Talking Dogs on Thursday

Barry speaks to Midleton man Michael O'Keefe in this week's episode.

Michael takes us on a wonderful trip down memory lane with stories from days gone by. For 30 years Michael ran a schooling track and he recalls the days when city owners who would often keep a pair of greyhounds would visit twice a week to give their greyhounds a run.

Of course, he's also enjoying this year's Friends and Supporters of Cork Greyhound Racing Irish Laurels and he and Barry chat about the action.

Michael listens in every week to the podcast so we're delighted to have him as our guest this week. Enjoy the listen!

Barry Drake is joined by Fred Malzard this week, part of the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby winning syndicate Whatever You Like, owners of Born Warrior.

They chat about that memorable night in Shelbourne Park and the celebrations since but also about Fred's earlier family involvement in Greyhounds.

Have a listen now.

This week, Barry Drake is joined by our 2022 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby winning trainer, Jennifer O'Donnell.

Jennifer recalls a memorable night in Shelbourne Park with Born Warrior and fills us in on the next plans. Of course, Jennifer's father and mother are both Derby winning trainers so they chat about memories of those too.

Have a listen to their chat.

Heading to Meath this week, Barry Drake speaks to Wayne Leonard.

Wayne wasn't born in a greyhound family but always admired the sport of greyhound racing and eventually took the plunge and bought 2 pups. He shares his journey so far and how he got great help from the community in finding his feet in the sport.

Wayne enjoyed some great success recently with Luna Rocket, who he co-owns, winning the Greyhound and Pet World A1 Stake in Curraheen Park.

Have a listen to their chat now.

With all eyes on Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium ahead of Saturday's Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, Barry Drake spoke to Racing Manager Michael Dempsey.

Have a listen as they look forward to two cracking Semi-Finals!

Be there in Dublin or watch at your local Greyhound Stadium racing on Saturday or TUNE IN ON TV on Virgin Media 2 or Racing Post Greyhounds TV

Bart Leahy was a great friend to many, especially in Cork and Curraheen Park, and so it is fitting that his memory will be honoured with a special event in Curraheen Park to coincide with this year's Laurels.

Barry Drake speaks to Jimmy Barry Murphy to learn more about it.

Barry Drake heads to Gorey this week as he chats to Owen Doyle.

Owen recently hit a big milestone in his training career getting his 100th winner last week in his local track in Enniscorthy.

Owen chats about his early days in greyhounds, how his career is going and fills us in on some of the greyhounds currently in the kennel. Of course for the time of year it is, they touch on the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby too.

Have a listen to their chat now.

Barry Drake is joined by Vinny Grennan, a man who has been involved in the world of greyhound racing for over 35 years. He shares tales of how his love for greyhounds developed and time working with some greats of the sport.

Vinny is also known for his media work and back in the Spring he was delighted to share a picture of two sporting legends coming together - Honeysuckle and Susie Sapphire. The picture has been spread far and wide of these two great ladies.

Recently, Vinny organised a fundraising a young woman who had been diagnosed with cancer and he updates Barry on his great success.

Have a listen to their chat.

This week Barry Drake is joined by trainer Leonard O’Hanlon.

Leonard is no stranger to success and is well known within the greyhound racing industry. He starts by sharing his earliest memories of greyhound racing as he reminisces on fond memories shared with his grandad trackside across the country. From a young age Leonard was fascinated by greyhounds and soon fell in love with the amazing sport. He went on to share the amusing story of purchasing his first greyhound and how a bus trip home with the dog was simply not going to cut it!

Leonard chats about his family’s involvement with horse racing with his brother, Paddy O’Hanlon, enjoying Irish Grand National Success. Leonard suffered an injury form a kick from horse at a young age and he chats about how this incident led him to move his attention to greyhound racing.

After he completed his Leaving Cert, Leonard went on to work with some high-profile greyhound trainers of the time including Ian Reilly. Leonard now has his own set up at home where he schools and trains greyhounds with his plans for developing and improving. He chats about Beepers Chris who is currently racing in the 2022 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.

Listen to their chat now!

On this week’s episode Barry Drake chats to Aaron O’Hanlon and Mickey Rooney.

First up Barry talks to a young and passionate greyhound supporter from Cashel, Aaron O’Hanlon. Aaron has experienced history in the horse racing industry, and he talks about the many tips and skills he has gained from over the years in relation to the training of an animal. Although he has no major connections into the greyhound industry, he says greyhounds have always been in his heart. Aaron has become serious with greyhounds in the last year as he tries to cover all angels from whelping bitches to training and schooling greyhounds. He chats about his goals of expanding his current facilities and his hopes of schooling and producing a high calibre of dogs.

They move their attention to the 2022 Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup currently running at Dundalk Stadium. Aaron is represented by Serene Ace and he chats about his sensational performances to date in the competition. Aaron looks forward to Monday nights final as he wishes all participants and connections the very best of luck.

Next up Barry chats with Mickey Rooney. They also discuss the Dundalk Classic where Mickey is represented by Runnita Shay. Mickey has spent many years attending the Sprint Cup Final at Dundalk, so it means a lot to him to be represented in this year’s final at his local stadium. He chats about the talented trainer John A. Linehan and his superb involvement with the dog.

Mickey goes on to share the emotional and magical story behind the purchase of Runnita Shay. He purchased this superstar at a tough time in his life when his brother Seamus fell ill. He talks fondly of his late brother and how the special name Runnita Shay came about.

Have a listen to their chat now!