Twelve left standing in the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial in Limerick Greyhound Stadium

THE 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial 525 continued to deliver world-class greyhound racing on Saturday night, with four electrifying quarter-finals at Limerick Greyhound Stadium reducing the field to the final twelve contenders in the €80,000-to-the-winner Classic.

The standout moment of the night came in the third quarter-final, where Ballymac Setanta and kennelmate Ballymac Duffle produced a race for the ages. Trained by Kerry trainer Liam Dowling, the pair went stride-for-stride in a dramatic finish, with market leader Ballymac Setanta just holding on by half a length in a superb 27.90. After asserting early control, Setanta looked home and hosed before Ballymac Duffle unleashed a powerful late surge that brought him right to the line in a thrilling duel.

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Earlier on the card, Bockos Gold extended his unbeaten run with another dominant display for 3-time Kirby winning trainer Graham Holland and the Jolly Good Company Syndicate. Sent off the 4/7 favourite, he made virtually all the running to record a fast 27.92, holding off a strong late challenge from Waitingforastar, while Rapido Ivy also qualified for the semi-finals.

The second quarter-final saw UK challenger Bouncing Monarch maintain his flawless record in the competition. Trained by Tipperary trainer Michael O’Donovan, he showed sharp early pace to seize control and never looked in danger, crossing the line three lengths clear in 28.29. Beanos Yank and Ballydoyle Tina filled the qualifying positions in what was a high-quality contest.

O’Donovan completed a memorable double in the final heat as Cushie Flytplan produced another top-class performance. Showing early pace and determination, he regained the lead after briefly being headed by Getup The Boy and powered home to score by two lengths in 28.11. Getup The Boy and Jaykay Fly also progressed to the last twelve.

Following the conclusion of the quarter-finals, the semi-final draw was made:

First Semi-Final

T1: Ballymac Setanta
T2: Jaykay Fly
T3: Getup The Boy
T4: Ballymac Duffle
T5: Ballycowen Frank
T6: Waitingforastar

Second Semi-Final

T1: Ballydoyle Tina
T2: Bockos Gold
T3: Cushie Flytplan
T4: Bouncing Monarch
T5: Rapido Ivy
T6: Beanos Yank
With unbeaten stars, kennel rivalries, and exceptional performances across the board, the stage is now set for two ultra-competitive semi-finals as the 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial builds towards a thrilling conclusion. 12 Limerick GAA Clubs also progress, still in with a chance to claim the €10,000 top nominator prize. Gates open on Saturday night at 6.30pm and all details can be found on www.LimerickGreyhoundStadium.ie