Friday, Saturday & Sunday 13th, 14th & 15th February
Judge: Liam Kelly
Slipper: David O’Connor
Start 11.30am all three days
Friday: Twice through Lattin & Emly Stakes
Saturday: Start with Inter Club Stake. Once through Inter Club Stake. Twice through Champion Puppy Stake. Once through Champion Bitch Stake (immediately after interval).
Sunday: Start with Inter Club Stake, Lattin & Emly Stake, Champion Bitch Stake and complete card. All semi-finals to be run after first interval.
ALL IRELAND OPEN For P.B Holland Memorial Cup Hosted by Cork County Open with support of Ballymacoda CC
Ballymac Floral which won the 2021 Oaks at an historic four day 2022 National Meeting could be in the news again on another milestone day for the National Meeting tomorrow. No less than six of her progeny will be in action including the very warm favourite for the BOYLE Sports Derby, Ballymac Awil. Litter comrades Mallory Park (Derby) and Ballindaggan (Oaks) are also through to Day 3 and three of her second season progeny Moyle Magic, Ballymac Mulan & Ballymac Loral will go to slips for the Champion Bitch Stakes & the Virtual Coursing Museum Trophy. However Ballymac Awil is the one which has lit up this 100th National Meeting so far with his 12.18 clock this morning and his dismissal of Abbey Einstein this afternoon. He is now as low as 1/1 with the bookmakers and is starting to stamp his authority on what looked a very competitive renewal. What might progress to meet him in the final is much harder to call with very little between the four quarter-finalists in the bottom half. Seven Barrows reminded many of us this afternoon of his Derby winning sire Upper Hand with the way he fought back to deny Magical Titan in the very last stride in what was the course of the meeting so far. We could be in for another thriller in RD4 when he goes to slips with Unforgivable.
The betting would suggest that the 2026 Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks might rest between Cujo and Rushview Rose (pictured) and both bitches have been brilliant so far. Rushview Rose would appear to have the tougher route to the final and any of the quartet in the bottom half would be a worthy finalist. Hopefully Daoimean Dubh, a comrade of the aforementioned Seven Barrows and another Derby quarter-finalist Mr Trendsetter (all progeny of the great Laurina) is ok after her tumble this afternoon. Up in the top half it was hard not to be impressed by the early, middle & late pace of Cujo and we can see why those leaving Johnstown & Urlingford thought they had seen a future Oaks winner.
Butterfield, which came out second in yesterdays RD1 Oaks thriller v Daoimean Dubh looks the one to beat in the Canine Physio Care Kitty Butler Stakes with Coombunny Fox her possible opponent in the final. The Stockproof Fencing Products TA Morris Stakes is much harder to call but Tedtastic and Silent Treaty, on opposite ends of the stake, produced two nice back to back runs today and are likely finalists.
It was another great day of coursing with the hares and the field a credit to Team Powerstown and there is every reason to believe that the concluding day of the 100th National Coursing Meeting will be one to savour. Very best wishes to all involved with a runner in the nine events down for decision tomorrow. It will be very special to be bringing a greyhound to slips on such an historic occasion and there are thousands of coursing supporters out there who would love to swap places with you !!!!
Results, Clocks & Latest Betting now in Quick Results
Footnote: We have been asked to announce that the Duleek Open meeting scheduled for Sunday February 8th will not take place this season due to rainwater on the preserves.
There was a most satisfactory start to the 100th National Meeting at Powerstown Park today. First of all the dry day (the sun even made an appearance in the afternoon) was greatly appreciated by man and beast but the standard of coursing: hares, greyhounds & officials was also of a very high standard for opening day and augurs well for the remainder of the weekend.
For some reason it has often been the case that the first round of the Derby has not matched the first round of the Oaks but if anything it was superior to the Oaks on this occasion and despite the sad defection of leading fancies Boylesportsmajor and Vader during the week it promises to be an intriguing renewal of the BOYLE Sports Derby. Unforgivable (the only progeny of Newinn Wonder in Derby or Oaks) set the standard with his 12.19 clock but he was closely matched by the likes of Ballymac Awil, Magical Titan (pictured) and Seven Barrows. Unforgivable may possibly have a Bye in the morning as his RD2 opponent Mungos Mariner was involved in the only long hunt of the day. Others to catch the eye were Mallory Park, Mr Trendsetter & Callaway Pat (all in the first quarter), Matchstick Man, Tree Top Oisin and Nine Darter.
