of Ladies Gaelic Football.

We hope to foster a strong sense of pride of place and Gaelic culture within our club that will stay with the our members for a lifetime.

The original club was formed in the early 1990’s and reestablished briefly in the mid 2000’s. In 2017 a group came together and reformed the club, with it becoming official with the county board in 2019.

We are delighted to have many of the original members from the 90’s now play-

ing with the G4MO and signed up as coaches for the G4G In the mid 90’s we won the Junior League and championship. There were various other wins over the years. We were fortunate to have some county players in the club during the 90’s. There was great cameraderie and support for each other.

We are starting Gaelic4Girls (8 to 12 year olds) this Summer and from there want to establish a strong foundation for competitive teams for years to come. ​Our G4MO team was formed in 2017 and we were delighted to be selected for the LGFA October blitz in Dublin in both years 2018 and 2019. We are looking forward to 2021 & feeling positive about the years ahead.

HOSPITAL/HERBERTSTOWN GAA CLUB was initially inaugurated in 1885 making it one of the very oldest clubs in the country.

In the same year we played and won our first hurling match.

Our club has had much success on the playing field in both football and hurling over the years and has a proud tradition of providing a high calibre of player for our County teams.

Our home ground is St John's Park in hos-

pital where we currently have fine facilities at our disposal and readily make them available to many other local groups and organisations.

Our current membership is in excess of 200, fielding a large number of under age and adult teams in both hurling and football.

Hospital/Herberstown Gaa Club prides itself in being at the centre of our community with whom we regularly engage via news letters and social media.

ASKEATON GAA was formed in 1891 . We are a Junior hurling club but we have had many different forms down through the years. Askeatons club has taken many forms down through the years being both hurling and football and won many a West senior football title being especially dominant in the mid 80s.

We have seen different amalgamations with other parishes such as Kilcornan in the 90s also known as the Desmonds, and joining with old rivals St Kieran’s more recently .We have very close ties with the other half of the parish Ballysteen who are a Senior Football club and in 1995 the Bord Na Nõg was formed.

Askeaton has lost and won many west

and county junior a and b hurling titles in recent years . We have been very fortunate to have many representatives on County teams in both codes most notable names such as Tommy Carrig RIP Basil Fitzgibbon RIP , Tony Fitzgerald RIP Fintan Ryan, Paddy Ivess, Enda Mc Daid,, Albert Bourke RIP Sean Fitzgerald , Brian Costello, Raymond Hayes, James O Meara to name but a few and we were very proud to have William O Meara on the panel of the All Ireland winning Senior hurling team of 2018 and we had a great celebration when we held our annual Memorial Day in conjunction with a visit from Liam Mc Carthy and it was a sight to behold when William along side some of

ASKEATON GAA continued...... his team mates held the Liam McCarthy up in front of our historic Desmond Castle. It was a day to remember for a small West Limerick hurling club.

We have one of the best grounds in West Limerick and in the 80”s and 90s it was the home for Limerick Senior Football .

We currently host the Bord Na Nog from under 6 to

TRAP 4

SINGALONG SALLY KILLEEDY GAA

TRAP 5

BALLYMAC MERLIN ST. SENANS GAA

TRAP 6

STONEPARK LEO (m) CASTLETOWN BALLYAGRAN GAA

under 17s in both codes along side our Juniors and our ladies footbal so it’s a very busy spot .In 2019 with the guiding assistance of Donal Fitzgibbon and Seamus Toomey we developed a 3 year plan and as a result we are about start phase 1 and we are about to turn the sod on a new hurling wall and Astro turf and upgrading of our club house so if we won the money it would be more than welcome.

KILLEEDY GAA CLUB is located in West Limerick and derived its name from the Irish name Cill Íde which means Church of St Ita. In the sixth century,St. Ita travelled from Waterford to set up her monastery in Killeedy. St Ita is the patron saint of Killeedy and Limerick.

Killeedy GAA Club was formed in 1932 under the stewardship of then curate Fr. Murphy. Master Willie Fitzmaurice was the first Chairman with Jack Murphy as Secretary and Tom Anglim as Treasurer.

Since then, the club has grown in strength winning county hurling finals at senior level in 1980, intermediate in 1992 and numerous underage finals over the last 89 years.

Numerous Killeedy hurlers have had the hon-

our of representing Limerick at county level with some of our hurlers winning National League , Munster and All Ireland medals.

Over the years , Killeedy GAA has engaged in ambitious fundraising and development programmes resulting in state of the art club facilities in the village of Raheenagh. These facilities include two fully developed hurling pitches, a walkway around the pitch, a new wall ball,a hand ball court , gym, meeting rooms, dressing rooms, play ground and car park.

Killeedy has had the honour of hosting the Junior B, All Ireland Hurling Competition and Finals since 2005 and is looking forward to doing so again in the near future.

FROM THE INCEPTION of the GAA Gaelic games have played an important role in the Parish of St Senan’s.

Initially teams representing Shanagolden, Barrigone and Foynes were formed. In 1947 the four corners of the parish were united and St Senan’s GAA Club was formed following a public meeting in Foynes. Games commenced on a green field in Foynes and today that field is known as Páirc Na nGeal Naomh Senáin.

Many success have followed at under age Junior, intermediate and senior levels and today our club boasts a very competitive Intermediate team a long with a large number of very talented underage teams who will hopefully continue to represent our club with distinction in the years to come.

The formation of the LFGA teams in the last two to three yearsin the club have opened up our national sport to many females in the club.

CASTLETOWN AND BALLYAGRAN have always been associated with Gaelic games.The late 30’s and 40’s saw the emergence of an outstanding Castletown team which won the West Limerick junior hurling championship of 1946 and followed on to win a historic three in a row. In 1957 Castletown were transferred to the South division and won the South junior hurling championship in 1958.

