Ray and Ollie overpower Powerstown
John Boyle, sponsor of the BoyleSports Coursing Derby presents the trophy to Ray Conroy and Ollie Dunne after their win with homebred Seven Barrows, Ollie Dunne holds the breeders trophy. Also included, trainer Gerry Holihan, Paudie Lyons, Gavin John and Ava Lyons who holds the winner of the Oaks, Daoimean Dubh, litter sister to the Derby winner Photo: Yvonne Harrington
THERE were amazing scenes at the final day of the 100th National Coursing Meeting at Powerstown Park, Clonmel on Monday 2 February, and it was a day that two Portlaoise greyhound owners/breeders will never forget.
The Boylesports Derby winner, Seven Barrows and the Horse & Jockey Hotel Oaks winner, Daoimean Dubh were bred by Ray Conroy and Ollie Dunne.
The bonus was that not only did they breed two two champions but also owned the Derby winner, Seven Barrows.
The litter siblings both delivered sensational performances to win their national crowns.
Seven Barrows winning the Deby was the highlight of a fantastic event. Seven Barrows came out on top in the feature final, beating the well-fancied Ballymac Awil.
Trained by Gerry Holian for Conroy and Dunne, the powerful dog put in a spectacular performance to land the spoils. Nip and tuck early on, the winner powered up the hill to win easily in 12.42.
The Deby winner’s little sister Daoimean Dubh was superb throughout her entire Oaks campaign. In her opening course of the event, she just edged out leading fancy Butterfield and improved with every in every round. She was behind the Cujo for most of the way in the final. She displayed her determination to power up the hill and win.
