OUR PEOPLE, THE GENERATIONS: MEET THE RAMSBOTTOMS FROM COUNTY LAOIS
GRI
The Ramsbottom Family story in greyhound racing starts in 1966 with now Grandad Billy and his brother, Fr. Pat Ramsbottom. Billy who was farming in Garryglass, Co. Laois, purchased 2 pups from John Madden in Bagnelstown . These pups then returned to the family farm to be reared and trained and thus started a life-long love of greyhound racing.
His late wife Mary (who was a regular face at racing and who unfortunately passed away a number of years ago) was key in the day to day management of the kennels and her influence and love of greyhound racing lives on through Billy, her children and grandchildren.
Over the years Billy had lots of help with his 8 children taking an active role in walking and caring for the greyhounds daily needs. During this time the family raced their greyhound in Enniscorthy, Kilkenny & Newbridge, and they fondly recall all 8 children and the racing greyhound heading off together in the back of the car (this was before back seat seatbelts!). Billy and Karol talk about their first big win with pride. It was in 1996 with Garryglass Darkie and the Leger in Enniscorthy. This was home trained and Karol had the honour of leading out their champion.
Karol also struck lucky through his connection with greyhound racing as it is through the sport he met his future wife Linda Brennan (who is also a champion in her right as she was a player on the 2001 All Ireland Winning Laois Senior Ladies Football Team). Linda is the daughter of PJ Brennan, well-known himself in greyhound racing circles.
Originally, it was son Liam who got the training bug and took his licence out to train full-time, but has now made the move to a behind the scenes role, rearing greyhounds for owners.
It is now youngest son Karol who is the trainer in the family and he has approximately 20 greyhounds in his kennels at any one time for a select number of owners. Nowadays he has his own set of willing kennel hands as he and Linda have been joined by daughters Mia (aged 8), Lauren (age 7), Ellie (aged 5) and Amy (age 3).
While capturing a major classic title is still an ambition, Karol has been within touching distance over the past number of years. He has however captured the Kilkenny Derby Title (formerly known as the Langton Derby) three times (once under the ownership of his daughter Mia), Champion Puppy 550 and Winter Racing Festival with champion greyhound Deadly Destroyer. Many of his charges are amongst the most recognisable names in the sport including Sliabh Liag, Pablo Escobark, Deadly Showtime, Sober Glory & Deadly Jet.
With such passion for the sport still evident in their Mum, Dad & Grandads it is not a surprise to find the family at Kilkenny Track most Friday nights and Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium when they have a runner. Both Karol & Linda agree that the “a night at the dogs” is their preferred family social outing and the girls love nothing more than helping Dad to lead out their greyhound, along with catching up with all their friends!
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