Brassil heads up strong Kerry challenge for Clonmel

THE national coursing meeting at Powerstown Park is fast approaching (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 14, 15 and 16) and it’s great that Lixnaw’s David Galvin has been appointed as an official slipper for it.

It is the first time for David to hold this honour and sharing duties with him over the three days will be Richard Quinn Jnr, who retains his position.

David was actually a reserve slipper last year and officiated in the first round of both consolation stakes. This is the big stuff for him and he certainly has all the attributes needed for the job.

John O’Connell returns as judge this year alongside Liam Kelly and replaces Brendán Purcell, of Ballyduff, who is now reserve judge.

The Kerry challenge for the Derby, Oaks and the two Champion Stakes is extremely strong this year and coursing enthusiasts from this county will be travelling in huge numbers to Clonmel to lend their support.

Remember 12 months ago? That Ballymacelligott magician, Liam Dowling, won the Oaks with the brilliant Ballymac Enya and the Gerry Holian-trained Rumous Has It won the Derby.

There was further Kerry success in the Kevin Smith Champion Stakes through Ahamore Wonder, which another wizard with the longtails, Dan Brassil, of Abbeydorney, trained for Martin and Muiris Galvin, of Lixnaw. The same Dan Brassil ran up the Grace and Matt Bruton Champion Bitch Stakes with that brilliant bitch, Southofhere, which happens to be first reserve in the same stake this year.

Brassil has a mighty team going to Clonmel next week, with six altogether in the Derby and Oaks, and it will be no surprise if he is figuring prominently again on the last day.

Dan and the others flying the Kerry flag at Powerstown Park underline the great strength of the coursing game in this county and, not surprisingly, bookings have been very strong for the brilliant bus service which Dublin Coach is providing from Tralee for the three days of the festival.

There are pick-up points for the bus each day in Castleisland, Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Adare and Patrickswell and a great bonus for those travelling will be the video coverage of the coursing which will be shown on the bus after coursing on Friday and on Saturday and Sunday.

All for €10 return each day. Some value that.

The draw for the national meeting will take place in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Kilnoe, Thurles, this Saturday at 7pm.