CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM FRANK NYHAN, CHAIRMAN OF RCÉ / GRI

GRI

As published in this week's Sporting Press:

On behalf of the Board and staff of Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ), I would like to acknowledge The Sporting Press for its positive and comprehensive coverage of greyhound racing and matters affecting our industry throughout 2023.

It has been another wonderful year for Irish greyhound racing, with some memorable performances and ongoing positive media coverage of the sport.

We have seen some fantastic racing action with some real highlights. The achievement of Clonbrien Treaty to record a brilliant double by winning the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial in Limerick early in the year and then to return against his elders in November and win the Leger is a feat that may never be repeated.

We were treated to some brilliant racing throughout the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby which culminated in trainer Jennifer O’Donnell recording back-to-back victories when The Other Kobe followed the success of his litter brother in 2022.

The Winter Racing Festival, featuring a prize fund of more than €170,000 over the weekend, provided us with some real quality racing and, once again, showcased our stars over all distances.

Off the track, staff continued their good work in delivering RCÉ’s ever expanding programme of welfare and care initiatives from RCÉTS to our ongoing support for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT). This progress is reflected in the recent opening of the latest Greyhound Care Centre in Kildare, the first such centre to open in Leinster and the first facility that will operate exclusively for Irish rehomings. Our inspection regime of greyhound establishments has also intensified. 

I want to thank and congratulate staff and for their efforts and commitment to delivering a quality public service to the wider greyhound community.

I would also like to express my gratitude for the outstanding cooperation we have received from the greyhound racing community nationwide. Your commitment and continued work for the betterment of the sport has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in achieving our collective goals.

With a supportive Board, RCÉ will continue to invest in the sport we love and grow our positive relationship with the wider greyhound racing community across Ireland during 2024.

I wish readers you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh.

Le meas,

Frank Nyhan
Chairman, Rásaíocht Con Éireann