Talking Dogs on Thursday

This week on Talking Dogs on Thursday Barry is joined by Katelyn Leahy & Caoimhe Gubbins. Katelyn discusses growing up in the sport and her family's recent success with Lemon Joey who won the Carrick Aldo @ Stud in Clonmel last week. Caoimhe talks about working alongside her dad at their kennels at home and her earliest memories of the sport. Both Katelyn and Caoimhe are members of the Young Person Forum, which held their first meeting in Curraheen a few weeks ago. They speak about the importance of getting more young people involved in the sport and how syndication is great way of achieving this. Have a listen to their chat.

This week Barry is joined by trainer Jack Kennelly & Willie Rigney of Time Greyhound Nutrition. Jack talks about his success in The Islandbridge Open Sprint Final in Shelbourne Park last weekend and looks forward to Friday's Lee Strang Final in Tralee. Willie Rigney chats about the upcoming Time Club A4 Derby & Time's newest product Greyhound 18. Have a listen to their chat now!

with the big 25TH anniversary celebration taking place on Friday, 16th May, host Barry Drake looks back at the people, the passion, and the history. Barry is joined by three guests who know Curraheen Park inside and out. Richie O'Regan, who shares memories from the early days and what it was like to be there when the doors first opened; Eoin Walshe, who reflects on how the stadium has evolved and its impact on the community; and Brian Collins, who talks about the racing, the fans, and what makes Curraheen such a special place. The episode also delves into Cork's rich greyhound racing history, tracing its roots through the legendary Western Road stadium, and into the modern era with Curraheen Park, which officially opened in April 2000. From record crowds to iconic races like the Laurels, Cork's love for greyhound racing runs deep. And of course, listeners are invited to join the celebrations at Curraheen Park on Friday, 16th May. Tune in to hear the stories, the excitement, and the community spirit that make Curraheen Park so special.

This week on Talking Dogs on Thursday, Barry chat with Chris Walsh. Since starting in 2007 with his first dog and kennel, Chris has grown his operation into a standout in the sport, with some exceptional dogs coming through the ranks. They talk about his journey, the influence of his dad, and how he's giving back to the greyhound community through sponsorships and support. Plus, don't miss his upcoming appearance on RTÉ's Super Garden, airing next Tuesday at 8 PM! Chris also shares insights into his business, Birch & Ferns so check them out on Instagram and their website.

This week Barry is joined by Tommy Caffrey of Clonmel Greyhound Stadium. Tommy talks about the future of rehoming greyhounds with Tipperary Homes for Hounds. The success of Clonmel with quality racing, trainers & greyhounds with Ascot Logan putting in a fantastic performance last Sunday. They also talk about the upcoming Carrick Aldo @ Stud National Produce Stakes with Tom Glynn taking over the sponsorship of the prestigious greyhound event. Have a listen to their chat now!

This week Barry is joined by Aoife Dunphy of Droopys Stud, sponsors of the Select Stakes at Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium. Aoife talks about her family's deep connection to greyhound racing and her fond memories of the Select Stakes, and the Masters as it was known, in Waterford through the years. They also talk about the new generation of greyhounds coming from Droopys Stud to watch out for! Have a listen to their chat now!

A proud Ciaran O'Sullivan joins Barry Drake this week, fresh from major Classic Success in Shelbourne Park. As a young man heavily involved in the sport, Ciaran shares his family's lifelong connection with greyhound racing, starting with his grandfather, what's in store for the future and an update on Unanimouspanther following his retirement. And of course they chat about Hopes Teddy's fantastic win in the BresBet Easter Cup Final. Listen to their chat now!

In this week's episode, Barry Drake chats with Geoff Parnaby ahead of the BresBet Easter Cup Final this Saturday night at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium. Geoff shares his lifelong history in greyhound racing and discusses his exciting finalist, Tarnsa Maasai, who has had a fantastic year since making his debut in Thurles. He also gives insight into his future plans for Tarnsa Maasai beyond the big final. Tune in now for all the latest greyhound racing chat!

