Donal O'Mahony Draghunt is the highlight of the year for local trainers

When August comes around for draghunting trainers the one meeting that brings excitement is the annual Donal O’Mahony meeting that on Sunday last at Blarney was held for the 28th consecutive year.

The Echo for many years was the main sponsor mainly through the contribution of the late Donal who for many years gave undoubted dedication as a vendor.

Like many sponsorships they have a life spell and Tomas Singleton stood in for a few years and that was greatly appreciated.

This year Butler Technologies came on board for the first time and their contribution was widely appreciated by many in the sport and beyond as this is a family day.

The company based in Maynooth in Kildare provide testing and monitoring for many industries and help businesses around the globe. The company are Irish-owned with a multi-skilled team specialising in engineering, sourcing and end-to-end supply chain.

Speaking on behalf of the company managing partner Aidan Butler was happy to be associated with Cork’s oldest outdoor sport.

“As a company, we are happy to be involved with the Cork City and county harriers association as we know this meeting is one of most popular in their calendar and let’s hope all participants had a day to remember,” said Aidan Butler.

Hounds from various associations competed and none more than Neil and Gillian Browne who are regular visitors and this year they were accompanied by Ellie Napier, who actually does PR work for the HTA in Cumbria. This year Neil had only one hound in the senior race and although Dundee finished down the field he was still delighted that he made the 1500km round trip back to Leeside.

“Our hound could have run a little better but that’s sport you have to be able to take the good with the bad and for us the most important thing is meeting our many friends who always give us a good Cork welcome,” said Neil.

STYLISH

The Senior Draghunt was surprising in the manner the hounds finished so far apart but let’s take nothing from the winner Slievemish Duchess, who finished in style as she crossed the tape.

Speaking after the draghunt the winning trainer Damien Wade in the company of his proud mother Eleanor couldn’t hide his delight.

“It’s a great day but it always is when you win a draghunt of this magnitude and in fairness, my hound has given me some wonderful days that saw her win last year’s Puppy All-Ireland and although small in stature she has the heart of a lion,” said Damien.

In the Senior Maiden Draghunt, there was another popular winner as the Trina and Ken Long-trained Blue Rose of Southern/Carrigaline harriers produced a sterling finish to land the honours.

The popular southside couple have been involved in the sport for many years and they looked elated after their famous win.

“We love the sport and when you get a win at a prestigious meeting like this one it makes the effort all that bit worthwhile and to say we are thrilled would be an understatement,” said Trina Long.

Like all meetings the cooperation of the farming community is crucial and many thanks to the farming community who have always ensured a great days sport as this venue.

To Christy Keating of Kerry Pike and joint chairmen Tristan O’Herlihy and Adam O’Sullivan for putting in tremendous work that ensured another great day’s sport at the mid Cork venue.

Finally, many emotions at Blarney but let’s salute the class and athleticism of Slievemish Duchess who was crowned Senior winner in the style of a quality hound.