Bouncing Monarch Sets Early Standard on Opening Night of 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial
The opening round of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial was on Saturday night at Limerick. The fastest heat winner was David Fradgely's Bouncing Monarch.
Shane Dowling with Ballymac Setanta winner of the Heat 10 in the 1st Round of the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Picture Brendan Gleeson
2026 Con & Annie Kirby kicks off in style
Limerick Greyhound Stadium played host to a spectacular opening night of the 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial on Saturday, as thirteen high-quality heats produced a series of outstanding performances and set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling renewal of the Classic.
Kindly sponsored by the McManus Family, the prestigious event got underway in style, with UK challenger Bouncing Monarch delivering the standout performance of the night.
Trained by Michael O’Donovan, the impressive winner of heat six stopped the clock in a scintillating 27.97, the only greyhound to break the 28-second barrier and the fastest time across the thirteen heats.
The overall standard was exceptionally high, with ten heat winners recording times under 28.20, underlining the depth and quality in this year’s competition.
Ante-post favourite Ballymac Setanta further enhanced his credentials with a dominant display in heat ten for trainer Liam Dowling. Showing explosive early pace, he quickly asserted control before powering home to score by five lengths in 28.00, marking himself as a leading contender for outright honours.
There were also notable performances from Ballycowen Frank, who provided Michael O’Donovan with a double on the night, and Ballymac Duffle, who shed his maiden tag in impressive fashion.
Champion trainer Graham Holland made an early statement in his bid for a fourth Con & Annie Kirby title, recording a treble of winners courtesy of Bockos Gold, Ballydoyle Tina, and Beanos Yank, the latter delivering a particularly emphatic 10-length success.
Paul Hennessy also enjoyed a successful night with a double, as Lennies Dynamic and Jaykay Fly both impressed, while Ello Ello and Getup The Boy produced eye-catching performances to land their respective heats.
The concluding contests went the way of Powerhouse Major and Zenith Pasha, bringing an action-packed opening round to a close.
Commenting on the opening night, Director of Racing for GRI Derek Frehill said: "The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial consistently delivers one of the highest standards of racing on the calendar, and Saturday night was no exception.
"To see 10 heat winners break 28.20 at this stage of the competition is a real testament to the quality of greyhounds competing.
"Bouncing Monarch’s performance was exceptional, but there were numerous standout runs across the card that highlight just how competitive this year’s event will be. It sets us up perfectly for the rounds ahead."
With a remarkable level of consistency and several standout displays already recorded, the 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years.
Racing continues next weekend at Limerick Greyhound Stadium as the remaining rounds on Saturday night promise even more excitement in the race for Classic glory.
Gates open at 6.30pm and all details can be found on www.LimerickGreyhoundStadium.ie.