This week, Barry speaks to young Kildare Greyhound Trainer, Shaun Conway. Shaun gives Barry an insight into his training operations and what's coming up for the kennels. Of course, they reflect on a wonderful win for Lotto Other News in Kilkenny's McCalmont Cup.

This week, Barry chats with Robert Gleeson and Willie Rigney. Robert chats to Barry about his recent run of wins including his win across the pond in Newcastle. He also gives an exciting update on Droopys Kathleen's return and they forward to the Con & Anne Kirby return this weekend. Willie talks about the success of their recent sponsorship of events and his own success in Limerick last weekend. There is plenty to look forward to over the next couple of weeks, have a listen!

This week, Barry chats with WGOBA's Hughie Keleghan, a lifelong greyhound racing enthusiast whose journey in the sport began as a teenager. Hughie shares his early days working with the Horan family and the experience he gained alongside Sean Purcell. He reflects on how greyhound racing not only shaped his career but also instilled a sense of responsibility that has stayed with him throughout his life. Hughie updates us on two great competitions ongoing in Galway, the Kilcolgan Castle Connacht Derby and the On Faya Stake and expresses his gratitude to Karen Geoghegan and the Mulroney family for their sponsorship of these races. There's plenty to look forward to in Galway, have a listen!

In this episode of Talking Dogs, Barry chats with Dave Wilson of the Harlequin Syndicate about his deep-rooted connection to greyhound racing. Growing up with a mother who was a greyhound trainer and a father who was a bookmaker in Kent, Dave's earliest memories are of life around the tracks. Dave reflects on his work experience with the legendary Terry O'Sullivan and how those early days shaped his journey. He also shares stories about his lifelong friendships in the Irish racing scene, his experiences traveling to tracks across Ireland, and his dedication to supporting young trainers who now train dogs for the syndicate. With 47 dogs currently in the syndicate and opportunities to buy shares, Dave gives us a glimpse into what's next for Harlequin in both the UK and Ireland.

In this exciting episode of Talking Dogs on Thursday, Barry Drake sits down with Liam Dowling and Tom Nolan to discuss the thrilling world of greyhound racing. Liam shares his anticipation for the upcoming Juvenile Classic in Tralee, which kicks off today. With a history of success in the event, having previously won with Ballymac Marino and Ballymac Patriots, Liam is aiming for a hat-trick this year. Tom Nolan, the new sponsor of the Juvenile Classic, talks about his enthusiasm for supporting the event for the next two years. He emphasises how the race is a fantastic way to start the year with the younger greyhounds making their mark. Tom also shares a personal connection to the race, as he has his own greyhound, Silent Kobe, running in the third heat. Tune in for all the insights and excitement as the greyhound racing season begins in the Kingdom!

A special episode of the podcast this week as PwC GPA Camogie Senior Player of the Year for 2024, Laura Hayes, joins Barry Drake for a chat. Last August, the Cork Senior Camogie team claimed a 30th All Ireland title for Cork, with Laura and her team-mates providing another memorable day for fans in the Rebel County. Laura chats to Barry about the success but also the work that goes on behind the scenes to help them to get to the All Ireland Final and to lift the O'Duffy Cup in Croke Park. With great success in their high-performance environment comes costs that they must meet and Cork Camogie have commenced on their fundraising drive for 2025. One of their key fundraising events is a Night at the Dogs in Curraheen Park on Saturday 15th February. Following on from a very successful fundraising night last year, once again Laura and all of the team will be there on the night with the O'Duffy Cup and they look forward to meeting fans young and old on the night. Tickets for the night are just €10 but supporters are asked to purchase via a special link to support the team, click on the Cork Camogie ad on Curraheen Park's website or visit bit.ly/Tickets2025CorkCamogieFundrasier to purchase. Any businesses or individuals looking to support them through sponsorship on the night can email jennifermehigan@outlook.ie We look forward to welcoming the 2024 All Ireland Senior Camogie Champions and all their supporters to Curraheen Park on Saturday 15th February!

