THOMAS LYNCH

It’s with real sadness we must report the passing of Thomas Lynch.

A popular figure and talented handler, Thomas hailed from one of the most famous families in Irish greyhound racing as a son of four-time Derby winning handler Tom Lynch, the man who trained Spanish Battleship to three Derby successes, and also closely related to the McKenna family.

Thomas was too young to be part of the Spanish Battleship story but as a teenager was heavily involved when Russian Gun provided his father with a record breaking fourth Derby in 1967.

Thomas would go on be a prolific trainer in his own right, sending out countless winners including three Irish Grand National winners. He was something of an expert at producing hurdlers to perform at the highest level as highlighted in the 1988 Irish Grand National when sending out Handball to lead home a one-two for the kennel.

Handball would return a year later, as an English trained runner, to defend his crown, but it’s worth remembering that all the schooling had been done by Thomas.

He would later claim two more Grand National titles with Hillview Leader in 1993 and Lynmac Flyer in 1998. Thomas sent out winners at many tracks but his heart belonged to Harold’s Cross. He was a regular fixture at the Dublin venue and will be fondly remembered by all that frequented the venue.

With the passing of Thomas, another chapter in Irish greyhound racing is closed. Not just a good man with a greyhound, he was also a gentleman and great company. He will be greatly missed by those that knew him and were lucky enough to call him a friend.

We would likely to send on our sincerest condolences to his wife Sheila, his daughter Joanne, bother and sister Gerard and Marguerite, his extended family and many friends.

May He Rest In Peace.

Funeral details

The death has occurred ofThomas Lynch

Dunboyne, Meath / Blanchardstown, Dublin

LYNCH, Thomas (Dunboyne, Co. Meath and formerly of Blanchardstown, Dublin 15) February 15th., 2026 (peacefully) in the loving care of the staff at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown brother of the late Mary. Beloved husband and best friend of Sheila and much-loved father of Joanne; sadly missed by his loving wife, daughter, brother Gerard, sister Marguerite, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephew and friends.

May he rest in peace.

Reposing at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Blanchardstown on Thursday evening (February 19th) between 6 pm and 7 pm. Removal on Friday morning (February 20th) to St. Brigid’s Church, Blanchardstown arriving for Funeral Mass at 10 am followed by cremation in Glasnevin Crematorium. Thomas’ funeral Mass may be viewed (live only) by following this LINK. Family flowers only, please. Donations if desired to St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.

Webstream: https://www.blanchardstownparish.ie/our-parish/webcam/

Donations in lieu of flowers to St. Francis Hospice in Memory of Thomas Lynch: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/TL27161445/donate.html