I was very sorry to hear of the death of the great Irish greyhound trainer Matt O’Donnell earlier today.
Matt was part of a golden generation of Irish handlers that included Ger McKenna, Matt Travers and Seamus Graham who added so much to the excitement of the English Derbys with their annual pilgrimages.
Matt’s achievements as a handler are expertly summed up by Michael Fortune (Talking Dogs) including the four Irish and one English Derby, and cannot be done justice here.
I was lucky enough to have spent many many hours in Matt’s company, in Ireland and over here, and even a period as an owner with him.
Matt was complex character who loved a ruck at least as much as the next man, and would chuckle if told he was being contrary. But he had a wicked sense of humour, was intelligent, incredibly knowledgable and would have taken a bullet to defend his dogs and his own.
My thoughts are with Frances and family, and tonight I will raise a glass to a truly great greyhound trainer.
Floyd Amphlett
