Family of passionate Offaly greyhound man sponsor prestigious Shelbourne Park race

THE family of a late Tullamore man have sponsored one of the big greyhound races at Shelbourne Park.

The Beatty family have been unveiled by Greyhound Racing Ireland as the new sponsor of the prestigious Corn Cuchulainn at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.

The sponsorship celebrates the memory of the late Donal Beatty, a native of Dillon Street in Tullamore, who died too young in his early 50s in 2022 after a battle with cancer.

A hugely popular man with an infectious passion for the GAA, greyhounds and dogs, Donal lived with his wife Arlene and children near Killeigh. He had initially set up a dogs kennels venture with his father Paddy at Hawksfield, near Killeigh, and then moved it to his home where it provided an invaluable service for locals going on holidays and needing their pet minded.

A tremendous hurling enthusiast, he also had a great, lifelong passion in greyhounds, attending meetings all over the country. He owned, bred, trained and raced several of his own greyhounds over the years, making regular trips into the winners' enclosure.

Donal's family have now sponsored the Corn Cuchulainn in a moving tribute to him. This year’s event promises to be a poignant and proud celebration of greyhound racing heritage, family legacy, and sporting excellence.

Now firmly established as one of Ireland’s premier six-bend greyhound races, the Corn Cuchulainn continues to grow in stature and significance. With origins in Harold’s Cross dating back to the early 1960s, the competition achieved classic status in 2005 and remains one of the most revered fixtures in the Irish greyhound calendar.

The Beatty family’s connection to greyhound racing spans generations, and their sponsorship brings new energy and personal resonance to the 2025 renewal. Speaking on behalf of the family, his Donal's son Seán remarked:

“Our father, Donal Beatty, was a lifelong supporter of Irish greyhound racing and especially loved the atmosphere and thrill of Shelbourne Park. Sponsoring the Corn Cuchulainn in his memory feels like a fitting tribute to his passion and legacy.”

Over the decades, the Corn Cuchulainn has provided a stage for many of Ireland’s most outstanding stayers, including Ritas Choice, Purple Sun, and Corporate Attack. It has also been a proving ground for celebrated trainers such as Gay McKenna, Seamus Graham, and Paul Hennessy, each leaving a lasting mark on the competition.

This year’s event will see increased prize money, with a first prize of €10,500, reinforcing the race’s status as a premier long-distance contest. Fans can also enjoy three hours of live broadcast from Shelbourne Park on SIS Racing TV, including comprehensive coverage of the final.

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2025 Corn Cuchulainn Schedule:

• Round 1: Saturday 14th June

• Round 2: Saturday 21st June

• Final: Saturday 28th June

The Corn Cuchulainn continues to capture the spirit of Irish greyhound racing, honouring tradition, and thrilling audiences year after year. With the support of The Beatty Family, this year's edition promises to be one of the most memorable yet.