This week, Barry Drake is joined by two accomplished greyhound trainers, James Slevin and Adam Dunford. James, based in Navan, has been immersed in greyhound racing his entire life, achieving 65 winners last year alone. They chat about the positive impact of SIS Racing, his standout greyhounds and the ones to watch, especially a promising new talent, Serious Mickey. Barry also chats to Adam Dunford; known for schooling dogs, Adam highlights Jack Tavern Gem, who clocked an outstanding 28.64 in Kilkenny, and other rising stars plus recalls a memorable night in Clonmel where he secured four winners. Adam has also kicked off the new year with incredible form, achieving six wins out of seven races. Tune in as Barry, James, and Adam discuss their achievements, the promising future of greyhound racing and more.

Following the thrilling Winter Racing Festival, Barry sits down with the talented Callum Purdy to celebrate his remarkable double victory. In this episode, Callum opens up about his inspiring journey into the world of greyhound racing, revealing the deep passion that drives him to compete in Ireland. He also shares his ambitious future plans, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of his racing career. The conversation highlights not only his achievements but also the dedication and excitement that fuel his love for the sport.

Barry Drake chats with Myles Roban about his family's rich greyhound-rearing tradition in Enniscorthy. As a third-generation breeder, Myles shares stories of his grandfather helping establish the local track and how he now works alongside the generation, and his exciting plans for the future. The Robans have enjoyed some wonderful weeks in Shelbourne Park with Elite Josh landing the 2024 Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate Final.

Trainer Robert Gleeson joins Barry Drake to talk about the superstar Droopys Kathleen. Robert tells us a little bit about her background and how jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle came to be involved. They chat about how she's set the sporting world alight and what's next. The Barry chats to Shane Rigney of Time Greyhound Nutrition ahead of their Final in Newbridge tomorrow and they chat about the new Time Club and of course looking forward to the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final on Saturday. Have a listen!

Barry Drake is joined by young Limerick greyhound owner and trainer Evan McAuliffe. Evan has just turned 18 and has been making a name for himself in recent times with some great moments on the track. Evan biggest success came recently when he won the Fonez.ie Galway Oaks Final in Galway with Drombeg Pearl, a win worth an impressive €10,000. Evan fills Barry in on his history in the sport and more. Have a listen to their chat now.

Young trainer Lucy Roche joins Barry Drake for a chat this week. Lucy chats about her exciting first year as a trainer, including competing in the Leger in Limerick and a 2nd place in Cork's Laurels Final with Hazelhill Bucko. Lucy's grandfather James was her introduction to the sport and it is still very more a team effort between the duo. Have a listen to the chat.

Barry is joined by two great guests this week. First up breeder Sean Beatty joins him and they chat about the success of Crafty Shivoo in the Bar One Racing Irish Laurels Final and much more. Then Barry catches up with Adam Matthews as they look forward to the 2024 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby which gets underway this weekend in Shelbourne Park.

Trainer Paul Hennessy joins Barry as they look forward to the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby and chat about some of the contenders to watch. Paul reflects on a great night in Cork's Curraheen Park at the Bar One Racing Irish Laurels Final and much more. Join them now for a chat!

As the Laurels gets down to the final stages, Barry chats to Darren Hogan as they run through the Semi-Finals in the 2024 Bar One Racing Irish Laurels. They also discuss the other big events in Cork, including the Bart Leahy Memorial, and look forward to a fantastic night on Saturday 5th October for the Final. Barry then switches attention to Tipp and is joined by Mark J. Fanning from Thurles to talk about their big event, the Kasko Unraced which got underway last weekend and much more.

