Singleton's SuperValu backs Donal O'Mahony Draghunt again

It has been announced that the Donal O’Mahony Memorial Draghunt at Blarney on Sunday, August 25 will be sponsored by Singleton’s Supervalu Hollyhill.

Sponsorship is the lifeline for many sporting clubs and on Cork’s northside one gentleman Tomas Singleton is certainly helping a variety of sports with his generosity over many years.

For Tomás being able to lend a hand to sporting organisations is important to him as he is deeply rooted with the people in this community.

From the GAA players at St Vincent’s to the snooker table of Aaron Hill right through to the draghunting fraternity all involved are truly grateful for the wonderful sponsorship that he provides for them on an annual basis.

Draghunting relies heavily on the generosity of Mr. Singleton and his backing of the sport for the last ten years is very much appreciated by all concerned within the sport.

Speaking last week at a sponsorship ceremony Tomas Singleton spoke of his honour to be involved with many dedicated people.

Tomas said: “No matter what sport you are involved in you tend to think that it is very important and that’s the reason I have tried to spread the sponsorship.

“I am proud to have been reared on the northside where sport is very much a priority with many people and win or lose these clubs cater for many children and that’s very important to me and my family." 

The meeting is one of the most popular on the calendar and with times changing over the years, the sport like many others in the minority sector are struggling for survival.

Draghunting is Cork’s oldest outdoor sport and witnessing the children and their parents enjoying the buzz of the day at Blarney is a sight to behold.

“My father Tom just loves going to this event to have a chat with old friends and we are very happy to be associated with this day,” added Tomás.

The sport of draghunting was relieved when Tomás rescued the popular meeting that is held annually at Blarney in August and secretary Troy O’Mahony spoke about the importance of this fixture.

O’Mahony said: “The Evening Echo were at the helm for years and when they decided to call it a day Tomás stepped in and has been with us for the past ten years and his sponsorship saved a very important fixture on our calendar.

“We have a very good relationship with this gentleman and his generosity in general keeps a lot of sports going on Cork’s northside."

UNFORGETTABLE

The coming months will see some great action in the sport but it is unknown whether there will be any English entries this year.

Who could forget last year when Cleator Moor trainer James McClennan arrived in Blarney with his hound Glamorous Ava that swooped to win the Puppy draghunt?

Indeed James thought he had won the lottery when the local bookmaker gave him odds of 10/1 and his hound duly done the business.

Sadly this year James is unable to be in attendance despite having two cracking pups in Countess Ava and Baroness Ava. “My beautiful wife decided to book a sun holiday in Greece so I am unable to attend Blarney this year much to my disappointment.” 

The Cumbrian trainer has already been on Leeside this season when he attended the Garry O’Sullivan memorial draghunt back in May and his love of this country is very evident.

“I enjoy the craic as the lads in Cork are working hard to keep the sport going and hopefully I will be back next year for another shot at winning something with my hounds,” added McClennan.