More tracks pitch in for Tsunami Disaster Fund
The Dublin track has set itself a massive target of E150,000 and, while the smaller tracks can’t match that, they still hope to come up with sizeable sums. Plans are already at an advanced stage at Curraheen Park and General Manager Noel Holland says the surge of goodwill generated by the tragic images emanating from the region has been staggering and is hopeful of meeting the E30,000 target.
He already has numerous pledges and seven races sponsored. However, the door is still open and people can either sponsor individual races, become individual dog sponsors (at E100 each dog) or purchase places for groups of four or more in the Restaurant. Staff at the track will also be chipping in and other initiatives are also in the pipeline. Admission on the night is E10.
Newbridge and Limerick had their plans hatched before the IGB announcement and race on January 22 and February 12 respectively. Limerick’s delay is quite deliberate as, with the blessing of the ICC, they plan a major ticket sales drive at the National Coursing meeting in Clonmel at the end of the month. Admission tickets are a mere E5 at Limerick and general manager Gus Ryan plans to run E10 sweepstakes finals with over 20,000 in prizemoney, 50% going to the fund and the other 50% going to the owners. Sweepstakes will include Open 300 yards, Open 525 yds, Open 550 yds, and Open 700 yds. Heats of these sweepstakes will take place on Thursday 3rd, Saturday 5th and Monday 7th.
Each sweep will be sponsored for E1000 (this can be one sponsor of E1,000, two of E500 or four of E250). There will be 60 nominators or multiples of individual dogs at 50 each. All trophies and presentations sheets will be sponsored by the Greyhound & Pet World, Abbeyfeale and signed jerseys by All-Ireland winners Cork and Kerry will be up for auction. It is also hoped the Cork & Kerry GAA Boards will arrange to have the Sam Maguire and the MacCarthy Cups on display.
A committee has been formed with treasurer Dave Casey at the helm ( Tel. 061-419313 Other members include: Eamon Cronin, Limerick; Gerry Griffin, Limerick; Tom (Saleen) O’Connor, Kerry; Bridget Fitzgerald (Glin), Declan Moylan, Limerick; Mark Dilger, Limerick; Jim Deenihan, Kerry; Michael McInerney, Limerick; Jim McCarthy, Kerry; John Woods, Glin; Padraig Regan, Kerry; Michael Field, Limerick; Dave Quirke, Tipperary; Denis Browne, Kerry and Tom Bambury, Kerry.
Limerick’s target is also 30,000 and anybody wishing to contribute should contact any member of the committee or Gus Ryan (General Manager).
Philip Mullaney says Newbridge have joined forces with the local GOBA and plan to put in a major effort.
Stud Dog owners are organising their own fundraiser and details of that scheme will be announced shortly. However, it is likely to take the form of Stud Dog nominations being offered for sale.
