MICK O’DONOVAN
The sport of greyhound racing lost a great friend, character and gentleman over the weekend with the sad passing of Michael O’Donovan.
Known to so many as Big Mick, he was originally from Skibbereen, Cork he spent his final years in Cashel, although he never lost the deep Cork accent.
He was a handler of some repute but also a larger-than-life character that loved company and a bit of craic at the track. A truly gifted doggy man, he handled some of the all-time greats, winning a classic as a handler, but will also be forever remembered as a Derby winning breeder.
Mick’s career in the sport started many years ago. Indeed, in his early days, when working with Davy Murphy, he would have worked with flying female Westpark Moth. Little did we know that he would he would train many more top-class bitches through the years.
His career really took off when building an alliance with the O’Driscoll family in his native Skibbereen. They became a formidable team and rarely left their money behind when lining one up.
Through his training career, he certainly seemed to have a way with the ladies as year after year he had a good one. Names like Lady Glenard, Another Issue and his pride and joy, You Said So were really top class, with each reaching the final of the Oaks at Shelbourne Park. In fact, both Another Issue and Lady Glenard were finalists in 2009 with the latter finishing runner-up.
Others included Single Issue, a Guinness Trophy and Ulster Oaks winner, for his great friend Tony Walsh, while he claimed classic success when Fly Fancy captured the 1985 Corn Cuchulainn.
He also trained some brilliant tracker including Black Shaw and the 2003 Gold Cup winner Clover Hare. Both were stars on the track. They were blessed with huge early speed and guided expertly by their handler. Sadly, Black Shaw had a shortened career through injury but developed into a successful sire.
Other star names, amongst many more, included Honourable Pride, who won a Munster Puppy Cup and Kennedy Cup, while Shaw Cross won the Fair Warrior Sprint.
But the proudest moment of Mick’s career came when He Said So won the 2005 Derby. While Mick didn’t train him, he was the breeder. The title of Derby winning breeder was something that made Mick a very happy man.
But Mick won’t be remembered for any one greyhound. Such was his long successful career, that he will be remembered for his overall body of work. Rightly seen as a legend amongst greyhound folk, he will also be remembered as being the best company.
We would like to send on our condolences to his family, his countless friends and all the knew him. Dear friend,
May You Rest In Peace.
Funeral Details
The death has occurred ofMichael (Mick) O'DONOVAN, Carron, Cashel, Tipperary / Skibbereen, Cork
Formerly of Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, peacefully at Tír na nÓg, Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel. Michael (Mick) (Greyhound Trainer). Sadly missed by Siobhán, Tony, Damien, Shari Anne, John, Bríd, Ann, Lou, Johnny, Pat, Tom, Pat and Nellie, family, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
May He Rest In Peace.
Reposing at Devitt’s Funeral Home this Sunday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm. Removal from Devitt’s Funeral Home on Monday at 3.30pm to The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy for Cremation Service at 5pm.