Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake 2021 to start on March 27

LIMERICK Greyhound Stadium are busy preparing for the commencement of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake 2021, with a total prize fund of over โ‚ฌ150,000.

The event which will be hosted behind closedย doorsย and traditionally would involve thousands of GAA greyhound racing and Limerick GAA fans, is toย goย ahead this year with a virtual support programme of events.

The 2021 competition will officially commence on Saturday 27thย March.

Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake Final JP McManus speaking to William Hyslop, Owner of Toolmaker Josie who won the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake Final at Limerick Greyhound Stadium Picture Brendan Gleeson

Ger Dollard, CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland said,

Advertisement

โ€œThis year it is a case of us being flexible and able to adapt to the government restrictions in placeย at any given time.ย ย We firstly wish to thank JP & Noreen McManus on their continued support of Limerick Greyhound Stadium and this event has quickly become one of the topย eventsย nationwide for greyhound owners and trainers alike.

โ€œWhile we race behind closed doors, under stringent protocols, we know how much Limerick GAA clubs look forward to the Con & Annie Kirby Juvenileย and we were determined to find a solution to ensure their engagement.ย  The team in conjunction with Limerick GAA have reshaped the eventย to include virtual participation for each Saturday nightโ€.

So how exactly is the virtual element going to work?ย ย As per previous years each participating club will be asked to register their interest in advance and each will be assigned one of the 70 plus greyhounds that are entered in the Classic event.ย  As the greyhound progresses in theย competition, so doย theย nominating club.ย  Each club is in with a chance to share in a โ‚ฌ20,000 prize-fund (withย an impressiveย โ‚ฌ10,000 to the winning club).

Individuals and clubs will be asked to submit videos and pictures,ย of events that would have featured in the original event itinerary.ย  Details will beย postedย on the Limerick Greyhound Stadium website, as well as its Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts using #Kirby2021 hashtag.ย ย Clubs will receive more details by email next week.ย  Limerick Greyhound Stadium will bring together a judging panel to decide on winners each week, and a compilation video featuring the events highlights.ย ย Over the course of the five-week schedule, different activity challenges will be launched and will include:

  • Virtual Trophy Parade
  • Colouring Competition
  • Banner Parade
  • Puc &ย Cicย Fada

This year Limerick Greyhound Stadium have also launched their Virtual Fundraising package with the Con & Annie Kirby and Limerick GAA in mind.ย  The concept is based on โ€œbringing the club spirit directly to the homeโ€ and is now available for any club wishing to raise funds safely, while joining in on the Con & Annie Kirby buzz!

John Cregan, Chairman of Limerick GAAย said,

โ€œWe are delighted thatย The Con & Annie Kirby will be hosted again in 2021ย as it offers the participating clubs a unique opportunity to not only partner with Limerick Greyhound Stadium, but to potentially share in the โ‚ฌ20,000 finalistsย prize-fund.ย  Our sincere thanks to JP & Noreen McManusย for creating an event that engages and supports the grass-roots of our sport.โ€

The post Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake 2021 to start on March 27 appeared first on Sporting Limerick.