The traps rose for the last time at the Markets Field Greyhound Stadium in Limerick last Saturday night after 77 years racing at the famous Mulgrave Street venue. And fittingly, a dog with strong local connections romped home in the final race.
Mustang Johnny, owned jointly by Patsy Byrnes and Pat Collins and trained by Pa Fitzgerald won by 3 lengths in a time of 29.70 at odds of 5/2. Some hefty wages were reported on the dog, as long-suffering Abbeyfeale punters attempted to retrieve some of the massive betting losses incurred by them down through the years.
The Markets Field was first used as a sports venue by the GAA in 1886. Soccer and rugby were also played there for a time, and in 1906 the All Blacks hammered Munster. (We would have our revenge in Thomond Park in 1978)
Greyhound racing finally arrived in the Markets Field in 1932 and has continued uninterrupted ever since.
The track staged the Irish Derby in 1939 and the Irish Oaks in 1944 – a year that also saw the first running of the Irish St Ledger.
Abbeyfeale greyhound fans made the weekly pilgrimage to Limerick every Saturday night to watch the racing and attempt to beat the bookies and relieve them of some of their ill gotten gains.
It was said that the bookmakers in Limerick could wipe a board faster than the speed of light once they suspected that a gamble might be on.
The new state of the art track on the Dock Road will open in October, and the 2010 St Ledger will be staged there in December.

LIMERICK V CORK
Limerick footballers play Cork in the Gaelic Grounds on this Saturday evening in an All Ireland qualifier.
Paddy Power gives Limerick little chance in this encounter. He bets; Limerick 7/2, Cork 2/7, Draw 9/1.
Kerry are narrow favourites at 2/1 to win the All Ireland, with Cork second favourites at 9/4 and Tyrone 3/1.
This is a tough draw for Limerick. Cork are strongly tipped to go all the way this year and, following two good wins in recent weeks, they would appear to be the form team.
Limerick put in a mighty performance against Kerry in the Munster Final and may feel that their race is run for this season. They have the players and the ability to trouble Cork, and this may very well be Micky Ned O’Sullivan’s last game in charge. Home venue may give them a slight advantage but it would be a major upset if they were to dislodge the Leesiders at this stage of the competition.
However, we continue to live in hope.
*Drom/Broadford are 7/4 favourites to win the county championship, with Abbeyfeale second favourites at 5/2.
NORTH KERRY/WEST LIMERICK FINE GAEL
Enda Kenny, TD and Leader of Fine Gael will be attending a Jamboree/Barbecue in O’Riada’s Bar, Castleisland Road, Ballymacelligott, Tralee on Friday, July 30 at 8pm. Food will be served from 9-10.30pm. This is a free event and everyone is welcome.
GAA;
There was a huge attendance at The Inch last Friday night for the charity match between a Mon Fitz selection and the Fr Casey’s county champions team of 2000. A very exciting game ended in a draw, 1-09 each. The game was followed by a barbecue and disco at the Railway Bar. The event was very well supported and a large amount was raised for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Minor Football County Championship; Fr. Casey’s V Mungret – Friday 23rd July, 7.30pm in Abbeyfeale
Junior A Football West Championship; Fr. Casey’s V Cappagh – Tuesday 27th July, 7.00pm in Newcastle West
SET DANCING
West Limerick Set Dancing Club Ceili in Railway Bar Abbeyfeale on Friday, July 23 at 9pm.Music by Domnall de Barra….everybody welcome.
WRENBOYS
St Ita’s Wrenboys are holding a night for Fr. John Moloney in Cryle View Bar on this Saturday July 24th. All are welcome.
RUGBY
There was no jackpot winner in the weekly draw, which took place on Monday night, July 19th at the Rugby Pavilion. Winning numbers were 14 – 16 – 19 – 30. This week’s Jackpot now increases to € 5,700. There were no match 3’s. There were 5 Lucky dip winners. Kevin Buckley C/o The Corner House, Willie Galvin, Shanbally Abbeyfeale, Dio O’Connor Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, Mary McGrath, Kilconlea Lower Abbeyfeale, and Corinne Stephan, The Lots Templeglantine, Co Limerick. Promoters Prize goes to The Corner House Bar, Abbeyfeale. Next week’s draw will take place on Monday night July 26th at the Cellar Bar
Pre-season training commences next Friday night July 23rd at The Grove at 7.30pm sharp. All players from the first and second teams including under 16’ns, 18’ns, 19’ns, and 21’s who are not involved in other sports please come along. All new players who are interested are very welcome as well.

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