STARS OF OUR SPORT RECOGNISED AT WONDERFUL AWARDS
Ian Fortune
Shelbourne Park was looking typically resplendent on Sunday evening for the 2024 National Greyhound Racing Awards as we recognised the achievements of the best and brightest in our sport.
It was wonderful to see and hear from our four human award winners on the night. Daniel O’Rahilly was the first winner of the Young Person of the Year award and, as we’ve come to expect, he spoke so well when a microphone was thrust in his face.
Brendan Rogers was a worthy winner of the Welfare Award for his wonderful work with GACI, the Italian Rehoming Agency, while Ted Collins looked mighty sprightly as he climbed the stairs after being named a thoroughly deserving winner of the Special Merit Award.
The night ended with the legend that is Brendan Matthews being inducted into the Hall of Fame. A truly wonderful honour bestowed on one of the most respected men in the history of our sport. He also spoke with passion about our sport and how we should be proud and fight back against those who attempt to spread mistruths about greyhound racing.
DIAMOND NAMED DOG OF THE YEAR
Of course, the canine stars were also recognised.
There was no surprise to see BOCKOS DIAMOND named Dog of the Year after his incredible 2024. Graham and Nicky Holland were on hand as were three of his owners Graham Box, Thomas McNamara and Bev Lochead. They report their charge in bullish form ahead of his return to the track and all roads lead to Towcester it seems with the Juvenile next month and the English Derby firmly established as his immediate targets.
JULIE CLAIMS BITCH OF THE YEAR FOR GERRY
A LUCKY JULIE fought off stiff opposition to be named as the Bitch of the Year.
The Oaks winner and Derby finalist seemed a popular winner in the room, most likely due to the fact that she is trained by Hall of Famer Gerry Melia. It was great to see Gerry on hand to accept the trophy.
CHARLIE THE STAR STAYER
TUONO CHARLIE was nominated for Dog of the Year but also Stayer of the Year and it was little more than a forgone conclusion to read his name out as a winner of the latter.
After an incredible year with Charlie, Sharon Hunt, Alan Brazier and Paul Dyer were in wonderful form and were gleeful when Charlie’s name was read out.
Sharon and Alan reported that Charlie has developed into quite the house dog, taking over the couch and seems to be loving life. He is also serving a few bitches so life is good for Charlie.
SYD NAMED TOP SPRINTER
BROADSTRAND SYD was announced as Sprinter of the Year.
He as simply outstanding through the Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk and was a deserving winner of his award. Both Johnny Linehan and Vincent O’Donovan reported that Syd is on the comeback trail and is on target to defend his Dundalk crown.
KATHLEEN RECOGNISED
Future Star of the Year was named as DROOPYS KATHLEEN.
Much like Tuono Charlie, this was no shock to anyone. The brilliant bitch won each of her five career starts, smashing the Shelbourne 525yd track record and her name was greeted with loud cheers from her buoyant connections. Dylan Brown McMonagle, who only returned from Australia on Tuesday, was on hand, as was Alan Dobbs, while handler Robert Gleeson was also present.
SYDNEY AND SHADOW WIN AWARDS
It was no shock to see DROOPYS SYDNEY once again crowned Stud Dog of the Year.
The ‘daddy of them all’ was winning the prize for the third year running, while Brood Bitch of the Year went to SEAGLASS SHADOW after the stunning displays of her fastest son Bockos Diamond through 2024.
A full list of the canine winners:
Dog of the Year - BOCKOS DIAMOND
Bitch of the Year - A LUCKY JULIE
Sprinter of the Year - BROADSTRAND SYD
Stayer of the Year - TUONO CHARLIE
Brood Bitch of the Year - SEAGLASS SHADOW
Stud Dog of the Year - DROOPYS SYDNEY
Future Star - DROOPYS KATHLEEN