Eoin Rua and Oaks siblings take top awards

IT must have been a close call but from a very strong field — where his main rival must have been Champion Stakes winner Windfarm — the Greyhound & Pet World coursing dog of the year award has gone to the courageous puppy Eoin Rua (Handsome Billa – Eoin Og), winner of the very competitive JP McManus Irish Cup at Patrickswell and the Keen Laddie Stakes at Clonmel.

The dog is owned by Caoimhe & Sinead Kelly, Nenagh, bred by Suzanne Kelly and trained by John Kelly.

The Bitch of the Year award, sponsored by O’ Flaherty Markets, Galway went jointly to the flying siblings, Qualityandgold and Chubbys Accord (Hilltown – Ardnalee Laura) who set Clonmel alight with their dazzling displays on their way to dividing the Oaks.