Active unbiased media will help ensure fair play

FOLLOWING the derogatory letter (Irish Examiner, February 21) from the Directors of the Cork Greyhound Racing Company, most of whom are supposed to be representing Cork greyhound owners and breeders ...

Sat, 11 Mar, 2006 - 00:00

... we have no alternative but to express our abhorrence of such a silly letter and at the same time show our support for the brave stand taken by the Irish Examiner.

The letter avoids the facts about the unpalatable events that are occurring within the greyhound industry - specifically, the use of drugs to enhance the performance of racing greyhounds. As we all know, this gives a huge advantage to the big-time trainers as was mentioned in the original article.

We, the ordinary and small-time breeders, cannot under any circumstances continue in business if this situation is allowed to continue.

We love the sport, though the financial gain is very small and sometimes non-existent. We wish to continue but can do so only if we get a fair crack of the whip. Therefore we appeal to the Irish Examiner to continue to highlight.

(a) the use of drugs as already mentioned.

(b) the sacking of the chief executive of Bord na gCon without any explanations.

(d) the identification of trainers and owners not complying with the rules.

We know that the only chance of getting fair play is active, frank and unbiased media.

A few years ago a somewhat similar situation arose in Australia - the use of drugs by unscrupulous trainers. It was exposed by the media and it was to the benefit of greyhound racing throughout Australia. Since then the industry there has gone from success to success.

The Sport Minister has always supported greyhound racing, financially and otherwise. In this matter we are confident he will take a firm stand. Now that greyhound racing is at a crossroads we are optimistic Mr O’Donoghue will act decisively and swiftly to rectify the situation thereby ensuring fair play for all.

Finally we emphasise to the editor of the Irish Examiner not to be intimidated by those people who imagine they can tread all over us. We, the ordinary and small greyhound owners, will support you to the hilt. Long may you thrive.

Patrick Fleming Bweeng

Andy Kelleher Donoughmore

James Kelleher Donoughmore

Matt Healy Donoughmore

Finn Healy Bweeng

Gene Cremin Bweeng

Tom Butler Bweeng

Bob Barrett Lee Valley

Dan O’Sullivan Donoughmore

Con O’Sullivan Donoughmore

John Paul O’Sullivan Donoughmore

Tom Kiely Lombardstown