BOUNCING Monarch set a new track record of a sizzling 27.77 seconds to capture the 2026 Con and Annie Kirby Final, supported by JP and Noreen McManus, at Limerick Greyhound Stadium.
Owned by David Fradgley of England (West Yorkshire), who collected a cool winners’ prize of €80,000, the winner is trained in Tippeary by father-and-son Michael and Mark O’Donovan.
The victor, bred by David O’Connor of Newtownshandrum in North Cork, led from trap rise.
This performance of ‘Monarch will be remembered as one of the greatest ever, combining blistering early speed, sustained dominance, and record-breaking brilliance.
Effin GAA were the nominator, which carried with it a prize of €10,000 and a complimentary benefit meeting at the venue in the autumn.
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Mark O'Donovan whose Dog Bouncing Monarch won the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Final.
Photo: Brendan Gleeson
Noreen Cremins presents Tony Bennett whose Dog Chestnut Bonny won the Minella Times A1 525 with Paul WebsterPadraig Bennett and Cathal Champion at the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stakes Finals. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
Seani McMahon presents Pat Carrol whose Dog Tyrap Malachi won the Limerick and Clare GOBA A2 525 Final R5 with Louise and David with Rita Carroll and Tommy Hegarty at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
Ian Fortunte presents Billy cliuff whose Dog Timmys Buck won the Saratoga AO 525 with Brian Collins, Andy Lynch and Hammy Dawson at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
James Murray presents JJ Fennelly whose Dog, Burgess Hazel won the Johnnywho Open 750 with Ger McCoy and Tom Daly at the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake Finals. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
James Murray presents Con Guiney whose Dog Droopys Map won the I am Maximus Open 525 at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
Norren and JP McManus with Pat Flanagan attending the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake Final 2026. Photo: Brendan Gleeson
Ger McCoy presents Patrick Sheehy whose Dog Ballinabola Pixi won the Sychronised A1 525 with Kyle Jackson, John and Patrick Sheehy with James Murray at the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stakes at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson
James Murray presents Nicholas O'Dwyer whose Dog Tiermana Dream with Joe and Liam Kelly with Colm Fitzpatrick at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson
Margaret Martin presents Laura O'Mahony whose Dog Brickhill Moana won the Sean O'Connor Memorial A1 525 Final Tim Martin, Geraldin Collins, Faye Collins Cryil and Isla Collins at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
JP and and Noreen McManus present Mark O'Donovan whose Dog Bouncing Monarch won the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Final. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
Mark O'Donovan whose Dog Bouncing Monarch won the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Final. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
David Frahill presents Aidan and Margeret Hogg whose Dog Whizzing Donald won Istabraq Open 525 R8 at Limerick Greyhond Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.
Noreen Cremins presents Brian O'Donnel whose Dog Indian Mist won the Dont Push IT A1 525 with Matt Harte, Gerry Holloa at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson
James Murray presents Graham McAuliffe whose Dog Arrow Twirl won the Meetmebythesea AO 525 with the McAuliffe and Carmody Families at the Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Photo: Brendan Gleeson
Mark O'Donovan whose Dog Bouncing Monarch won the Con and Annie Kirby Final with Oliver Moriaty, Alan Genter, Harry and Jason Lilly, Linda and , David and Daryl Calum Fradgley with Charlie and David Moriaty. Photo: Brendan Gleeson
Tied for second were Ballymac Setanta (Liam Dowling, Granagh/Ballingarry Camogie) and Ballycowen Frank (Michael/Mark O’Donovan, Kilmallock GAA)
The history-making run was watched by a packed attendance and a wide audience through live coverage on Virgin Media Television, which was fronted by Ian Fortune and Ivan Yates.
Among the attendance were Minister Niall Collins, government TD Willie O’Dea, Limerick Senior Hurling manager John Kiely, local GAA Chairman Seamus McNamara, Greyhound Racing Ireland Chairman/CEO Pat Flanagan/Tim Lucey and Dan and Hazel Quirke, founders of the Dylan Quirke Foundation.
Team O’Donovan previously won the Classic with Stonepark Leo in 2021.
On the undercard, Brickhill Moana, trained by Vincent McKenna, won the Seán O’Connor (Claughaun) Memorial A1 Final and Fleeting Moment, from the kennels of Galway handler Gerry Holian, The Limerick & Clare GOBA A2 Final.
The whole occasion was a wonderful endorsement for the sport.
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