At the launch of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby were; Leon Blanche (Boylesports), Rozanna Purcell and Ciaran Whelan.

All roads lead to shelbourne park greyhound stadium on saturday 19th september

Published: Wed 24 Jun 2015, 9:38 AM

Last updated: Wed 24 Jun 2015, 10:39 AM

The Irish Greyhound Derby has been running since 1928, receiving classic status in 1932, with race sponsors BoyleSports coming onboard last year to partner one of the longest running tests of champions on the Greyhound racing calendar.

This year’s final coincides with The All Ireland Football Final weekend and former Dublin Footballer Ciaran Whelan was on hand to help launch the campaign to the biggest weekend in Greyhound Racing on 19th September!

This will be BoyleSports second year of a three-year deal, they have been instrumental in Shelbourne Park Sponsorship for a number of years with the Champions Stakes and more recently The Race of Champions in Tralee. The IGB were delighted when they agreed to increase their sponsorship and commitment to Irish Greyhound Racing by the announcement of the 3-year Irish Greyhound Derby Sponsorship in 2014.

The event offers a massive prize fund of €240,000, and is run over a distance of 550yds and takes place in Shelbourne Park, Dublin on Saturday 19th September with qualifying rounds beginning on 13th August 2015. There are 18 Nationwide Trial Stakes with 16 in the Republic of Ireland & 2 in Northern Ireland

The Final will be broadcast live on RTE television on Saturday, September 19th on RTE 2 from 8.00pm – 9.30pm as well as online on www.rte.ie. RPGTV have just confirmed that they will broadcast the Quarter finals to the Final live on their popular channel. This means that even more Irish & UK greyhound fans and punters away from Irish tracks will have live access to the competition.

John Boyle, Managing Director of BoyleSports said: “Last year was a fantastic success for our inaugural sponsorship of this prestigious race. Greyhound racing is ingrained in our sporting history and BoyleSports are proud to give our support to its greatest tradition of The Derby.”

Speaking at the launch, Phil Meaney, Chairman of IGB said, 'The continued support of BoyleSports for our blue riband event is a marvellous vote of confidence in the sport of greyhound racing. Their involvement has helped us to ensure that the legacy of Ireland hosting the most exciting greyhound race in the world continues”.

“We are looking forward to another thrilling competition culminating in what can only be described as the best night on the racing calendar - Saturday 19th September in Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium - The Final of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby'!