CHARLIE FAUL
It’s with real sadness we must report the passing of one of the legends and great characters of Irish greyhound sport, Derby winning handler, Charlie Faul.
Involved in the sport for most of his life, he returned from the United States in 1970, where he worked as a carpenter, and set about getting a few dogs.
His first purchase when returning to Ireland was a bitch named Tubbercurry Sun. She turned out to be a star for the man from Tubbercurry, winning the Longford Derby, and Dermot O’Rourke 550 at Longford as well as reaching a Cesarewitch decider and semi-final of the Irish Oaks.
She also became a top-class brood bitch for Charlie and quickly set her owner on the path to great glory. It was her grandson Tubbercurry Lad that provided Charlie with his finest night in the sport. Bred and reared by Charlie, he sold a half share to his great friend Michael Costello and the pair quickly set the sights on some big targets.
After winning on debut at Longford, he was entered for the Guinness Midland Puppy Stake at Mullingar and proceeded to win his eleven and a half lengths. It was after this run that Charlie sold the half share to Costello and they hatched a plan to target the English Derby.
After just two starts, he was withdrawn from the Midland Puppy Stake and rerouted to White City. Despite his youth and inexperience, he went to the third round English Derby before being eliminated behind subsequent winner Whisper Wishes. Tubbercurry Lad would later reach the Irish Derby decider, finishing down the field behind Dipmac in the 1984 decider.
The following year he reached the National Sprint decider, finishing third before a second crack at the Derby at Shelbourne Park. Charlie did a wonderful job with his tracker. He nursed a small shoulder injury through the year but when it came to the big night, his star was ready to run.
Flashing from six and making every inch to justify favouritism, Tubbercurry Lad and Charlie Faul earned their place in history. Charlie was already one of the most popular characters in the sport but the celebrations that followed the victory on the biggest stage became the stuff of legend.
The pair were greeted by hundred of well-wishers on the night and it took them a long time to get to the presentation area. There were even greater scenes in Tubbercurry with the party going on for weeks.
Indeed, Charlie had a long and successful career in the sport as an owner, breeder and trainer but the success of Tubbercurry Lad and subsequent celebrations are what he is best remembered for.
Those that knew him would describe him as a gentleman, great company and a tremendous character. He was also hugely successful up the field and leaves behind him many friends in greyhound sport.
We would like to take this opportunity to send on our sincerest condolences to his wife Celia, sons Charlie, Michael, Kevin and daughter Kathryn, his beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and many friends.
May He Rest In Peace.
Funeral Notice
The death has occurred ofCharlie Faul, Carrowreagh Knox, Tubbercurry, Sligo, F91 T6F3
Charlie Faul, Carrowreagh Knox, Tubbercurry, Co.Sligo and formerly of Humbert Street, Tubbercurry.
Peacefully in University Hospital Sligo.
Charlie will be sadly missed by his loving wife Celia, sons Charlie (Cork), Michael (California), Kevin (Boston), daughter Kathryn (Carter, Skreen), daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren Christopher, Niamh, Darren, James, Jennifer, Siobhan, Aoife, Aidan, Conor, Kate, Evelyn and Robert, great-grandchild Hugo, sister-in-law Mary Lawrence, brother-in-law Michael Lawrence, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
REST IN PEACE
Charlie will be reposing in the family home in Carrowreagh Knox (F91 T6F3) on this Friday evening from 4 o'clock until 8 o'clock. Removal on Saturday morning to arrive in St John The Evangelist Church Tubbercurry for requiem Mass at 11 o'clock with the funeral afterwards to Rhue cemetery.
Mass will be livestreamed on https://tubbercurrycloonacool.com/webcam/