Irish Laurels Roll of Honour

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A Brief History of the Irish Laurels

The Irish Greyhound Laurels dates back 70 years to 1944 when the Classic was first run at the old Western Road venue over the then distance of 500 yards.

Probably the most famous winner of the Laurels was Spanish Battleship who raced to glory in 1955. The great greyhound has a unique place in Irish greyhound history as a three-time winner of the Irish Derby, 1953, '54 and '55.

The Laurels now runs over 525yds in Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium, it was previously run over 500 Yards up to 1960.

The Laurels is currently sponsors by Bar One Racing, in partnership with Friends and Supporters of Cork Greyhound Racing. The competition continues to be the biggest greyhound racing competition in Cork. 

WINNERS SHARE THEIR CHERISHED LAURELS MEMORIES

The Dowling family took home their first Laurels title on Saturday night as Ballymac Kamala won the 2026 BAR 1 Betting Irish Laurels, adding their names to the prestigious Roll of Honour.

They join a select group of Laurels champions who will forever recall their memories of winning Cork's biggest Greyhound Racing event.

VIDEO: WHAT IT MEANS TO WIN THE LAURELS

As part of our live TV show on Virgin Media, we spoke to Kieran Lynch, the O'Regans and Dolores Ruth to recall that special moment when winning the Laurels.

If you cannot see the embedded video above, click here to view on our Youtube channel.

VIDEO: ANDY LYNCH REMEMBERS HIS FATHER'S LAURELS WIN IN 1951

On Saturday night, Andy Lynch and family were hoping for another Laurels success with Sure Exile. While it wasn't to be on the night, we were delighted to get the opportunity to share memories of Laurels past with them.

The family brought the 1951 Laurels trophy, won by Knockrour Favourite in the Western Road, owned by Andy's father, John Lynch. Andy also recalled his brother's famous wins from 1978 - 1980 with Knockrour Girl and Knockrour Slave.

A massive thank you to the Lynch family for bringing a wonderful piece of our sporting history along to the @BAR1Betting Irish Laurels Final on Saturday night. The 1951 Laurels trophy won by Knockrour Favourite in the old Western Road. Andy Lynch chatted to Barry @Drakesport about a massive win for his dad Jack and the honour of being part of the Laurels history, and also recalls his brother's great success with Knockrour Girl and Knockrour Slave from 1978 - 1980. The Lynchs were back in the Laurels Final on Saturday night and while it wasn't to be on the night, well done to all involved on their achievements. #IrishGreyhoundLaurels #GoGreyhoundRacing #ThisRunsDeep

— Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium (@CorkDogs) October 21, 2026

If you cannot see the embedded video above, click here to view it on X.

Bar One Racing Irish Laurels Roll of Honour