The greyhound racing world recently lost one of its beloved figures, Pat Doran, who passed away after dedicating over 45 years to the sport.
Pat was a familiar and respected presence, especially at Newbridge and Mullingar, and in later years, at Shelbourne Park. His passion and dedication to greyhound racing were most evident through the remarkable performances of his greatest runner, Brownstown Tango. This exceptional bitch, known for her swift starts and remarkable early speed, brought immense pride to Pat and her owner, Pat's close friend Jerry Connors.
Brownstown Tango began her career at Newbridge, and the Open Bitch Unraced event, now a fixture on the racing calendar, is named in her honour. In a 2018 interview during the Twelve Days of Christmas series, Pat expressed his deep admiration for her. The interview, available on Soundcloud, captures Pat's dreams and passion for the sport. He remarked, "You’re hoping to win that Derby sometime, you know nothing else only dogs," and passionately added, "We eat, drink and sleep dogs, that’s the way it is in this house."
These sentiments reflect the dedication of many in the sport but particularly encapsulate Pat's life. His passing is a significant loss to the greyhound racing community. He was known for his engaging conversations, friendly nature, and unwavering dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his friends at Newbridge.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his son Patrick, sister Gabrielle, brothers Matthew and Niall, sisters-in-law Edel and Margaret, brother-in-law Peter, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.