PICTURES: All set for the final of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial in Limerick

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THE stage is set for a thrilling decider in the 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial this Saturday following two high-class semi-finals at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, where standout performances from Bockos Gold and Ballymac Setanta lit up the competition.

With Bockos Gold entering the final as the only unbeaten runner and Ballymac Setanta in relentless form, the 2026 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial decider is perfectly poised to deliver a spectacular conclusion at Limerick in six days’ time.  Gates open at Limerick Greyhound Stadium at 6.30pm and admission is €10.  The April 18 final will also be broadcast live on Virgin Media 2 from 9pm-10pm.

Last weekend's semi-finals also included the Limerick GAA underage poc fada and cic fada finals.

In a dramatic lead-in to the semi-finals, Ballydoyle Tina was withdrawn from the second contest, reducing the field to five runners. However, any concerns over the spectacle were quickly dispelled as both semi-finals delivered performances of the highest calibre.

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Bockos Gold, trained by Tipperary trainer Graham Holland, produced a career-best display to remain unbeaten in the competition. Sent off the 5/6 favourite, the powerful black greyhound broke sharply and dominated from the outset, clocking an exceptional 1.21 sectional. The son of Coolavanny Hoffa maintained control throughout, fending off sustained pressure from Bouncing Monarch (trained by Tipperary Town trainer Michael O'Donovan) before powering clear to win by two lengths in a blistering 27.89.

Bouncing Monarch ran another outstanding race to secure second, finishing comfortably ahead of Beanos Yank (trained by Graham Holland) in third, with both qualifying for the final. Despite misfortune, Rapido Ivy and Cushie Flytplan also impressed across the series and remain ones to watch for future competitions.

Earlier on the card, Ballymac Setanta delivered an equally authoritative performance in the opening semi-final for Kerry trainer Liam Dowling. Building on his impressive quarter-final run, Ballymac Setanta justified favouritism with a dominant trap-to-line victory.

Drawn in trap one, he showed sharp early pace to take control and never looked in danger, stretching clear down the back straight and crossing the line three and a half lengths in front in 27.97. Ballycowen Frank (trained in Tipperary by Michael O'Donovan) ran on strongly to claim second, while Jaykay Fly (trained by Paul Hennessy) secured the final qualifying spot in third after a competitive battle behind the leader.

With both semi-finals complete, attention now turns to what promises to be a compelling final, with the €80,000 prize on the line. The trap draw has added further intrigue:

T1 – Bouncing Monarch
T2 – Beanos Yank
T3 – Bockos Gold
T4 – Ballymac Setanta
T5 – Ballycowen Frank
T6 – Jaykay Fly