TRAPRISE - Mo marches on in Kirby Memorial at Limerick

In what has been a largely unpredictable 2024 Con & Anie Kirby Memorial Stake at Limerick Greyhound Stadium over the past three weekends, one of the very few constants has been the reliable early paced prowess of Michael & Terence Delaney’s Feshtys Mo (Grangeview Ten-Rifles Flash) and in yet another brilliant qualifying performance, the John Byrne trained starlet advanced to semi-final stage of the modern day classic on Saturday last.

Having led to the closing bends in each of her two previous heats, the April 2022 youngster again began on level terms in the second quarter final before outpacing rivals to her inside on the run to the corner from trap 3. Seizing command of the rails while tackling the first bend on the inside shoulder of fellow early pacer Knockeen Dazzler, the Toomevara darling narrowly showed in front to the top of the backstraight. Never more than a half-length in front, Mo would find that same rival on her outside at the closing bends but again displaying steely resolve in the home straight, only succumbed to the fast-finishing Juvenile Classic winner Ballymac Patriot in the dying strides.

Settling for runner-up position in 28.66 for the 525-yards amidst wet and blustery conditions on the Dock Road, the performance is further evidence that although still an outsider, Feshtys Mo can put any remaining rival to the sword with preferential leader’s claims in any race when tackling the opening bends in front!

Once again drawing the white jacket of trap 3 for the second semi-final this Saturday, Feshtys Mo is surrounded by heat winners and outright fancies, however, her task is again very straightforward in the face of a daunting assignment.

She will have to prevent trap 6 runner and fellow early paced rival Phoenix Tyson from sweeping across her at the opening bend and will most likely need to lead both quarterfinal winners, Scooby Pacemaker and Merits Inclusion, who are drawn to her left. All considered, one swift break can ensure clear passage and if dictating, Mo can extend her Kirby dream further with a precious place in the final.

Named in remembrance of Kieran “Feshty” Delaney, the Limerick GAA club assigned to the Byrne charge for the accompanying McManus sponsored club draw just happens to be St Kieran’s GAA! The Omens are good, and hopes are very high!

Victory Reserved for Thurles

Commencing the winning action last week, as Thurles raced on Thursday to avoid a clash with the Hurling League Final across the road in Semple Stadium, Jack Duff’s Reserve Again (Candlelight King-Ballygibbon Dawn) made a welcome return to the winner’s circle when a most game winner of the Split The Pot @ Thurles Track A5 525.

Quite lightly raced while approaching veteran status, the April 2022 whelp was last successful at A7 level in the autumn of last season but presented in sharp form on Thursday in return to action following a two-month layoff. Breaking just behind the pace from trap 5, the Duff stalwart displayed smart dash on the outside of the field to narrowly strike the front approaching the first bend and holding strong against a bump to his inside, bravely forged a one length lead while turning. Never fully seeing off the attentions of his closest pursuers however, Reserve Again would be joined on the inside nearing the third turn but defiantly retaining a lead to the home straight, he repelled all challengers for a most laudable half-length victory in 29.92 (-20). A fourth race win, he can hold obvious claims without an upgrade next time.

Friday night’s action welcomed another new winner on the local racing scene as Alanna Williams & Michael Delaney’s Mad Mike Ross (Grangeview Ten-Rifles Flash) shed his maiden tag at Kilkenny when leading throughout the Upcoming Sweepstakes A5 525.

A litter brother to Feshtys Mo, the April 2022 whelp was having just his fifth career start in a lightly raced career thus far but only narrowly denied at A6 level when last seen in January, the Toomevara charge returned in sharp form when producing his best break from trap 3 this time.

In command to the opening bend, Mad Mike Ross completed a two-length victory with the minimum of fuss thereafter while stopping the clock in 29.86 (-30). Open to plenty of improvement, the well related youngster may well mimic his sister’s progression with this first career win secured!

The late Liam Walsh

All activities on the local racing scene were contested under a cloud last weekend and likely will be for some time to come as our sporting community struggle to digest the heartbreaking news that Liam Walsh of Killaloe passed from this world on Friday.

Succumbing to an illness which he bravely bore with admirable dignity, the hugely popular Liam will be missed by an army of friends in racing, both locally and far beyond. From the family of parents Bernie and Willie of Walsh’s Pub in Killaloe, Liam was recognised by his Ballykildea prefix within a highly competitive and always sporting racing presence with his dad Willie. No doubt, his proudest day came at Nenagh Coursing Club in 2014 when Liam and Ballykildea Ash claimed a precious Oaks Trial Stake success with the accompanying Cup named after his uncle Jimmy Bourke, a feat he repeated with Ballykildea Oak in 2018!

Amongst the most upstanding, honourable, and simply nicest young gentlemen to grace our greyhound fraternity, we offer our sincere condolences to Liam’s family and many, many heartbroken friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.