2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Launched at Limerick Greyhound Stadium

Picture from Brendan Gleeson

Kirby Memorial launched for 2026

The 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial was officially launched on Thursday evening at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, marking the beginning of what promises to be another thrilling renewal of the prestigious competition.

Now in its 13th year, the event has become one of the highlights of the Irish greyhound racing calendar. Generously sponsored by JP McManus and Noreen McManus, the competition is widely recognised for its unique community element, which sees every Limerick GAA club assigned a greyhound in a special Nominator Competition.

The clubs whose greyhounds reach the final on Saturday, 18 April will share in a €20,000 prize fund, with the winning nominating club receiving €10,000 and a complimentary benefit night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Ballybrown GAA claimed the nominator title in 2025 and will be among the many clubs hoping to repeat that success this year.

The 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial will commence on Saturday, 21 March, with the opening round of the competition. The event has grown into the richest juvenile greyhound race in the world, boasting a total prize fund of €160,000, including a top prize of €80,000 for the winning connections.  Last years winning greyhound was Faypoint Ranger, whose trainer Graham Holland has enjoyed title success at 3 finals, and is hoping to bring that tally to 4 in 2026! 

Greyhound fans and local communities can also look forward to a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the competition, with a full programme of entertainment and community activities planned on each race night.

The trap draw will take place live on Facebook on Monday, 16th March at 1.30pm, with the club nominator draw later that evening, setting the stage for the opening round just days later.

Event Schedule

Round 1 – Saturday, 21 March

Clubs are reminded to ensure their nominations are registered ahead of the draw.

Round 2 – Saturday, 28 March

Cumann na mBunscol celebrations.

Quarter-Finals – Saturday, 4 April

Easter family fun activities and live music after racing.

Semi-Finals – Saturday, 11 April

Cic & Poc Fada competition.

Final – Saturday, 18 April

Support your club and cheer on the finalists on a memorable community night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. The final will be broadcast live on Virgin Media Two from 9–10pm, with live music after racing to round off the evening.

With strong community participation, world-class juvenile racing, and a festival atmosphere across the four-week series, the 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial once again promises to deliver a memorable sporting occasion for Limerick and greyhound racing fans nationwide.