News

Successful visit to Shelbourne for vet conference delegates

• 1 min read
Successful visit to Shelbourne for vet conference delegates
Delegates from the International Canine Sports Medicine Conference visiting Shelbourne Park, joined by GRI chairman Pat Flanagan, veterinary director Pat Meskell plus retired greyhounds Jimmy and Charlie with Brenda Powderly and Paul Smith from the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust.

THE International Canine Sports Medicine Conference 2025, hosted at University College Dublin, has been hailed as a major success, bringing together some of the world’s leading experts in veterinary medicine for working and sporting dogs.

The conference offered a unique opportunity to attend expert-led lectures, participate in a dedicated hands-on surgical lab, and engage with internationally renowned specialists in the field.

A highlight of the weekend was the visit to Shelbourne Park on Saturday evening for dinner and racing. Delegates praised the venue, atmosphere, and hospitality, noting the superb racing and dining.

During the evening, Ray Ferguson, widely recognised as the father figure of greyhound veterinary practice in Australia, was honoured with a special presentation on behalf of Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI).

The personalised engraved gift  was a fitting tribute to his lifelong contribution to the industry.

The conference attendees were also treated to a pre-racing tour of the Shelbourne Park Museum, with delegates commenting that Shelbourne Park is “the best stadium they have seen,” a view echoed by both Australian and British visitors.

The International Canine Sports Medicine Conference 2025 has further reinforced Ireland’s standing as a centre of excellence for greyhound racing and veterinary advancement.