STARS OF OUR SPORT RECOGNISED AT WONDERFUL AWARDS
Ian Fortune
Shelbourne Park looking a picture on Sunday evening for the 2025 National Greyhound Racing Awards as we recognised the achievements of the best and brightest in our sport.
It was wonderful to see and hear from our four human award winners on the night. Evan Mcauliffe was the second winner of the Young Person of the Year award and spoke so well as he looked back on his wonderful year.
Tommy Caffrey was a worthy winner of the Welfare Award for his wonderful work with Tipperary Homes for Hounds, while Yvonne Barry was a very deserving winner of the Special Merit Award.
The night ended with brothers, Aidan and Peter Comerford, being inducted into the Hall of Fame after a lifetime in the sport.
SANDWICHES NAMED DOG OF THE YEAR
Of course, the canine stars were also recognised.
There was no surprise to see Cheap Sandwiches named Dog of the Year after his incredible 2025. Graham and Nicky Holland were on hand as were many of his owners.
Of course, aside from capturing the Irish Greyhound Derby in sensational style, he also won the Dundalk International and Winter Racing Festival Championship 550.
FIRE CLAIMS BITCH OF THE YEAR AWARD
It was no surprise to see Magical On Fire claim the Bitch of the Year title.
She produced a massive display in the final of the Laurels to claim the southern classic before ending the year on a real high by winning the Christmas Oaks at Shelbourne Park.
DELICATE LASS GETS NOD AS TOP STAYER
Delicate Lass was announced the Stayer of the Year.
In what was a wide-open category, Maria Kennedy’s talented lady was named the winner following successes in a valuable Novice 750 competition at Shelbourne Park in May, the Kingdom Stadium Open 750 and Irish Cambridgeshire at Limerick.
SOGNA ANCORA THE TOP SPRINTER
Sogna Ancora was named Sprinter of the Year and his owners, the Swedish House Party Syndicate were buoyant after the success.
The Jack Kennelly trained star was a model of consistency through 2025, winning the Islandbridge Open Sprint and the Winer Racing Festival 350. He was bowled over in his latest start but handler Jack Kennelly confirmed that he was in fine form and will be back on track in the near future.
SETANTA RECOGNISED
Future Star of the Year was named as Ballymac Setanta.
The brilliant tracker was brilliant through the final months of the year, equaling the track record at Cork on his way to make the Laurels final, while he ended the year with a massive run behind Cheap Sandwiches at the Winter Racing Festival.
SYDNEY AND SHADOW WIN AWARDS
For the fourth year running Droopys Sydney was crowned Stud Dog of the Year.
Brood Bitch of the Year went to Whitings Gift after some stellar performances from her fastest son Seven Beach as well as big race successes for Shebetheone, Born Racer and The Other Wild.
A full list of the canine winners:
Dog of the Year–CHEAP SANDWICHES
Bitch of the Year –MAGICAL ON FIRE
Sprinter of the Year –SOGNA ANCORA
Stayer of the Year –DELICATE LASS
Brood Bitch of the Year –WHITINGS GIFT
Stud Dog of the Year - DROOPYS SYDNEY
Future Star –BALLYMAC SETANTA