Castletown/Ballyagran GAA club was formed in 1963. Our junior hurlers’ contested six South finals over a 12 year period but without success. In 1985 the barren spell was broken when we won the South junior hurling championship and history was achieved the following year when we won the County Junior hurling championship beating Feenagh/ Kilmeedy in the final. In 1987 Castletown/

Ballyagran competed in the Limerick Senior hurling championship and competed in the intermediate championship the following year with the introduction of the intermediate championship to Limerick hurling.

For the next 15 years the club played at intermediate grade winning two all-county league titles. The club was relegated to junior status in 2001 and consisted the County Junior hurling championship finals of 2002 & 2003 losing out to Kildimo and Feenagh/ Kilmeedy.

In recent years our underage club has amalgamated with Bruree, playing as Killacolla Gaels from U-14 to U-21, this has brought a lot of success with Killacolla Gaels winning Hurling & Football titles in the South Limerick division and at county level.

Kindly Sponsored by

JP & Noreen McManus

1 2 3 4 5 6

AGENT STANLEY

A blistering early pacer with a brace of heat victories, Marie Gilbert’s Agent Stanley is the oldest and most experienced of our finalists. Scoring second round victory in 28.58, he improved to his best of 28.40 when going back-to-back at quarter final stage. He has form to find with Explosive Boy from last week’s semifinal second but could not have found a better draw now. His path to victory is clear, break well, defend the inside rail and skip clear thereafter. A bold showing is very much expected. 5-1

DE MACHINE

Seeking a third Kirby title for trainer Brendan Matthews, De Machine remains without a heat win but has been one of the event’s greatest attractions with his astounding prowess beyond halfway. Producing his best effort when recovering significant ground to only lose out by a half a length to Explosive Boy at quarter-final stage, that was a near incredulous effort and a trio banker now, expect to see him flying at any prospective leader in the closing stages. Enigmatic, while blessed with exceptional pace, he will have many supporters from a suitable draw. 4-1

EXPLOSIVE BOY

The sensation of Kirby 2021, Explosive Boy bids to deliver a first victory in the event for trainer Pat Guilfoyle. The fastest ever to the third bend at Limerick with a 15.85 sectional in his semi-final victory, he repeated his opening 28.08 then, and is the fastest of our finalists. Blistering early pace his forte, should he lead to the opening bend, it would require a monumental effort to claw him back. Away from the flanks for the first time, his draw is a concern, however, should he again exit traps on a fluent stride, he holds every claim to dominate once more. A worthy favourite! 5-4

SINGALONG SALLY

Already a champion having claimed the Juvenile Classic on-route to the Kirby, the last surviving lady is the wonderful Singalong Sally who bids to deliver a fourth Kirby title for trainer Pat Buckley. She has twice suffered defeat to Stonepark Leo but her two heat victories have been utterly imperious. She can start, possesses powerful middle pace, and stays every yard. If she leads, she will not be passed but it must be conceded that her draw is tough. She will seek the rail in the early exchanges, but she did that when winning the Juvenile from the same Trap 4 berth. Omens aplenty, with class in abundance, Sally is a big player! 9-2

BALLYMAC MERLIN

The last surviving member of a star-studded team from the kennels of Liam Dowling, Ballymac Merlin’s path to the final has been that of a hugely progressive pup and although without a heat win, he has repeatedly displayed powerful back-straight pace, coupled to brave battling qualities. He has plausible claims for clear racing room in the early stages and that brings a chance, for should he turn on the tail of any prospective leader, any of his rivals would struggle to contain him to the closing bends. No forlorn hope for his prolific handler. 25-1

STONEPARK LEO

Our most inexperienced finalist and it would be a feat of training brilliance if his young handler Mark O’Donovan can complete the Kirby campaign of Stonepark Leo with victory. Making just his second 525yard start in the opening round, the slick early pacer has progressed in every outing, culminating in a brilliant semi success while posting 28.25. Ideally drawn, he is almost assured clear passage on the outside and although he scarcely needs it, his bid could well be aided by traffic amongst those to his left. For many he arrives late to serious Kirby reckoning but improving in timely fashion, he is a major player now! 5-1

Result Dist.

1st

____

2nd

3rd

____

4th

5th

6th

____ ____ ____

Time

AGENT STANLEY

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

Askeaton Ballysteen LGF DE MACHINE

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

Hospital Herbertstown GAA EXPLOSIVE BOY

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

Askeaton GAA

SINGALONG SALLY

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

Killeedy GAA

BALLYMAC MERLIN

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

St. Senans GAA

STONEPARK LEO

GAA CLUB NOMINATOR

Castletown Ballyagran GAA FORMGUIDE: Win/Place: 3 Reverse Forecast: 3-6 Trio All Ways:3-6-2

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LIMERICK OAKS 525

For 36 bitches @ €30 each

Winner €3,500

Second €1,200 Third €600 Starting Saturday 1st May **** Final 15th May ****

Entries close Monday 26th April 12 noon Entries by Text to 085-8797575 or Email james.murray@grireland.ie (PRIZEMONEY SUBJECT TO ENTRIES)

MEETING DATE : 24th April 2021 MEETING NO : 37 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.

Control Steward : Jeff Griffin Hare Driver : Andrew Barrett / Jimmy Quinn Groundstaff : Tommy Bolton / Andrew Barrett / Patrick Kenny Judge : John’ O Donnell / Emer O’Donnell / Slaney Mulcair Time Keeper : J.Murray Vet Surgeon : A Hanley MVB MRCVS Stewards:J.Griffin,J.Murray,J.Waters,J.Thompson,P.Maher&Officials

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.

www.limerickgreyhoundstadium.ie