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OUR VISION

"Is for a thriving Greyhound Industry where all participants are treated equally and with respect. An Industry where only the highest standards of Animal Welfare are acceptable"
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Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation (IGOBF)

The Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation has been in existence for over 40  years and is the controlling body of all Greyhound Owners and Breeders Associations (GOBA). It is subject to a written constitution and is administered by a democratically elected National  Committee consisting of Officers and Representatives from each of the affiliated associations.

THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE FEDERATION ARE: 

  • To coordinate the efforts of all Associations, to safeguard the rights of the members, and to promote their best interests in so far as they relate to the breeding, rearing, maintaining,  training, racing, coursing and selling of greyhounds.
  • To make effective representation and contributions to Rásaíocht Con Éireann/Greyhound Racing Ireland, the Irish Coursing Club, and to the Minister with responsibility for the Irish Greyhound Industry.
  • To ensure that Rásaíocht Con Éireann, Boards of Directors, Track Management, and the ICC  do not act to the detriment of the members of the GOBAs.

 

MEMBERS AND AFFILIATIONS

We have over 1350 members representing nine GOBAs and is recognised by Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland and the Irish Coursing Club, the Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB).

 

MEET THE IGOBF TEAM

Damian Matthews

Damian Matthews

Chairman

Eldest son of six from a third generation greyhound family of Brendan and Anna Matthews from Newry Co Down. Member of Newry greyhound owners since early 80s and currently Chairperson of the Federation since October 2019.

Presently a member of Shelbourne Park Advisory Council, having previously occupied the position of Director and also Treasurer of the Irish Coursing Club.

Theresa Holohan

Theresa Holohan

Vice-Chairperson

I was born in London to Irish parents, I have been racing and breeding greyhounds since retiring to Ireland in 2009. I was elected Secretary to Kerry GOBA in 2017 and Vice-Chairperson of the Federation in 2018.

I worked as a full-time Union Official in the  London Post Office/Telecommunications and I am a retired Magistrate/Justice of the Peace.

Helen Morris

Helen Morris

Secretary

I am secretary of Wexford GOBA and secretary of the IGOBF. I’m retired having worked in the banking and insurance industry. Since 2000 I have worked in accounts and payroll in the retail industry.

I am a greyhound owner and breeder since 1974 and continue to race and breed greyhounds. My involvement with greyhound owners and breeders (GOBAs) is to build a strong representative body for our members and to get more owners/trainers involved to protect and grow the greyhound industry.

Al Hanley

Al Hanley

Treasurer

I am 62 years old. My first job after school was in Clover Meats which was a hotbed of greyhound activity and l contracted the bug. I have owned greyhounds ever since. Currently, I am Secretary of Waterford GOBA and Treasurer of the IGOBF.

It is vital that all greyhound people pull together at this time. Our very existence depends on it.

Susan Hayes

Susan Hayes

PRO

The only child of John and Breda Hayes, I grew up with greyhounds all my life under the “Orlando” Prefix. Currently treasurer of the Limerick and Clare GOBA and PRO of the IGOBF. I am working as a trainee accountant and about to complete my final Chartered Accountancy Exams.

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