Western GOBA pair in track chain protest

Two women chained themselves to greyhound traps at Galway track yesterday to protest at the decision to sell the traps for the 700 yards distance to accommodate Connacht Rugby.

Brigid Frank, chairman of the Western GOBA and treasurer Mary Callinan, began their protest after the group was told the traps had been sold off for €€€120,000, effectively making races at the track obsolete.

Their actions were also prompted by the IGB’s decision to allow a pre-race exercise area for greyhounds to be roped off for a hospitality tent planned by Connacht Rugby.

Ms Frank said IGB was intent on maximising revenues from Connacht rugby at the expense of greyhound racing.

Bord na gCon last night explained that the decision was made due to the extremely low usage of the traps.

They also claim that as a result of the sale, there will be a significant investment in the upgrade of existing traps infrastructure.

In summer 2011, the IGB originally €sought €200,000 from the IRFU to make the track available for 12 matches in the Heineken Cup and Magniers League. The final figure for the 2011/2012 season was closer to €100,000.