The eagerly awaited rematch of the Corn Na Feile Oaks final between Butterfield and Daoimean Dubh lived up to its billing and even though there was no turn there was no one arguing with the decision of Liam Kelly to award the flag to the Paudie Lyons trained Daoimean Dubh after she led by the narrowest of margins all the way. Paudie now finds himself with three bitches in that section of 4 and only Pink Pony Club can deny him at least one quarter-finalist. The honour of the fastest clock 12.26 went to Rushview Rose whose trainer Paul Willis is no stranger to the business end of a Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks. One of the buckles of RD2 promises to be Windfarm Strand v Blades Of Dreams with both ladies impressive in their opening courses. Others that could have a serious say in the destination of the €50K first prize are Shanavulin Belle, Lift The Tempo, Cujo, Ballinveala Gail, Ballindaggan & Dale Lovell but it really is a very open looking Oaks this year.
Unfortunately for the Future Syndicate their runner Shineon was slow away in both her courses (Oaks & Kitty Butler) and has bade adieu to Clonmel for this year. However the Future Syndicate marquee will still be in full flow tomorrow (Sunday) so members are encouraged to collect their Beanie hats if they haven’t already done so and avail of the lovely complimentary hot finger food at the interval.
Results, Clocks and Latest Betting can now be found in Quick Results.
We will finish on a sad note by extending our sincere sympathy to the Bergin family, Errill, Co Laois on the sad passing of Mena, beloved wife of Rathdowney CC President Peter. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter, their children Geraldine, Tony, Dolores & Marie, grandchildren, Mena’s brothers & sisters, nieces, nephews and extended members of the Bergin and Duff families. Reposing at O’Sullivan’s funeral home, Rathdowney on Sunday, February 1st from 4pm with prayers at 7pm. Requiem Mass on Monday at 11am in Our Lady Queen of the Universe Church, Errill followed by burial in St Kieran’s Cemetery, Errill. May she Rest In Peace.
The Powerstown Preview at Hotel Minella is back by popular demand. It takes place this Friday night commencing 9.00pm. A very knowledgeable panel of Berkie Browne, Peter Reilly and Gerry Rooney will share their thoughts with MC Damien Lonergan (BOYLE Sports). Admission is free and it promises to be the perfect warm-up to the big event on Saturday.
OFFICIAL NON RUNNERS
National Meeting 2026 – Non Runners
BoyleSports Derby
FURLONG (3rd Quarter)
MR TIGER (4th Quarter)
VADER (4th Quarter)
BOYLESPORTSMAJOR (2nd Quarter)
Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks
ELITE COURSING SAPLING SALE
Once again there will be an ‘Elite Coursing Sapling Sale’ at the National Meeting. This year it will take place on Monday, 2nd February – during the first interval in Lower TA Morris Grandstand.
For many people the National Meeting gets underway in earnest now as the Sporting Press with it’s special NM supplement becomes available Online or in the shops. Anne Marie O’Brien and her team have surpassed themselves this year with a brilliant publication to mark the 100th National Meeting. Please show your support by picking up your copy over the next few days or read Online. You won’t be sorry.
SOUVENIR MEDALLIONS
Thanks to a number of very generous sponsors, all of this season’s National Meeting runners will receive a very valuable sterling silver medallion commemorating the 100th National Meeting and a top quality greyhound coat with the 100th NM logo embossed on same. Only 200 of these medallions were made so they will become a collectors item. A voucher for the sterling silver Medallion & Coat was included with the complimentary tickets issued for each runner and can be redeemed from Enda in the Secretary’s Office between 9.30am and 2pm on any of the three days. We are delighted to inform all coursing enthusiasts that a lovely souvenir 100th National Meeting medallion has also been made and these will be on sale in the Greyhound & Pet World marquee in the Trade Stand area over the three days, retailing at only €20 each. They come in their own box and are the perfect memento of what we hope will be a fitting celebration of 100 National Meetings.
DRAW FOR 100TH NATIONAL MEETING
The draw for the 100th National Meeting will take place at 7pm this Saturday evening in the Horse & Jockey Hotel. Click on link below from 6.50pm onwards. Our sincere thanks to Lar Sutton.
