JACKIE BEGLEY

The death has taken place of one of the North-West's best-known and most respected greyhound and coursing figures, Jackie Begley.

Widely regarded as a very shrewd character in the betting ring , Jackie enjoyed a lifelong involvement in the sport and enjoyed success both on the track and in the coursing field. A talented handler, a number of high-class performers passed through his kennels over the years, including the outstanding Stupid Vixen and Gentle Approach. The family's contribution to the sport was further underlined when Gentle Soda, bred by Jackie's son Daniel, captured the 1991 Irish Oaks title under new ownership.

Away from the track, Jackie gave tremendous service to coursing as President of the East Donegal Coursing Club for many years. His passion for greyhound sport never waned and he remained a familiar and much-respected face at both track and field meetings until recent years.

Jackie passed away on July 6, 2026, at Woodmount Nursing Home, formerly of 217 Ballycolman Estate, Strabane, and 1 Creggan Terrace, Derry.

He was the dearly loved husband of the late Edweena, much-loved father of Anita (Sean), Daniel (Julie), Eileen, Sean (Susy), Jacqueline (Liam) and Keelin (John), beloved son of the late Nellie and Patrick Begley, and brother of the late Jim, Kathleen, Eileen, Liam, Patsy, Berna, Anne and baby Mary.

He is deeply regretted by his sorrowing family, including his fifteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and the wider family circle.

His remains will repose at his home on Monday, July 6, from 5.00pm to 10.00pm and on Tuesday, July 7, from 12 noon to 10.00pm. Funeral will leave his home on Wednesday, July 8, at 9.20am for Requiem Mass in St Mary's Church, Melmount, at 10.00am, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

May he rest in peace.