A NAME synonymous with the sport of greyhound racing, Mike Buckley of Doon, has passed away.
It was Mike who instilled a love of the game in his children, most notably entertainer Jimmy, Tadgh, and Pat, who in turn have passed the same on to the current generation, including his granddaughter Emma and others.
Since his involvement, which started back in the 1960s, Mike 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, the family commented, there were many other outstanding dogs, including Velvet Commander, Velvet Cash and Velvet Paul, the most expensive dog ever sold in Ireland.
A more recent winner was TedTastic (T.A. Morris Stakes) in Clonmel for the Whelan’s (Public House, Doon) on a Sunday’ syndicate.
A family comment online said that “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.”
One of the great moments of Team Buckley was the win of Never Give Up (owned by Pádraig Heffernan, Adare) in the Irish St Leger Classic of 2004 at Limerick’s Markets Field Stadium.
He will repose at White’s Funeral Home in Doon this Friday, with Requiem Mass at St Patrick’s Church on Saturday morning, followed by burial in the local cemetery.
Mike is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary, their sons Michael, Pat, Jimmy and Tadhg, daughters Siobhán (Kinane), Anne Hayes, Molly (Maher) and Mairéad English, along with over 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, other relatives, neighbours and “all his friends from the greyhound community”.