Sadness over death of local greyhound trainer

Prominent Athlone greyhound trainer Denis Hannon has passed away, leading to tributes from those involved in the sport.

Denis of Springwell Lodge, Newtowncarberry, Athlone enjoyed considerable success in greyhound tracks around the country, particularly in Mullingar. Many of his greyhounds had 'Springwell' in their name.

Mr Hannon also owned racehorses and was a well-known figure in National Hunt circles.

Greyhound Racing Ireland has paid tribute to Denis and expressed condolences to his family.

"It’s with great sadness we must report the passing of well-known breeder, owner and trainer Denis Hannon.

"Denis was a popular figure in greyhound racing and was responsible for the famous 'Springwell' prefix. Through the years he had many very talented trackers, while he also owned plenty of good racehorses, many of which carried his 'Springwell' prefix also," said a Greyhound Racing Ireland statement.

"There was scarcely a week when one of his Springwell greyhounds wasn’t winning around Mullingar, while so many of his racers were also talented enough to make a splash on the big stage. One of his very best, certainly in recent years, was Springwell Watsy. She had a wonderful career reaching numerous big finals, finishing second in the Tyrur Big Mike Champion Bitch 550 at Galway and winning both the Sporting Press Consolation Oaks and the 2013 Longford Derby.

"Springwell Dot was another star for Denis, reaching the final of the Cesarewitch and the Champion Bitch 550 during her career. It seemed that in every litter be bred, there was at least one or two that were more than capable of winning races in top company. A glance through their pedigree will also indicate how long Denis was involved in greyhound racing with the Springwell dam line stretching right back to the eighties.

"Denis was a gentleman. He was unassuming but great company, as those who were on the various greyhound trips to Australia will testify, and will be sadly missed by his many friends in greyhound racing and horseracing circles."

Denis Hannon of 'Springwell Lodge', Newtowncarberry, Athlone and formerly of The Grove, Athlone died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday last. Predeceased by his beloved wife Marie and his daughter AnnMarie. Sadly missed by his son Conor, daughters Clodagh O’Dowd, Rhona Fitzgerald, Oriel Magill, daughter-in-law Marina, sons-in-law Gerry, Barry and Sean, his cherished grandchildren Sorcha, Cathal, Colm, Darragh, Ciara, Aoibhín and their partners Alisha, Fiona and Edel, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.

Funeral Mass will take place in Ss. Peter & Paul’s Church today (Monday) at 1.30 (and can be streamed live on https://churchservices.tv/athlone), followed by burial in Drum Cemetery. House strictly private. May Denis rest in peace.