NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM TIM LUCEY, CEO OF RCÉ / GRI

GRI

As published in this week's issue of the Sporting Press. 

On behalf of Rásaíocht Con Eireann, I want to wish all readers of The Sporting Press a very happy New Year.

On the track, 2023 was a wonderful year for Irish greyhound racing with our Classics drawing huge attendances yet again.

Our trainers and owners and, indeed, our dogs continued to thrill spectators and maintain Irish greyhound racing’s status as a world leader, and they deserve our recognition and thanks for their contribution. I also wish to acknowledge the staff of RCÉ and greyhound stadia across the country for their ongoing efforts and commitment to delivering a quality service.

The greyhound racing community can look forward to the new year with optimism as we work to grow attendances at our stadia and further expand our care and welfare programmes.

The Features and Classic calendar for 2024 promises to provide yet another memorable year on track. Commencing with the Dublin Cup 525 at the home of Irish greyhound racing in Shelbourne Park on January 5th, the year features almost 140 events in stadia across the country with the usual highlights being the St. Leger, Oaks, Laurels and Derby.

I wish to acknowledge the Government’s continued support for greyhound racing through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. This funding has assisted RCÉ with the expansion of a range of care and welfare initiatives and placing our sector back on a solid footing following the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Further progress is planned for 2024 in traceability, which is vital to safeguarding the future of our sport. Since it was launched in 2021, the Rásaíocht Con Éireann Traceability System (RCÉTS) continues to be met with high compliance by the greyhound community regarding their obligations.  I want to thank RCÉ staff and the wider greyhound community for their ongoing work to ensure that highest possible standards are met daily.

As CEO, I am committed to proactively promoting and further enhancing the profile of our sport and building a sustainable and successful industry.

It is a great honour for me to lead RCÉ into 2024 and I look forward to meeting with members of our greyhound community across Ireland throughout the year.

Go raIbh míle maith agaibh.

Tim Lucey
CEO, Rásaíocht Con Éireann