Tuono Charlie is a name that's been on many people's lips over recent months and his trainer Sharon Hunt joins Barry this week. Last weekend, he added another title to his CV winning the Irish Cambridgeshire in Limerick and in doing so notched up an incredible 16 wins in a row! Sharon shares his story and how special he is to them….and Barry asks the question everyone wants to ask – chase the record or chase the Derby? Sharon takes us back to the start of her journey into greyhound training after moving to Ireland in 2010 and how her experience, skills and knowledge have grown over the years. She also shares her very positive experience of the IRGT who have helped her to rehome all of her greyhounds across the world once their racing careers are over.

A busy podcast this week as Barry chats to 6 guests at Monday's Bar One Racing Irish Greyhound Laurels 1st Round Draw. Looking forward to an exciting 5 weeks of racing are Jimmy Barry Murphy, Alex Grassick, Tony Winters, Brian Collins, Damien Holland and sponsor Barney O'Hare of Bar One Racing. They chat all things Laurels and this year's strong contenders for the competition. Listen now and make sure you're part of the action in Cork this Saturday night.

Barry chats to trainer Murt Leahy after enjoying success in Cork last weekend with Tribal Syd winning the Jimmy Barry Murphy & Bar One Racing 525. With a busy schedule for the remainder of the year, they chat about his other dogs in training and what's to come. Then Barry catches up with Willie Rigney of TIME Greyhound Nutrition. He chats about last weekend at Curraheen Park and looks forward to the TIME Juvenile Derby Final this Saturday night at Shelbourne Park.

Limerick Greyhound Track hosted the WillWeGo.com Irish St Leger Final Saturday night. Clonbrien Treaty won the event last year, owned by Jim and Muireann Murphy and trained by Graham Holland, and was favourite to retain the title and bridge a gap that goes back to 1972. RTE's reporter Mike McCartney travelled to Limerick, where he first spoke to racing manager Jody Thompson, as he was making his final preparations. This interview was broadcasted on Sunday Sport yesterday, in case you missed it listen here!

Barry chats to trainer Paul Hennessey this week after enjoying great success last Saturday in Kilcohan Park when Barefoot On Song won the John Fitzgerald Memorial Mini Open Bitch Final for owners Bryan & Kathleen Murphy. They also chat about the Will We Go Irish St. Leger with the Final taking place this Saturday night in Limerick Greyhound Stadium, where Paul is doubly represented with Jaytee Craze and Barefoot On Fire. They chat about their chances of winning the Classic.

Barry chats to 2 guests this week. First is a trainer who's enjoyed plenty of success, Owen McKenna. They discuss the fantastic Yorkie Ollie's racing journey so far and his plans for the rest of the year. They also chat about his runner in this year's Will We Go St. Leger at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. We travel to the Kingdom next to chat to Brendan Maunsell, greyhound trainer and chairman of the Kerry GOBA. He talks about the MCP Group 750 competition with the Semi-Finals taking place this Saturday and the Final next week. The discuss the runners in the competition and chat about more upcoming events in Tralee. Have a listen now!

Barry chats to Robert Gleeson this week, fresh from big race success with Droopys Mandolin winning the Time Dundalk International 550. They chat about what's next for her in her racing career with a trip to Nottingham coming up. They also talk about the ongoing exciting developments at Shelbourne Park and he leaves us with some advice for anyone thinking of getting into the sport of greyhound racing. Have a listen now!

Following the announcement of their incredible €10,000 bonus announced this week for the Irish Sprint Cup and Irish Laurels, sponsor Barney O'Hare from Bar One Racing joins Barry to talk about this exciting new incentive. The Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup gets underway this weekend in Dundalk, with the Bar One Racing Irish Laurels starting in September in Curraheen Park. Barney has offered the €10,000 bonus if the same greyhound wins both. Barney and Barney chat about this and more so join them now for the chat!

