PAUL BYRNE
It is with real sadness we must report the passing of one of the true gentlemen of greyhound racing, Paul Byrne, in recent days.
Those involved in the sport would almost certainly have come across Paul at some point and he leaves behind him a great number of friends and admirers.
Originally from Crumlin in Dublin, he has spent the past twenty years down in Gort, Co Galway and it was his great friend Gerry O’Donoghue who broke the news of his passing. Speaking on his Facebook page, Gerry said of Paul, “Yesterday afternoon we lost the amazing Paul Byrne.
For anyone who has come into our shop over the past 20 years, they would have had the pleasure of meeting Paul along the way. The most kind and thoughtful person you would ever have the pleasure of coming across, Paul has been a stalwart of our family and the community of Gort for many years.
A Greyhound and sports fanatic, Paul was always on top of things and loved to talk about recent games and events over a cup of tea.
We could never put into words how much he meant to us and many others. His dedication and work ethic was truly remarkable along with his willingness to help others and always be so reliable no matter what the situation was.We will never forget him and the impact he has had on all of us.
Rest in Peace Paul”
It’s difficult to add to the words of Gerry. For a lifetime, Paul was involved in the sport and was associated with many of the biggest kennels in the land.A gentleman with a deep understanding of the breed, he was respected by all that knew him. He was also great company and would turn up in all four corners of the country. Indeed, few did the miles Paul did in the van.
We would like to take this opportunity to pass on our sincerest condolences to his nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends throughout the land.We would also like to pass on our condolences to Gerry, Marie, Michelle and the extended O’ Donoghue family, to Phillip and Maurice Mullaney and Noelle and the Piggott family. May He Rest In Peace.
Funeral Notice
The death has occurred ofPaul Byrne, Garrabeg, Gort, Galway/Crumlin, Dublin/Clare
Mr. Paul ByrneGarrabeg, Gort, Co. Galway and late of Crumlin, Dublin.
Slipped away in the afternoon of the 30th of June, 2026.
Paul, a much loved, respected and talented greyhound trainer and owner passed away peacefully in his 89th year, in the tender care of the staff of Rosemount nursing home Gort on the 30th of June 2026, surrounded by friends and family. He will be sadly missed by all his family and by his many friends and connections in the greyhound industry.
Paul is pre-deceased by his dear parents Sarah and Michael and by his beloved siblings Kevin, Rita, Tommy, Eddie and Mikey, by extended family members and some great friends.
Cherished and much loved by all, Paul will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, by Gerry, Marie, Michelle and the extended O’ Donoghue family, by Phillip and Maurice Mullaney, Noelle and the Piggott family, relatives, neighbours, by the extended Byrne family, by his many friends and connections in the greyhound circles and by the people of Gort and beyond.
“ Paul you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith "
A gathering of Paul’s family and friends will take place in Seomra Ciúin, within Gort Town Hall, Church Street, Gort, (H91 E0C8) on Thursday July 2nd, from 7pm, followed by removal at 8pm to St. Colman’s Church, Gort. Requiem mass for Paul will be celebrated on Friday July 3rd at 1pm. Paul will be laid to rest afterwards in St. Colman's cemetery, Gort. The funeral mass will be livestreamed on this link (link to follow). Flowers welcome or donations if desired can be made in his memory to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust.
A bond of trust that needs no spoken word,
The greatest trainer that these hounds preferred.
When racing days are over and they rest,
They know you loved and trained them as the best.
Condolences can be left on the online page at the link: https://rip.ie/death-notice/condolences/paul-byrne-galway-gort-635115?page=1&records=60&sortFields=a.createdAt&sortDirection=DESC
A sincere thank you to all who cared for Paul during his recent short illness. Thank you to all his wonderful friends for the kindness shown to Paul over the years.