Greyhounds: Stadium progress cheers up hard-hit race fans
With the front pages all gloom, greyhound folk have reasons for optimism with the progress of the Limerick Stadium development project and the local volunteer effort at Kilkenny, where the famed stadium is getting a massive facelift.
The recession prompted suggestions the Limerick development would not proceed, but Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea visited the site yesterday, and viewed the progress with IGB chairman Dick O'Sullivan.
The filling-in has been going on for some months. The tender period closed last Friday and contractors are expected on site within weeks. The capacity of the new stadium will be 2,900. Construction will generate 250 jobs up to September of next year, and 100 permanent jobs.
Volunteers
At Kilkenny, the greatly-altered circuit will be ready for the sand fill this week and it is hoped that racing can start in the second week of April. There will be a new 550 box and a widened circuit while the old buildings have all received a facelift -- thanks to local volunteers.
There will be a huge Irish audience for tonight's Sky programme from Wimbledon, where College Causeway will be a runner in an Invitation 480. Kennel companion and Puppy Derby winner Droopys Noel contests the Racing Post Juvenile Championship. Pat Buckley also runs Ardkill Tunoco in an open 460.
College Causeway is reported in great condition for his seasonal debut but faces a tough test against the fast starting Ninja Jamie and well-drawn Bubbly Totti.
The draw for the Mike Cronin Readymix Unraced Classic will be made at Tralee this morning and the first round will be run over Friday and Saturday nights. The big all-aged action will be on Saturday with the final of the Tyrur Ted Champion Bitch Stake at Galway and the second round of the Tote Gold Cup at Shelbourne.
Buckley will be strongly represented in all the top competitions. His Slick Sioux is a contender for Tyrur Ted honours after her big run on Saturday. Main danger will be Tyrur Liz, one of three finalists for PJ Fahy. In the Tote Gold Cup, Buckley's Slip The Lark is still the clear favourite, with Fahy's Tyrur Kenny the second choice.
