MAYOR VISITS BRANDYWELL GREYHOUND STADIUM, DERRY
Peter Farrell
On Saturday past, October 19th, there was a guest appearance at the Brandywell Greyhound Stadium in Co. Derry as the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Lilian Seenoi-Barr, visited the venue for a special presentation.
The purpose of the visit, which was arranged by Lynda Bonner on behalf of the Brandywell Greyhound Supporters Group (BGSG), was to present a donation to the Mayor for the BUD Club, which was the chosen charity of the Mayor for 2024.
Each year, the BGSG donates 10% of the paid membership fees to a local charity as part of Community engagement and partnership ethos. In respect of the BUD Club, this is a youth-led program in the City of Derry that provides a safe and inclusive environment for young people with disabilities. The program is aimed at those aged between 11-25, and it helps them to engage with others, develop positive relationships, while also enhancing personal development and improving social opportunities.
On the day, the Mayor had the opportunity to be ‘on-track’ and get feedback from the Track Management on the preparation that goes into ensuring that the surface is kept in pristine condition on both race nights and trial sessions, while also receiving a synopsis surrounding the history of the track since its inception. Coinciding with this, the Mayor also got the chance to meet a number of greyhounds, both racers and retirees, along with Sally the whippet, all of which were very much at ease with their surroundings. In doing so, the Mayor saw first hand the care and attention that goes into the canines after they finish their racing careers, with welfare serving as another important message on the day.
After the presentation and the meet and greet, the Mayor then joined some patrons of the track in the Brandywell Tea room, where she enjoyed cake as part of her recent Birthday celebration, as well as the chance to read through various news articles from throughout the years at the Brandywell Greyhound Stadium.
Below is an interview with the Mayor that was carried out by Lynda Bonner, who works tirelessly in her efforts to promote greyhound racing in the North Of Ireland and also deliver important messages in regard to greyhound welfare, heritage and unity. Have a watch!