The fastest clock on Day 2 of the trials was 12.21. This was followed by 12.22 and 12.24.
The fastest clock on Day 1 of the trials was 12.17. Two greyhounds also recorded 12.19.
KERRY BUS TO NATIONAL MEETING
Tickets are now on sale online for the Kerry Bus to the National Meeting with pick-ups in Tralee, Castleisland, Abbeyfeale, Newcastlewest, Rathkeale, Adare, Patrickswell and Boher. Simply click on the ICC website where National Meeting tickets are on sale and you will see the new option for Kerry Bus. You can select the day you wish to travel but remember if you are going two or three days you must purchase a bus ticket for each day separately. There is no ‘Three Day’ ticket. Collection points and times appear on the screen once you select Kerry Bus – Buy Ticket.
NATIONAL MEETING OFFICIALS
The votes have been counted and we can now announce the Officials for the 100th National Coursing Meeting. JUDGES: Mr Liam Kelly & Mr John O’Connell. Reserve Judge: Ms Grace Vallely. SLIPPERS: Mr Brian Doyle & Mr David Galvin. Reserve Slipper: Mr Richard Quinn jnr.
ADMISSION TO NATIONAL MEETING 2025
Patrons, please note the following:
OPTION 1: FAST TRACK. Purchase your ticket ON-LINE at www.irishcoursingclub.ie. and avail of discounted three-day ticket. Print your ticket or store it on your phone in your Future Ticketing wallet.
OPTION 2. Pay by CREDIT/DEBIT CARD or CASH at point of entry on the day at separate kiosk before presenting to admission turnstile. Admission Prices: Saturday €25 (incl programme). Sunday/Monday: €30 (incl programme).j8
Important Notice for entry via Lodge Gate: Your Car Park Pass MUST be displayed on windscreen (preferably) or phone before entry to facilitate efficient access. It is also recommended that you arrive early and that you have your pre-purchased Admission Tickets ready for inspection as cash payment may lead to delayed entry.
Once again there will be an ‘Elite Coursing Sapling Sale’ at the National Meeting. This year it will take place during the first interval on Monday, 2nd February in the Lower TA Morris Grandstand. Full details of the four saplings and how to bid etc can be found below.
The following are the results of the Classics Club Draw which took place on Thursday night, January 22nd with names of the runners now added. Best of Luck to all those members who drew a runner. Sincere thanks to all of you who supported this year’s Classics Club Draw. It is genuinely much appreciated.
A Maximum of Eight Reserves will appear on the programme for the BOYLE SPORTS Derby and the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks. We can now confirm that following a draw Crafty Macro will be Res G and Busy Trooper (late Annual Trooper) will be Res H in the BOYLE Sports Derby. Next in line should we have a further withdrawal before draw time will be Country Survivor, Spital Chance & Creevagh Sam (in that order). With Ballinabola Lil not available, Savage Blade will be Reserve G and Hands Up will be Reserve H in the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks. Next in line should we have a further withdrawal before draw time will be Ever So Dramatic.
National Meeting Reserves For Draw
OAKS
–
Mallow
EDMONTON BLANCHE (in Oaks)
1
Mitchelstown
BRIDIE
2
Enniscorthy
KINZAL CLAIRE
3
Glin
STAMP OF BRIDIE
4
Borris In Ossory
HAVEYOUAEURO
5
New Ross
MARSHALS ZIRCON
–
East Donegal 2
N/A. Now a Full TS.
–
Gorey
N/A. Winner won Full TS.
6
Abbeydorney
PARTNERS FLOSS
–
Ballyheigue
N/A. Now won Full TS.
DERBY
–
Waterford
GRANARD GRIT (In Derby)
–
Dungannon
FUN IN THE FIELD (In Derby)
1
Ballinagar
BADMINTON GEORGE
2
Cappoquin
GUNSHIP
–
Macroom
N/A. Not Being Run.
3
Killimer Kilrush
PARADISE MONACO
4
Balbriggan
JAMAICA WONKEY
5
Doon
MASTEROFCOIN
6
Ennis Clarecastle
DERRA CHASER
Owners and trainers should note that among the rules passed at the 2025 AGM of the Irish Coursing Club was a change in the system of replacing qualifiers who are unable to take their place in the Derby and Oaks. They will now be replaced by Reserve TS winners, instead of TS runners-up, which will create an enhanced status for reserve trial stakes.
