Two greyhounds have been making the news locally in recent weeks. One whose promise has been fully realised on the coursing fields of the country – and in Clonmel in particular.
Coolavanny Bingo got pride of place at the fore of the Castleisland St. Patrick’s Day Parade after he had won the BoyleSports Derby in Clonmel at the end of January.
Greyhound news writers and reporters were left raving about the Noel Browne trained dog after he left everything in his wake at the national meeting.
Further Good News
Only last week there was further honour when Coolavanny Bingo was voted Coursing Greyhound of the Year 2015/2016.
Noel Browne and all associated with the dog were invited to the Irish Coursing Club Gala Awards and Dinner Dance at Hotel Kilkenny recently to pick up the award. And so the amazing year goes on for the trainer and owners of this remarkable dog.
Neat Castleisland Story
The citation for the award carries a neat Castleisland story. After ‘Bingo’ was involved in a tougher that usual quarter-final course, Noel Browne considered pulling him out of the derby at that stage. He was only persuaded to let him in there by another Castleisland coursing legend, Mickey Murphy.
“Mickey told Noel that Coolavanny Bingo had a lot more to give and the rest is history.
“Following this truly awesome performance at Powerstown Park it is no surprise that Coolavanny Bingo was the popular choice for Coursing Greyhound of the Year,” according to the citation.
Midtown Raffa Retired to Stud
After he gave his syndicate an unforgettable year in 2014, the local, wonder track dog, Midtown Raffa was injured and his promising racing career cut short. He also became known locally as ‘Dauber’s Dog’ as the syndicate member, also known as David Prendiville, was the most socially active and readily available to provide his followers with updates on his times and races throughout the year.
Come-Back on the Cards
A come-back was on the cards for ‘Raffa’ but the old injury niggled and the syndicate decided to retire him from that side of the career.
“Midtown Raffa has been sent to Boomtown Kennels in Abbeyfeale with Gerry and
Brian O’Sullivan.
“Introducing at Stud the dynamic early paced Midtown Raffa (Kinloch Brae-Rafa Baby) has been retired to stud after sustaining injury in the final of the Champion Stakes at
Shelbourne Park,” according to a statement from the syndicate.
Impeccably Bred Dog
“This impeccably bred dog had exceptional early pace and is a proven stayer over the 550 yards.
“His best times recorded include: Clonmel 1st 525 28.60; Cork 1st 525 28.18; Shelbourne Park semi final of champion stakes 1st 550 29.65; runner up Produce Stakes 2014, winner consolation Irish Laurels 2014; Won the Irish Laurels 2015; beaten Shelbourne Park in final of Race of Champions and favourite for Final of Champion Stakes.
“With exceptional Dam line: Rafa Baby (Brett Lee- Maybe Baby) (Larkill Joe – Balinderry Mist). Contacts: Brian at Boomtown Kennels 087 22 64 419 or Gerry 087 79 00 702,” said the statement.