Barry chats to two guests this week. First up, fresh from big race success with Daleroad Duke, Tom O'Keeffe chats about the Champion Stakes last weekend. He also tells us about his history in the sport and how his love for greyhound racing evolved. Shane Rigney of Time Greyhound Nutrition chats about the Time Confined Derby competition at Limerick which concluded with a fantastic final last Saturday. They also run though 6 of the runners in the Time Dundalk international taking place tomorrow night.

Barry chats to Willie Rigney, sponsor of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Confined Derby as they look forward to the Final taking place this Saturday at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. They chat about the competition so far and give us their thoughts on the finalists. Willie's business partner John Fox also has a finalist running in Saturday's Final, Sunnybank Mia, and in the event she wins he will be kindly donating the prize money to charity. Have a listen now!

Not one, not two, but three fantastic guests join Barry this week so make yourself comfortable for some great greyhound chat! With strong Irish hopes in the English Greyhound Derby Final, Barry is joined by 2 men bidding to add another major classic to their impressive CV's. The first is Paul Hennessey, trainer of BoyleSports Bob as he looks forward to the weekend ahead in Towcester but also in Shelbourne Park as the BoyleSports Champion Stakes begins. Next up is Liam Dowling as he bids for his 1st English Derby title this weekend with 2 great hopes in Ballymac Gizmo and De Lahdedah. Our last guest this week is Mark J. Fanning who previews the Centenary Agri Tipperary Cup Semi-finals both taking place this Saturday night at Thurles Greyhound Stadium.

Barry chats to Racing Officer at Curraheen Park, Darren Hogan about this weekend's events at the stadium. They chat about tonight's racing with 12 races on the card, as well as tomorrow night when the Denis Linehan Memorial Stake continues into its second week. They also talk about the great work of the Curraheen Park Track Supporters Club. Have a listen now!

As they look forward to a big night in Clonmel this weekend, Barry chats to Pat Morrissey about the Kasko Produce Stakes and more of their upcoming races including the Clonmel Track Members A4 525 Stake Final. Head along to Clonmel this Sunday for a great night out.

Barry Drake chats to Denis Murphy, sponsor of the Callaway Pro Am at Stud Race of Champions at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium. They chat about his family history & involvement in the sport and he gives his say on this Friday's Final. John Byrne then talks about his journey to the English Derby with Grouchos Duke and wishes good luck to the runners in this weekend's Quarter-Finals. They also chat other upcoming competitions such as the Tipperary Cup.

Barry chats to trainer Rachel Wheeler after she enjoyed big race success in Kilkenny over the weekend with Moanteen Wildcat winning the Champion Unraced. They also chat about dogs in training and her plans for the year. Barry's second guest is Paidí Walsh, chairman of the Youghal Track Supporters Club. He chats about their fantastic family fun day taking place this Saturday at the County Cork venue. With free entry for all, he tells us just what we can expect from the day!

Barry chats to Andrew Hepburn, sponsor of the DG Foods Ltd A4 Tri-Distance at Kilcohan Park. He chats about the family run business and their sponsorship of this year's competition, also listening back to last weekend's Semi-Finals. Mark J. Fanning chats about Thurles racing at the moment with the Split The Pot ON2 525 Final & The Willie Maher Memorial A3 525 Final both this weekend, they run through the finalists and some other races on the card.

Owen McKenna reached a significant milestone of his 2000th winner last weekend. He chats about the recent success, his other dogs in training and upcoming competitions. Barry chats about the fantastic upcoming events in Corks racing calendar the next 3 months, and catches up with Jimmy Barry Murphy as he looks forward to a huge fundraiser for St Finbarr's GAA at Curraheen Park this Saturday night.

Barry chats to two great trainers today, Paul Hennessey & Damien Matthews. Paul talks about his recent success with Jaytee Etienne at the Towcester Maiden Derby as well as some more events he is looking forward to this year. Damien chats about the fantastic success of 17-year-old Daniel Rahilly at the 2024 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial with their home-bred Knockeen Dazzler, his own dog Merits Inclusion making it to the final, and they also touch on the English Derby and the ongoing renovations at Shelbourne Park.

