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Mayor of Tralee, Tom McEllistrim, with Liam Dowling who was honoured by the Tralee Municipal District for his success in the Irish Derby with Ballymac Matt. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT’S been some year for Ballymac-based greyhound trainer, Liam Dowling, and Monday brought another honour in the shape of a civic reception at Kerry County Council buildings.
Mayor of Tralee Municipal District, Tom McEllistrim, asked for the trainer to be honoured for his services to greyhound racing in Kerry with Liam’s dog, Ballymac Matt, winning the Irish Derby back in September, on the same weekend as Kerry faced Dublin in the All-Ireland.
“Liam is immersed in the greyhound industry for many years,” said Mayor McEllistrim. “The success of Ballymac Matt in the Irish Derby last September was an occasion of great joy for the whole county. It wasn’t a surprise because you put your heart and soul into training greyhounds over all the years. So the achievement of Ballymac Matt was no accident as he was trained by a master. It’s fitting that we, the members of Tralee Municipal District pay tribute to you efforts here today,” he said.
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Liam Dowling said he was delighted to be honoured in such a manner.
“This is a tremendous honour for me and my family and for all at team Ballymac. It was my first time winning the derby and while Kerry played the following day in the All-Ireland final, this was our All-Ireland,” he said.
Liam also stressed the importance of the greyhound industry in Kerry and hoped for the councillors’ help in supporting the sport which generates tourism in the county.
