MIKE BUCKLEY

The sad news broke this morning of the passing of Mike Buckley, a man steeped in greyhounds for many years and patriarch to one of the most famous families in the sport. A man who bred, reared, owned and trained many stars over the years.

His ‘Velvet’ prefix was attached to many stars including Oaks champion Velvet All Jam, trained by his youngest son Tadgh, while so many more passed through his hands including Velvet Commander who set tongues wagging when sold for a huge sum earlier this century.

In recent years, Mike’s sons Pat, Jimmy and Tadgh have tasted plenty of success in the sport with Pat amongst only a handful of men to have won a Scottish, English and Irish Derby. Through them, Mike’s legacy in the sport is set to continue.

Aside from being a great man with a dog, he was a real family man and will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Buckley Kennels Facebook page has posted a tribute to Mike in the past hours and it is posted below.

Mike was wonderful character, a real gent and the best of company. He always had a sharp wit and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

We would like to pass on our sincerest condolences to his family, his wife Mary, his children Maggie, Anne, Mike (Jock), Siobhan, Molly, Jimmy, Tadgh and Pat, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his extended family and countless friends. May He Rest In Peace.

The following was posted on the Buckley Kennels Facebook page:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Buckley on 05/03/2026.

Mike was responsible for our family’s lifelong love of greyhounds, having started with his first dogs back in the 1960s. Over the years he bred and sold many brilliant greyhounds under his well-known “Velvet” prefix. One of his proudest moments came in 2014 when Velvet All Jam, trained by his son Tadgh, won the Irish Oaks. Throughout the years there were many other outstanding dogs, including Velvet Commander, Velvet Cash and Velvet Paul. Still to this day Velvet Commander is the most expensive dog ever sold in Irish racing.

Mike was immensely proud of his family’s achievements, particularly when Pat’s dogs were victorious in the English, Irish and Scottish Derbies, as well as many other feature races. He also took great pride in Jimmy’s success on the coursing field, including the Coursing Derby winner Upper Hand, who was born and bred at Jimmy’s Galway base and all the great “Montpelier” dogs Jimmy has produced. Mike followed every race and every competition with great passion, always offering advice, guidance and encouragement along the way.

He was a true genius with a dog and passed that love and knowledge on to Jimmy, Tadgh and Pat, and now proudly to the third generation.

Mike was an incredible character, loved by all who knew him. He was as sharp as a tack, with a quick wit and a roguish charm that made him wonderful company. He loved a pint, a bit of craic, and the company of his many friends.

Most of all, he loved his wife Mary, who stood by his side every day for the past 60 years.

He was a devoted father and was adored by all of his children Maggie, Anne, Mike (Jock), Siobhan, Molly, Jimmy, Tadgh and Pat as well as his 23 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, who will cherish his memory always.

Grandad we love you

Funeral Arrangements will be posted here as soon as available.