2026 CON & ANNIE KIRBY MEMORIAL - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Peter Farrell

The thirteenth running of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial 525 is fast approaching at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, with owners and trainers advised that the entry book for the €80,000-to-the-winner Classic is now open.

Firmly established as one of the standout events on the Irish greyhound racing calendar, the Limerick showpiece, which is generously sponsored by J.P and Noreen McManus, remains the richest Juvenile event in greyhound racing. The roll of honour features some of the best trackers of this generation, most recently Swords Rex, Clonbrien Treaty, Knockeen Dazzler and Faypoint Ranger.

The 2026 renewal is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 21st March, and the coming weeks will prove crucial for connections, with a host of trial stakes offering competitors a golden ticket into the Kirby.

*** 2026 CON & ANNIE KIRBY MEMORIAL 525 ***

Winner - €80,000

Starts: Saturday, 21 March
For 72 Greyhounds (January ’24 or younger) @ €200 each
Entries now being accepted by the Racing Office on 085-8797575
Entries close: Monday, 16 March at 10am

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TRIAL SESSIONS

In the lead-up to the Kirby, Limerick will host several trial sessions for prospective entries.

Schedule:

UNOFFICIAL
Saturday, 28 February - 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Saturday, 7 March - 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Saturday, 14 March - 3.30pm to 4.30pm

OFFICIAL
Saturday, 7 March - 5.30pm to 6.00pm
Saturday, 14 March - 5.30pm to 6.00pm

All Con & Annie Kirby Memorial trials must be booked through the Racing Office on 085 8797575.

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TRIAL STAKES & QUALIFIERS

A series of trial stakes and qualifiers for the feature event will take place on Saturday, 7th March:

A0 525 Qualifier - Winner €400 plus free entry to the event
A0 525 Qualifier - Winner €400 plus free entry to the event
A1 525 Trial Stake - Winner €400 plus free entry to the event
A2 525 Trial Stake - Winner €400 plus free entry to the event

A Trial Stake bonus will also be on offer for A1 Trial Stakes or lower. This consists of a €2,000 bonus for the best-placed greyhound in competition, open to all stadia entries that win a Trial Stake.