Show Of Passion....

[Tony2005]

Industry turns out to support Mayor

BY JIM CREMIN 9:20PM 17 FEB 2014

HUMBLING was the word most commonly used by those present on Monday as more than 500 people turned out for a peaceful but determined Show Of Passion at City Hall, including some 100 who had travelled from Ireland, plus numerous greyhounds, mainly retired ones.

A letter on behalf of the Irish Parliament to Mayor Boris Johnson was delivered by Ray Butler TD and accepted by Sir Edward Lister, the Deputy Mayor to loud cheering from all present. Placards such as ‘We Support Boris’ and ‘We Love You Boris’ were widely in evidence.

Lister told Butler: “The Mayor has made it clear that he wants dog racing at the site – it can’t just be redeveloped for housing.”

Fears there would be a counter-demonstration from AFC Wimbledon fans or welfare campaigners proved groundless. Instead there was a carnival atmosphere as the weather held up. City Hall staff, used to regular demonstrations, expressed their surprise at the positive tone and numbers present. Greyhound racing made a point, and effectively so.

Barney Curley had come from his Newmarket base, and met up with his brother Cathal, who travelled from Ireland and is a long time supporter of Paschal Taggart – who is bidding to transform the stadium for greyhound racing.

Barney Curley said: “I’ve always liked to have a few greyhounds – and am delighted to see the family of the late Patsy Byrne here today. I’m in the business of backing winners, and Paschal is a winner. We’re all here to support Paschal Taggart.”

Diane McLean, the barrister and greyhound owner who organised the day after TV presenter Julie Collier and Wimbledon trainer Tom Levers called for the sport to get behind the Taggart plan, said: “I can hardly believe it, it’s wonderful and humbling.

“It proves we are alive and kicking, and it’s a joy to see so many greyhounds and families present. We are greyhound racing, but today we’ve shown we’re both responsible and caring. I am grateful to everyone who has taken the trouble to be here. Sir Edward has indicated that Wimbledon AFC only comes into the picture if greyhound racing is not viable. I think we’ve made a point today.”

The impressive list of those who had travelled from Ireland included the likes of Pat Dalton, Fraser Black, John McGee, Jerry Griffin, Sean Bourke, Larry Dunne, Noel Holland, Pat Curtin, Sean and Michael Dunphy, Conor Fahy, Paddy Ryan, Tommy Bolton, Ted Hegarty, Noel Browne, Bernard Barry and many more.

Trevor and Barrie Draper were among the northern trainers who travelled down, while Kevin Wilde, the former Newcastle and Sunderland promoter, was also on hand, as were the likes of Romford trainers Maxine Locke, Paul Young and Martyn Wiley, among others. The star greyhounds, and there were many, were led by Kinda Ready, Spiridon Louis, Jimmy Lollie and Plane Daddy.

Barry Faulkner, the Greyhound Board chief executive, said: “It’s proved an incredible turnout that proves how strongly people feel about this wonderful sport.”

Some 500 rosettes, the idea of trophy supplier Mark Burridge, were distributed by Bob Boswell, chairman of the Wimbledon Greyhound Owners’ Association.

He said: “They’ve proved a popular memento, but that’s hardly surprising given such an amazing turnout.”

Floyd Amphlett, editor of the Greyhound Star, said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant and fantastic to see so many ferociously proud people.”

Paschal Taggart, who had wanted to let the sport speak for itself, was overjoyed to hear of the turnout.

He said: “It is both humbling and exhilarating that so many people turned up to support greyhound racing. When you consider the money and the time it takes to get to the middle of London it is a truly magnificent turnout.

“I have no doubt that Mayor Boris will support our cause, and ensure that greyhound racing remains at Wimbledon.

“I am not going to mention names because so many contributed to the very successful rally, and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.”

[bennythedip2]

Sounds and looks like a great rally ..

However it's not just the Wimbledon track thats under threat ..

We've seen many track go by the councils selling the tracks off to building consortiums and developers in the past, including my local track reading and Oxford ..Although there is still a faint hope Oxford might get a reprieve ..

My main worries are for the three Birmingham tracks, where the local councils have to find money to pay off debts