Greyhound school on track to boost area’s profile

Ray Ryan, Agribusiness Correspondent

As the number of full time farmers decreases, a range of other non-farm projects are emerging to fill the structural vacuum in rural communities.

Ballincollig resident Michael Crowley, has a life-long interest in dogs and has achieved his ambition by developing the modern greyhound schooling track on 13 acres.

Owners, trainers and breeders from various parts of the country are already bringing up to 400 dogs a week to the track to test them against a modern timing system.

“This is a very exciting project and the reaction so far to the facilities has been very positive,” he said.

Minister of State Batt O’Keeffe, who visited the track, said: “It will bring a new vitality to a rural community and that will generate ancillary activities.”

Some of the country’s top trainers have given the Lyre track the thumbs up and described the training facilities as being equal to what one would find at the top venues.

Liam O’Callaghan, Graham Calvert, Christy O’Callaghan, Eoin McKenna, Reggie Roberts and Shane Murphy are among the trainers who test their dogs on the track.