ACTION will recommence on Saturday (7.40pm onwards) in the 11th edition of the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Juvenile Classic at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.
GAA clubs across the county will have an involvement as nominators, which carries a prize fund of €20,000.
A new biodiversity element had each club plant a tree at the stadium, a lasting tribute to the competition and its impact on communities.
“We are thrilled to once again host the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick Greyhound Stadium,” said Tim Lucey, CEO of Limerick-head quartered Greyhound Racing Ireland.
“This event truly embodies the spirit of community and sportsmanship, bringing together Limerick GAA clubs and greyhound racing enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience. We are grateful to JP and Noreen McManus for their continued support and sponsorship, and we look forward to another successful year.”
The classic is run in memory of Ms McManus’ late parents, loyal followers of the sport over many years.
Leading trainers, such as Graham Holland, Brendan Matthews, Liam Dowling, Robert Gleeson, Michael O’Donovan, Owen McKenna, and three-time winner Pat Buckley of Doon all have multiple entries, while many local handlers will also be represented.
Last year’s winner was Clonbrien Treaty, trained by Holland and owned by the Murphy family of Athlacca, with Knockainey GAA as nominator (€10,000).
The winning connections after the final on April 20 will earn €80,000 from a total prize fund of €160,000.
Meanwhile, Limerick will host the National Greyhound Awards next month, it has been confirmed.
Here the recently deceased Denis O’Malley, Drombanna, has been announced as the Hall of Fame recipient, an accolade that will be accepted by his wife Carmel. Denis’ training career stretched over many decades and he was a popular figure at tracks across Ireland.
