12TH ANNUAL CON & ANNIE KIRBY MEMORIAL LAUNCHED AT LIMERICK GREYHOUND STADIUM
GRI
It was a busy night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Thursday 13th March, as the team hosted the launch of the 12th annual Con & Annie Kirby Memorial, sponsored by JP and Noreen McManus.
The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial stands out as a hallmark event in the greyhound racing calendar, known for its innovative format that brings together Limerick GAA clubs and the greyhound racing community. As with previous years, each participating club is allocated a greyhound, with the final six clubs sharing a generous prize fund of €20,000 for use in the development and support of their club activities.
John Touhey, CFO Greyhound Racing Ireland, Pat Flanagan, Chairman Greyhound Racing Ireland, Frank Reidy, Vice Chairperson of Limerick Greyhound, and Tim Lucey, CEO Greyhound Racing Ireland at the 2025 Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Launch at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. The event, sponsored by JP and Noreen McManus, is a unique partnership between Limerick Greyhound and Limerick GAA and starts on Saturday 22nd March with the Final takes place on Saturday 19th March.
Following the remarkable success of the 2024 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial, where 17-year-old trainer Daniel O'Rahilly triumphed over seasoned competitors with his greyhound Knockeen Dazzler to claim the €80,000 winner's prize, this year's theme, "Growing Champions," celebrates the journey of young greyhounds and their trainers as they strive for excellence.
Over the past 11 years, the greyhounds that have competed in this prestigious juvenile race have gone on to win numerous classic events including:
- 5 DERBY WINNERS
- 5 LEGER WINNERS
- 3 LAURELS WINNERS
- 3 EASTER CUP WINNERS
- 2 OAKS WINNERS
- 7 PRODUCE STAKES WINNERS
- 3 IRISH SPRINT CUP WINNERS
- 5 X 600 WINNERS
- 4 CORN CUCHULAINN WINNERS
- 2 CESAREWITCH WINNERS
- 2 CHAMPION STAKES WINNERS
- 1 ENGLISH DERBY WINNER
- 1 ENGLISH LEGER WINNER
- 5 GREYHOUND OF THE YEAR WINNERS
The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial continues to be a cornerstone in the greyhound racing calendar, fostering the next generation of champions.
"We are thrilled to once again host the 2025 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick Greyhound Stadium," said Tim Lucey, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland. "This year's theme, 'Growing Champions,' 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 winning greyhound & connections will take home an impressive €80,000, confirming the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial as one of the richest events in Irish greyhound racing outside of the prestigious Irish Greyhound Derby.