Talking Dogs on Thursday

This week, Barry chats with WGOBA’s Hughie Keleghan, a lifelong greyhound racing enthusiast whose journey in the sport began as a teenager.

Hughie shares his early days working with the Horan family and the experience he gained alongside Sean Purcell. He reflects on how greyhound racing not only shaped his career but also instilled a sense of responsibility that has stayed with him throughout his life.

Hughie updates us on two great competitions ongoing in Galway, the Kilcolgan Castle Connacht Derby and the On Faya Stake and expresses his gratitude to Karen Geoghegan and the Mulroney family for their sponsorship of these races.

There’s plenty to look forward to in Galway, have a listen!

In this episode of Talking Dogs, Barry chats with Dave Wilson of the Harlequin Syndicate about his deep-rooted connection to greyhound racing. Growing up with a mother who was a greyhound trainer and a father who was a bookmaker in Kent, Dave’s earliest memories are of life around the tracks.

Dave reflects on his work experience with the legendary Terry O’Sullivan and how those early days shaped his journey. He also shares stories about his lifelong friendships in the Irish racing scene, his experiences traveling to tracks across Ireland, and his dedication to supporting young trainers who now train dogs for the syndicate.

With 47 dogs currently in the syndicate and opportunities to buy shares, Dave gives us a glimpse into what’s next for Harlequin in both the UK and Ireland.

In this exciting episode of Talking Dogs on Thursday, Barry Drake sits down with Liam Dowling and Tom Nolan to discuss the thrilling world of greyhound racing. Liam shares his anticipation for the upcoming Juvenile Classic in Tralee, which kicks off today. With a history of success in the event, having previously won with Ballymac Marino and Ballymac Patriots, Liam is aiming for a hat-trick this year.

Tom Nolan, the new sponsor of the Juvenile Classic, talks about his enthusiasm for supporting the event for the next two years. He emphasises how the race is a fantastic way to start the year with the younger greyhounds making their mark. Tom also shares a personal connection to the race, as he has his own greyhound, Silent Kobe, running in the third heat.

Tune in for all the insights and excitement as the greyhound racing season begins in the Kingdom!

A special episode of the podcast this week as PwC GPA Camogie Senior Player of the Year for 2024, Laura Hayes, joins Barry Drake for a chat.

Last August, the Cork Senior Camogie team claimed a 30th All Ireland title for Cork, with Laura and her team-mates providing another memorable day for fans in the Rebel County.

Laura chats to Barry about the success but also the work that goes on behind the scenes to help them to get to the All Ireland Final and to lift the O'Duffy Cup in Croke Park.

With great success in their high-performance environment comes costs that they must meet and Cork Camogie have commenced on their fundraising drive for 2025. One of their key fundraising events is a Night at the Dogs in Curraheen Park on Saturday 15th February.

Following on from a very successful fundraising night last year, once again Laura and all of the team will be there on the night with the O'Duffy Cup and they look forward to meeting fans young and old on the night.

Tickets for the night are just €10 but supporters are asked to purchase via a special link to support the team, click on the Cork Camogie ad on Curraheen Park's website or visit bit.ly/Tickets2025CorkCamogieFundrasier to purchase. Any businesses or individuals looking to support them through sponsorship on the night can email [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming the 2024 All Ireland Senior Camogie Champions and all their supporters to Curraheen Park on Saturday 15th February!

This week, Barry Drake is joined by two accomplished greyhound trainers, James Slevin and Adam Dunford.

James, based in Navan, has been immersed in greyhound racing his entire life, achieving 65 winners last year alone. They chat about the positive impact of SIS Racing, his standout greyhounds and the ones to watch, especially a promising new talent, Serious Mickey.

Barry also chats to Adam Dunford; known for schooling dogs, Adam highlights Jack Tavern Gem, who clocked an outstanding 28.64 in Kilkenny, and other rising stars plus recalls a memorable night in Clonmel where he secured four winners. Adam has also kicked off the new year with incredible form, achieving six wins out of seven races.

Tune in as Barry, James, and Adam discuss their achievements, the promising future of greyhound racing and more.

🎧 Episode 189: Billy Dunne Talking Dogs on Thursday with Barry Drake

Kicking off 2025 with this exciting first episode of the new year! Barry Drake sits down with the talented Billy Dunne after his sensational win at the Curraheen Elite Contracting 575 Greyhound Racing Final.

Billy shares all the thrilling details of his victory, including the race highlights and the moments that led to his triumph. But that's not all! He also has some incredible news about a new addition to the greyhound family.

Tune in to their chat now.

Following the thrilling Winter Racing Festival, Barry sits down with the talented Callum Purdy to celebrate his remarkable double victory. In this episode, Callum opens up about his inspiring journey into the world of greyhound racing, revealing the deep passion that drives him to compete in Ireland.

He also shares his ambitious future plans, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of his racing career. The conversation highlights not only his achievements but also the dedication and excitement that fuel his love for the sport.

Barry Drake chats with Myles Roban about his family’s rich greyhound-rearing tradition in Enniscorthy.

As a third-generation breeder, Myles shares stories of his grandfather helping establish the local track and how he now works alongside the generation, and his exciting plans for the future.

The Robans have enjoyed some wonderful weeks in Shelbourne Park with Elite Josh landing the 2024 Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate Final.

Trainer Robert Gleeson joins Barry Drake to talk about the superstar Droopys Kathleen. Robert tells us a little bit about her background and how jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle came to be involved. They chat about how she's set the sporting world alight and what's next.

The Barry chats to Shane Rigney of Time Greyhound Nutrition ahead of their Final in Newbridge tomorrow and they chat about the new Time Club and of course looking forward to the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final on Saturday.

Have a listen!

Barry Drake is joined by young Limerick greyhound owner and trainer Evan McAuliffe.

Evan has just turned 18 and has been making a name for himself in recent times with some great moments on the track. Evan biggest success came recently when he won the Fonez.ie Galway Oaks Final in Galway with Drombeg Pearl, a win worth an impressive €10,000.

Evan fills Barry in on his history in the sport and more.

Have a listen to their chat now.