Talking Dogs on Thursday

This week, Barry Drake chats with young handler and trainer Tim Cliffe, fresh from a brilliant success at the Winter Racing Festival in Shelbourne Park.

Tim reflects on a great weekend for rising stars in the sport, including his big 850-yard victory on Saturday night. He shares insights into handling, breeding, and producing staying greyhounds, the influence of his grandfather Andrew Lynch.

He also discusses future plans, their promising young greyhounds, and ambitions for the year ahead.

A great conversation with a dedicated young dog man making his mark in Irish racing.

Have a listen now!

This week on Talking Dogs on Thursday, Barry Drake catches up with UK owner Lee Craze, the man behind the “Lennies” greyhounds.

Lee reflects on a lifetime in racing, from childhood days at White City to working with legendary bookmakers, owning top-class greyhounds, his successful partnership with Paul & Susan Hennessy, and memorable wins.

He also chats about future plans, his growing involvement in Irish racing, and the importance of greyhound aftercare and rehoming.

A brilliant insight into a passionate owner with an exciting team of runners.

Have a listen now!

This week, Barry Drake speaks with one of the sport’s rising young trainers, 22-year-old Colm Fitzgerald from West Clare.

Fresh from a big win on Laurels Final night and strong runs across Cork, Galway and Tralee, Colm reflects on a remarkable year.

A great insight into a talented young trainer quickly making a name for himself.

Have a listen now!

Barry Drake looks ahead to Saturday’s Bar One Racing Irish Greyhound Laurels Final at Curraheen Park, chatting with Kieran Burke from the sponsors, along with the finalists Liam Dowling, Patrick Guilfoyle, Michael Wren and Eve Leahy.

A brilliant line-up, a packed card and all eyes on one of the biggest nights of the year!

Have a listen now!

Barry looks ahead to the Bar One Racing Irish Laurels Semi-Finals with Kieran Burke.

They chat through the big storylines: Droopys Patriot’s unbeaten run, Ballymac Setanta’s track-record-equalling fireworks, the Solo And Go buzz and the strong late gains of Magical On Fire.

They also reflect on the huge local support in Cork and the excitement building towards the Final night, which will be on Virgin Media TV.

Have a listen to their chat now!

Barry looks ahead to the Bar One Racing Irish Laurels Semi-Finals with Kieran Burke.

They chat through the big storylines: Droopys Patriot’s unbeaten run, Ballymac Setanta’s track-record-equalling fireworks, the Solo And Go buzz and the strong late gains of Magical On Fire.

They also reflect on the huge local support in Cork and the excitement building towards the Final night, which will be on Virgin Media TV.

Have a listen to their chat now!

This week, Barry catches up with Cork trainer Dean Harpur, fresh from his brilliant success in Limerick's Gammell Car Sales Kennedy Cup with Ballycowen Frank.

Dean reflects on the win and the exciting times for his small but talented kennel, which also includes promising youngsters such as Ballycowen Archie and Get Up The Boy. He also chats about breeding and shares what’s next for his runners heading to Shelbourne Park.

Have a listen to their chat now!

This week on Talking Dogs on Thursday, Barry chats with trainer Shaun Conway, following his recent success with Badly Behaving at On Faya Galway Oaks.

He takes us through the journey Badly Behaving has had over the past few months. Shaun also reflects on the young dogs in his kennel and the great year they have had.

Barry also got the opportunity to talk to commentator and writer, Mark Fanning. A passionate advocator of Thurles Greyhound Stadium, Mark shares his thoughts on the Kasko Dog Foods Unraced 525 Final and more.

Mark and Barry talk Derby, and the rise in the great sport of Greyhound Racing.

Have a listen to their chat now!

Two very happy and proud men join Barry this week, our 2025 BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby winning trainer Graham Holland and Dan Brassil, part of the winning owners the Bark Wahlberg Syndicate.

Humble as always, Graham reflects on his record-breaking 5th Derby win with Cheap Sandwiches, praising his champion and all of the family and team supporting him. Graham also gives us an update on some of his other greyhounds, Bockos Diamond, Silverhill Freya after her win in the UK last week and his team for the Laurels.

Dan Brassil has a lifetime involvement with greyhounds and enjoyed one of the best nights of his life on Saturday as Cheap Sandwiches achieved the Derby dream for him, his family and the rest of the syndicate. Dan shares some of his history and memories in the sport, how the Bark Wahlberg Syndicate came to be and the thrill of owning greyhounds, including their Derby champion Cheap Sandwiches.

Have a listen to their chat now!

This week, Barry chats with Tadhg O’Connor of the Random Bag Syndicate in Kerry, proud owners of Derby Semi-Finalist Oreo Ollie. 

Tadhg shares the story of how the syndicate was formed, the excitement of racing with their star greyhound Oreo Ollie, and the role of young trainer Jack Kennelly in guiding the dog’s journey so far. 

From early successes in the Lee Strand at Tralee to lining out in this year’s BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby Semi-Finals, Tadhg talks about the thrill of being involved, the bond among syndicate members, and the dream of reaching a Derby Final night at Shelbourne Park.

Have a listen to their chat now!