CHRISTMAS CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

GRI

Dear Friends,

On behalf of Rásaíocht Con Éireann, I wish to extend my heartfelt Christmas greetings to the wider greyhound racing community and to thank our owners, trainers, staff, supporters, sponsors, and racegoers for their collective support throughout the year.

While the festive season is a time for reflection and gratitude, it also offers our racing family the opportunity to reflect on the previous 12 months and to take stock of our collective achievements and shared memories.

2025 has been a remarkable year on and off the track for Irish greyhound racing, with race meeting attendance figures performing strongly and continued investment in care and welfare initiatives.

Cheap Sandwiches made a memorable return to the Irish Greyhound Derby this year, improving on his previous runner-up finish to claim the most coveted title in greyhound racing. In doing so he gave trainer Graham Holland his fifth Irish Greyhound Derby Title, making him the only trainer in the history of our sport to do so, cementing his place in the annals of our sport.

In addition, Evan McAuliffe, a young teenage trainer from Limerick, won the classic Irish St. Leger in Limerick, overcoming strong competition from many professional trainers, a truly outstanding achievement.

2025 was also the year that saw us celebrate 25 years of racing excellence at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium, marking a quarter-century of memorable moments and community spirit in Cork since their move from Western Road.

This year, I was particularly proud to help launch our 5-year strategic plan, setting a clear roadmap for the future of the industry. Alongside this, RCÉ’s ever-expanding programme of welfare and care initiatives, from RCÉTS to our ongoing support for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT), demonstrates the entire industry’s shared commitment to the continued growth and sustainability of our sport.

Once again, I want to acknowledge our racing community for its passion and commitment to keeping our sport alive and thriving, and I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh.

Le meas,
Pat Flanagan
Chair of the Board
Rásaíocht Con Éireann