CORONA CHANNELS HER INNER POET FOR KIRBY
Ian Fortune
T’was the day before the Kirby and all was quite, expect for Corona as you’re about to see.
That’s enough poetry from this scribe but thankfully Corona Ryan took time out of her busy schedule to write a few lines down ahead of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick tomorrow evening.
There is no doubt the competition has a special place in the heart of all involved in greyhound racing in this country but for those from Limerick it is very different. Below is a poem penned by Corona that goes some of the way to explaining and highlighting the love for the Kirby.
THE KIRBY
By Corona Ryan
The Kirby It all began in 2013.
A little idea from JP and Noreen,
Each Saturday night the lights are so bright,
we cheered them on with all our might.
The county united for this epic derby,
remembering forever the surname of Kirby.
One man deserves mention it can’t go astray,
Declan was crucial from the very first day.
All clubs of Limerick entered the fray,
a dog for each would come their way,
To win a prize the greatest of all,
when the traps flew up, the hare would call,
525yds the distance to be run,
these dogs race proudly for everyone,
Owners, Trainers, Club members all kind,
for Noreen and J.P. well they didn’t mind.
Kids were encouraged to wear their club colours,
the cic and puc fada on display for others.
McKenna was first he had his way,
landed the big one for the club Monagea.
Boylesports was next and Galbally did win,
Brendan Mathews he got a great spin.
Came back in 15 with Cable Bay, Mathews again for Fr. Casey’s G.A.A.
Bruree, Ahane and Cappagh all won,
Pat Buckley on fire, three in a row he has done.
In 2019 Gleeson came to town,
and Galbally Camogie took home the crown.
A year out in 20, we needed the rest,
had to avail of d covid test.
In 2021 Ballyagran done just fine,
for O’ Donovan and Stonepark were first past the line.
Pallasgreen, Knockainey and Ballybrown came alive,
Team Holland did it right in 22, 3 and 5.
For Daniel O Rahilly and Mountcollins GAA,
in 2024 they got their pay day.
Everyone is invited to come to the track,
the kids for the colour, others for the craic,
Cause after the dogs you got to see, a different animal that won in Aintree.
Minnella Times & I Am Maximus called in for a while,
to show off their titles, that were won in style.
What we have here in Limerick is so brilliant and free,
we owe it all to the McManus Family.
13 are done, with many more to see,
Who’ll take it this Saturday, we’ll just wait and see.
To all the clubs and connections on view,
The Best of Luck &LuimneachAbú!