We always like to see two sports collaborating behind a common cause and that is exactly what will happen in Limerick over the coming weeks as Greyhound Racing and the GAA come together in an event worth €180,000 and supported by local philanthropist businessman JP McManus and his wife Noreen.
The fifth staging of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial offers €160,000 in Greyhound prize money, with €80,000 on offer to the winning Greyhound.
Six GAA clubs will also share in a €20,000 prize fund, with no fewer than 72 Limerick GAA clubs being assigned a dog in the opening rounds and following its progress through to the final on Saturday 8th April.
The event is sponsored by JP and Noreen McManus in memory of her late parents and has becoming a stepping stone for rising stars with the winners of the last four Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby’s contesting the Limerick event in their juvenile year.
“We, the GAA Community would like to thank the generosity of JP and Noreen McManus for their continued support to Limerick GAA and for including all Limerick GAA Clubs in this very prestigious event,” said Oliver Mann, Chairman of Limerick GAA.
“When this year’s Final is completed, Limerick GAA Clubs will have shared in a €100,000 prizefund over the 5 years of the event.”
“At the launch of last year’s event, I spoke of the competition underpinning the future of our racing industry,” said Irish Greyhound Board Chairman, Phil Meany.
“Without a doubt that is visible today with the calibre of names on show who have gone on to make their mark on a national and international stage.”
