It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of the immensely popular figure and esteemed greyhound handler, Denis O’Malley, earlier this week.
Denis had an enduring love for the sport, dedicating almost seventy years to training greyhounds. His connection with greyhounds was a family affair, as his father had also handled a few dogs before him.
In recent years, one of Denis's standout dogs was Clearly Written. A finalist in the 2018 Laurels, he narrowly missed making the decider of the Leger at Limerick.
However, Denis had no doubt about the best dog he ever trained, and that was Jackie Come Home. She was one of the track stars of 1985, going unbeaten through the early rounds of the Irish Oaks at Harold’s Cross before finishing second in the final. Her return for a shot at the Irish Derby saw her reach the final, showcasing Denis’s skill as a greyhound trainer. To train a bitch to finish runner-up in an Oaks and reach a Derby decider requires genuine expertise.
The GRI website notes that Denis trained an impressive 811 winners, a record only since they began keeping records. Undoubtedly, he trained many more, perhaps over a thousand winners, particularly around Limerick at the old Markets Field and later at the new Greenpark Stadium.
A proud Limerick man, Denis was awarded the Limerick & Clare Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association 'Public Trainer of the Year' award in 2014, 2015, and 2016. This recognition would have meant a lot to a man who truly cherished his dogs.
A beloved figure and a true gentleman, Denis will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A genuine dog lover, there was scarcely a night at Limerick that he didn't have a runner, and his absence will be keenly felt.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Carmel, his daughters Sharon, Denise, Siobhan, and Jacqui, his cherished grandchildren Connor, Kelly, Olivia, Sarah, and Becky, his extended family, and numerous friends.
May he rest in peace.