THE 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial delivered further world-class racing on Easter Saturday, with four electrifying quarter-finals at Limerick Greyhound Stadium reducing the field to the final 12 contenders in the €80,000-to-the-winner Classic.
The standout moment came in the third quarter, where Ballymac Setanta and kennelmate Ballymac Duffle produced a race for the ages.
Trained by Kerry trainer Liam Dowling, the pair went stride-for-stride in a dramatic finish, with market leader Ballymac Setanta just holding on by half a length in a superb 27.90.
After asserting early control, Setanta looked home and hosed before Ballymac Duffle unleashed a powerful late surge that brought him right to the line in a thrilling duel.
Earlier on the card, Bockos Gold extended his unbeaten run with another dominant display for three-time Kirby winning trainer Graham Holland.
The second quarter saw UK challenger Bouncing Monarch maintain his flawless record in the competition.
O’Donovan completed a memorable double in the final heat as Cushie Flytplan produced another top-class performance.
First Semi-Final – T1: Ballymac Setanta, T2: Jaykay Fly, T3: Getup The Boy, T4: Ballymac Duffle, T5: Ballycowen Frank, T6: Waitingforastar.
Second Semi-Final – Â T1: Ballydoyle Tina, T2: Bockos Gold, T3: Cushie Flytplan, T4: Bouncing Monarch, T5: Rapido Ivy, T6: Beanos Yank.