WILLIAM HANLON

Greyhound racing lost another great stalwart earlier this week with the passing of William Hanlon, or Billy as he was known to his many friends.

For many years Billy was a permanent fixture at Kilkenny track with his greyhounds carrying the ‘Fennis’ prefix.

Indeed, Billy was a shrewd handler and was lucky enough to train a few good ones through the years and loved nothing more than making a raid on Dublin. The likes of Fennis Brae, Fennis Buzz, Fennis Ollie and Fennis Ted were amongst his most prolific, winning a combined 55 races between them. Indeed, Fennis Buzz actually won six on the trot and was a finalist in the McCalmont Cup.

His love for the sport was clearly infectious as his son Willie is also a talented handler of greyhounds and was part owner of Derby champion Born Warrior, while John, better known as Shark to most, is a top horse racing trainer but also a successful greyhound owner.

In turn, both Willie and John’s sons have huge interest in greyhound sport meaning Billys legacy in the sport will likely live on for many years to come. A real gentleman, Billy will be missed by all. A great supporter of Kilkenny track, there was scarcely a night he wasn’t present along with his beloved wife Brenda.

In fact, such was his standing at his local track, in recent years he was inducted into the Kilkenny Greyhound Racing Hall of Fame. Those that were lucky enough to spend time in Billy’s company will miss him dearly, while Kilkenny just won’t be the same without him.

We would like to take this opportunity to send on our sincerest condolences to his wife Brenda, his sons Martin, John and Willie, his daughters Margaret and Mary, his much-loved grandchildren, his brothers Greg, Marty and Jim, daughters-in-law Collette, Jean, Rachel, sons-in-law Sean and Terry, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends.

May He Rest In Peace.

Funeral Notice

The death has occurred of William (Billy) Hanlon

Fenniscourt, Paulstown, Kilkenny, R21xk65

The death has occurred of William (Billy) Hanlon on the 18th of September 2024 under the wonderful care of the staff at Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his sister Eileen Brennan. Beloved husband of Brenda and loving father of Martin, Margaret, Mary, John and William. Billy will be sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, 10 grandchildren, brothers Greg, Marty, Jim, daughters-in-law Collette, Jean, Rachel, sons-in-law Sean and Terry, nephews, nieces extended family and friends.

May Billy Rest in Peace

Reposing at his home (R21XK65) on Thursday, 19th of September, from 1pm with Vigil Prayers at 8pm followed by rosary. Requiem Mass on Friday, 20th of September, at 12 noon in the Church of the Assumption, Paulstown (R95KW24) followed by burial in Paulstown Cemetery.

House private on Friday. Condolences of sympathy may be left at the link: https://rip.ie/death-notice/condolences/william-billy-hanlon-kilkenny-paulstown-568939?page=1&records=60&sortFields=a.createdAt&sortDirection=DESC