Kildare dog trainer Robert Gleeeson wins €10,000 Kirby Stake at Limerick Track

Rathangan trainer Gleeson wins Kirby as Toolmaker Josie takes the honours in Limerick

A packed Limerick Greyhound Stadium saw Toolmaker Josie scoop the 2019 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake last night for Rathangan-based trainer Robert Gleeson.

The win saw Josie earn €80,000 for owner William Hyslop. Josie’s assigned club, Galbally Camogie Club, landed a €10,000 cheque and a free benefit night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

96 greyhounds began the event five weeks ago in what has been an extended competition this year, which has led to the involvement of Limerick ladies football, camogie and handball clubs for the first time.

Josie – who left the traps a 6/1 shot – crossed the line in 28.37 seconds, a length ahead of the Graham Holland-trained Herecomesdahoney, assigned to Bruff Camogie Club and a further two lengths ahead of Antigua Rum, assigned to Na Piarsaigh GAA club.

Ballymac Tas, trained by Liam Dowling and assigned to Granagh/Ballingarry GAA finished in 4th place, with Dromin/Athlacca’s Deadly Storm in fifth.

Herecomesdahoney’s 2nd place finish earned €20,000 for connections and €5,000 for Bruff Camogie Club. Antigua Rum took home €10,000 with €2,000 heading to Na Piarsaigh GAA. Ballymac Tas and Deadly Storm bagged €5,000 each for connections and €1,000 for their respective clubs.

Toolmaker Josie’s trainer, Robert Gleeson, commented after the race: “I saw the black jacket going to the bend in front, but when he hit the back straight in front, I knew there was a 28.30 in him. He picked the right night to do it. For a dog to even get to the final of the Kirby in his fifth race is an achievement in itself, we’re absolutely delighted. I’m going to enjoy this one! Long term we’ll give him a break and get him ready for the Irish Derby.”