Where necessary, additional greyhounds will be added to the National Meeting reserve list, consisting of the next best performers: greyhounds that ran up multiple trial stakes etc, and they would be subject to a draw in the event of a number of greyhounds being equal in terms of performance.
Congratulations to the eight greyhounds below which qualified at Clonakilty and Sevenhouses last weekend to compete in the quarter-finals of the Bobby Browne National Workers Championship at the National Coursing Meeting. Four dogs and four bitches will now go into the draw for the quarter-finals and this takes place at the National Meeting draw on Saturday 24th January. Kindly sponsored by Jimmy Browne in memory of his nephew Bobby, the winner will receive €7,500 with €1,000 also going to the local Club.
CLUB
FERMOY / GLANWORTH
Railway Rascal
WATERFORD/CAPPOQUIN
Honey Paddy
ARDPATRICK
Glorious Rock
REGIONAL
Dayinalife
CAVAN / DUNGANNON
End Of Approach (B)
NENAGH
More Gin Please (B)
RATHDOWNEY
Lady Lil (B)
JOHNSTOWN & URLINGFORD
Macs Dream (B)
Please read Conditions carefully especially the ones which relates to Ownership. These conditions apply to Qualifier winners wishing to run in the Grand Final and will be strictly enforced. However Clubs may have their own local club rules relating to entry into the Working Members Stake and these may continue to be applied also.
NATIONAL WORKERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Event Conditions
Working Members only: Event confined to your club’s working members (host clubs to set their own membership requirement(s) to qualify as a working member).
Minimum entry: A minimum of 8 entries per Qualifier.
Eligibility: No age restriction;
Dogs & bitches eligible, with bitches guarded in Qualifiers and the Grand Final as far as possible.
Entrants must not have won more than two courses in any stake.
In the event of the same owner dividing a qualifier, the owner must declare the greyhound to advance to Grand Final at the time the divide arises.
Track-bred rule: If a track-bred greyhound wins a qualifier, it cannot progress to the next stage and forfeits its right to do so (ICC will decide what determines a coursing greyhound and its decision is final).
The format for replacing unavailable or ineligible Qualifier winners will be decided when the final number of Qualifiers is known later in the season and will be done so by the Executive Committee of the ICC. Runners-Up to replace unavailable / ineligible Qualifier winners.
Ownership: Qualifiers for Grand Final must be in the name of the Working Member by September 26th, 2025, or be a first-time naming after September 26th (no transfers permitted after September 26th.).
Syndicates: Responsible person for Syndicate must be a working member of the club hosting the qualifier.
Ownership continued: Qualifier must remain in same owner’s name at time of qualification to compete in the Grand Final (preliminary rounds and at the National Meeting 2026).
Entries & Grants: Entry fee and prizemoney set by host club for qualifier event; with normal ICC grants to apply.
Prizemoney not to be paid to greyhounds tested until otherwise notified by ICC
Championship Format & Dates
Preliminary rounds of Grand Final: Qualifiers progress to preliminary round(s) at Clonakilty and Sevenhouses on on Week 16.
National Meeting 2026:
Final 8 from the preliminary round(s) compete on the final day of the National Meeting 2026.
Testing: Winners of qualifiers will be included in the drug testing draw under Rule 88 and will form part of the drug testing selection at the National Meeting also.
Prizemoney (Grand Final)
Winner:€7,500; Runner-up:€2,250.
Beaten semi-finalists:€750 each.
Winning club bonus: Club providing the overall championship winner to receive €1,000.
Entry fee of €50 to preliminary round of Grand Final.
ICC to cover all prizemoney for main event and club bonus.
Runner Status & Other Events
Qualifier winners may also run in trial stakes, reserve trial stakes and all age events.
If a qualifier later qualifies for any National Meeting classic, it automatically forfeits its National Workers Championship qualifier position, and it must take its place in the alternative National Meeting event it has qualified for.
Note: The Executive Committee reserves the right to vary selection processes if oversubscribed and to amend conditions when and where appropriate, with a view to continuing this new initiative as an annual event.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL MEETING SAPLING SALE 2026 PDF
