O’Sullivan to step down as chairman of IGB at the end of January
The Chairman broke the news of his decision to retire to the members of the IGB at a meeting on Tuesday evening and he intends to step down at the end of January.
Speaking yesterday from Punchestown Racecourse, he said: “I have done my stint. I am in my fifth year in the job and at my age I feel it is time to take things a little easier. The Punchestown job (manager) is a very demanding role on its own and I feel I have contributed all I can to the greyhound business at this stage.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time involved with the IGB and I met some wonderful people, many of whom will remain friends for life. I will still keep in touch with the greyhound game but I feel it is time to pass over to a younger person”.
O’Sullivan took over as Chairman from Paschal Taggart back in September 2006 and he has since steered the ship steadily through pretty choppy waters including the Budget cuts of the past few years.
Meanwhile the Irish Greyhound Board yesterday welcomed the new Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2010 which will be introduced in the New Year.
The implications of the original Dog Breeding Establishments Bill caused great unease among greyhound folk during the year including, as it did, quite unnecessary and unworkable double systems of inspections, regulations and inherent costs.
The greyhound industry fought a bitter battle over the proposed Bill and finally their efforts paid dividends. The Bill was passed but greyhounds were exempted on the undertaking that the greyhound industry would be dealt with in a new Welfare of Greyhounds Bill.
A statement from the Irish Greyhound Board yesterday confirmed that the legislation governing the welfare of all greyhounds will be introduced in the New Year. This legislation has come to pass following extensive interaction and negotiation between the IGB and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, who have been most helpful in drafting this final piece of legislation. The new Welfare Bill thankfully recognises the existing levels of regulation and integrity controls currently employed within the industry.
The IGB yesterday expressed its gratitude “to Minister of Agriculture, Brendan Smith and his Department for this inclusive approach to the need to draft legislation governing the welfare of greyhounds, whilst recognising the unique individuality of the greyhound industry with its longstanding record of appropriate welfare standards employed since its foundation in 1958”.
IGB Chairman Dick O’Sullivan said: “I’m very happy that what appeared to be a huge threat to the industry some months back has now been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction. The original legislation drafted threatened the very existence of the industry and I’m delighted that the process has now been concluded in this sensible manner”.
It will be Christmas Party Time at Curraheen Park on Saturday night with an all sponsored programme and all sorts of goodies for the owners, trainers and all the track’s local followers.
Liz Igoe, the Sales Operations & Commercial Manager, says: “The night will be a celebration for all greyhound owners, trainers and all of our locals. Curraheen will be providing finger food on the night and a drink for our locals. There will also be spot prizes on the night, one of which will be a Two Night B&B and One Dinner Break in the Kenmare Bay Hotel. The Curraheen Park Greyhound Awards for 2010 will also be presented on the night.
