Greyhound racing is mourning the death earlier today of Irene Hazelwood following a lengthy illness.
Irene “McNally”, as she was still known by many in the industry, was a kennelgirl at New Cross, she became head girl to Paddy Milligan went on to take over Paddy’s trainer’s contract at Catford.
She left to join the NGRC as a clerk and then became a stipendiary steward.
She built a reputation for being knowledgeable and fair, but stood no nonsense in terms of greyhound welfare.
Duncan Gibson, now in charge of Welfare and Integrity Services at GBGB, took over Irene’s patch as a stipendiary steward, and remembers her with great fondness.
He said: “Irene was a very strong character who cared passionately about greyhounds and welfare and was an excellent stipe.
“Her love of greyhound racing and the greyhounds was clear to everyone who met her. Even through her illness, Irene continued to follow greyhound racing and was a regular visitor to Richard Devenish’s kennels where she enjoyed spending her time with greyhounds. Irene will be missed by so many and our sincere condolences go out to Kevin and her family at this time.
Trainer Norah McEllistrim said: “It is a relief after what Irene has gone through, but it makes me very very sad that we have lost her. She died at 6am this morning.
“To me, Irene was a superb stipendiary steward because she understood that what really mattered – the dogs, not the kennels they were in. You might have an old kennel, but because of her background, Irene could tell whether the dogs were in good condition and happy. She could be tough, and got her own way, but she could do it without being rude and abusive and her compassion for the dogs was total.
“It was also lovely that later in life she discovered complete happiness when she married Kevin. I will really miss her.”