Barry chats to two guests this week! First to chat is Jim Murphy after enjoying recent success at the BresBet Easter Cup with Clonbrien Treaty. He also tells us about his earliest memories of greyhound racing and other upcoming competitions including the English Greyhound Derby. Barry also chats to Shane Rigney of TIME Greyhound Nutrition, kindly sponsoring the TIME Select Stakes at Kilcohan Park with the Final taking place this Saturday. They run through the 6 finalists and have their say. Have a listen now!

Barry Drake chats with Liam Dowling and Brendan Maunsell ahead of Fridays Ballymac Kingdom at Stud Novice 750 Stake Final at Tralee's Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, kindly sponsored by the Dowling Family. They run through their favourites for Friday and exciting future racing plans to come. Have a listen now!

This week Barry chats to two guests, trainer Graham Holland and Kilcohan Park's new Racing Manager, Richie Lawlor. Graham looks back at the 2024 BresBet Easter Cup Final at Shelbourne Park and Clonbrien Treaty's victory. They also chat about the 2024 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick where Graham has two greyhounds still in contention. He finishes with a quick chat about the Greyhound & Petworld Supersprint in Cork. Barry then chats to Richie about his new role, his background and the Time Select Stakes which starts this Saturday night. Have a listen now!

This week Barry chats to Carl Perry from BresBet, kind sponsors of the 2024 BresBet Easter Cup at Shelbourne Park ahead of Saturday night's Final. They chat about the competition the past few years, the business of BresBet and give a thorough run through the 6 Easter Cup finalists. Have a listen now!

A busy episode this week as Barry chats to 3 guests! Trainer Robert Gleeson joins us fresh from his recent win in Newbridge's Brownstown Tango & NTSC Unraced with Droopys Wriggle. They chat about the competition and some of his other dogs in training at the moment. Next Ian Magnier, chats about his new role as Racing Manager in Youghal and the fantastic events that have been going on there thanks to the Youghal Track Supporters Club, giving a special mention to the upcoming Easter Family Fun day this Saturday! Our last guest is Caroline Collins, treasurer of the Curraheen Park Track Supporters Club. They chat about the upcoming Apex Cork Oaks Final and give a run through of the finalists, whilst also looking forward to the Greyhound & Petworld Supersprint. Have a listen now!

A double episode this week as Barry chats to two winning trainers, Liam Dowling and Ian Reilly. Liam chats about his recent win in the Juvenile Classic with Ballymac Patriot, making him a 4 time winner in the competition. He also chats about the upcoming Con & Annie Kirby and making the trip across the pond to Oxford. Ian chats about having a finalist in the Tote Gold Cup as well as his recent win in the Book Your Fishing on Swimbooker A2 525 at Shelbourne Park. He also tells us what dogs to keep an eye out for in the coming months. Have a listen now!

A bumper episode this week as Barry chats to three guests; trainer Dolores Ruth, Darren Hogan, from the racing team at Curraheen Park and Shane Rigney of TIME Greyhound Nutrition. Dolores proudly discusses her recent success with Boylesports Coco in the Tote Gold Cup in Shelbourne Park. Ahead of this Saturday's Final, Darren runs through each of the finalists in the Time Greyhound Nutrition Cork Cup, before sponsor Shane Rigney joins Barry to talk about the competition so far and some new releases from Time. Have a listen now!

A double episode this week as Barry chats to two guests; Shane Rigney and Mark J. Fanning. First up Shane chats to Barry about the Time Greyhound Nutrition Cork Cup which got underway last weekend. Shane is part of the team in Time who are proud sponsors of the competition and they look forward to a few great weekends ahead in Curraheen Park. Barry then chats to Mark about the Champion Stake in Thurles as they look forward to the Semi-Finals. Mark also chats a bit about how he got involved in commentating in the Tipperary venue and his background in greyhound racing. Have a listen now!