€80,000 Kirby Memorial is officially launched at Limerick

THE 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial has been officially launched 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 and, for the first time, will be shown in its entirety on sisracing.tv

Generously sponsored by JP 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 18th 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 21st 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 year‘s winning greyhound was Faypoint Ranger, whose trainer Graham Holland has won the event three times.

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 21st March
Round 2 – Saturday 28th March
Quarter-finals - Saturday 4th April
Semi-finals - Saturday 11th April
Final – Saturday 18th April