We must unite behind greyhound industry

IN reply to the letter of Mr Adrian Neilan Irish Greyhound Board CEO, (Feb 9) I would like to make the following observations.

Noel Mullins is a highly respected greyhound owner/breeder/trainer in the greyhound community in this country who has brought many high-profile individuals into the sport of greyhound racing.

I would like to point out that the Irish Greyhound Board receives a very generous grant from government. Mr Neilan’s view regarding prize money grants is not giving the true picture.

There has been a decimation of sweepstake prize money, along with prize money from benefit/charity nights, to the people who supply the basic product, which is the greyhound owners themselves. The Irish Greyhound Derby was previously generously sponsored by Paddy Power, with a winner’s prize of €175,000. The new sponsorship, with another company, now has a winner’s prize of €120,000.

I am appealing to all greyhound owners/trainers/breeders to unite behind this industry.

Mr Mullins was appealing that the next chairman of the Irish Greyhound Board would have the health and wellbeing of the greyhound industry as his sole concern.

I am also very concerned about our greyhound industry and would appeal for the right person to be put in place.

Eamonn Cronin

Greyhound owner and breeder

Co Limerick