54-574: Shelbourne Park is a greyhound racing stadium in the south Dublin inner city suburb of Ringsend . The plans to open a greyhound track in Dublin were drawn up by Paddy O’Donoghue, Jerry Collins, Patsy McAlinden and Jim Clarke. Shelbourne Park opened on 14 May 1927 hot on the heels of Celtic Park (Belfast) . The stadium located in the docklands in Ringsend was Dublin's answer to the Belfast track and
108-499: A base for a team of American speedway riders including Nick Nicolaides, Don Hawley, Johnny Roccio, Manuel Trujillo, and Lloyd Campbell. The team raced at most of the UK tracks and often featured Ernie Roccio who was based at Wimbledon . Shelbourne Park provides pay and display car parking on days without major events. Hourly, daily, weekly and monthly rates are available. The car park is open on weekdays 6am to 10pm and not accessible during
162-406: A brief spell at the club in 1976, playing three times and scoring one goal. In May 1982, the club changed its name to Waterford United. Alfie Hale was appointed manager. In 1985 the league's membership rose to 22 clubs with the election of six new clubs in 1985. This resulted in the introduction of the present two-Division (Premier and First) structure in 1985/86 of which Waterford was a member of
216-449: A capacity of 5,500 with 3,052 seats. The record attendance at the RSC was for an FAI Cup semi-final game in 1997 against Shelbourne where Waterford was defeated 2–1 in front of 8,500 people, this was when spectators were permitted to stand on the running track in the ground. The RSC also hosted the 2009 League of Ireland Cup final where Bohemians defeated Waterford 3–1. Before moving to
270-579: A few times most recently when Waterford beat the in the Premier Division Promotion Playoff Final. Waterford have also had a local south east derby game against near neighbours Wexford since 2007 but there has never been any significant rivalry between the clubs. Waterford had a big rivalry with Shamrock Rovers in the 1960s and 70s. The rivalry is referred to as the 'old feud' in recent times. The club's colours have always been primarily blue with white trim since
324-657: A huge dispute on social media between Waterford and Cork players with Irish internationals James McClean and Shane Duffy also getting involved defending Patrick's tackle. And despite Waterford being in the First Division they manage to secure the signing of Waterford born Cork centre back Kenny Browne who was on the back of a great season where he starred for the rebels as they won the FAI Cup . The move caused huge controversy with Cork manager John Caulfield . As time went on Cork and Waterford played against each other
378-680: A range of inspections under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act, including a traceability system. There are many types of competitions in Ireland but the primary race is the Irish Greyhound Derby held at Shelbourne Park. Along with the English Greyhound Derby it is considered to be one of the "Big Two" in greyhound racing. Greyhound Racing Ireland publishes an annual list of feature events. Leading events include
432-491: A regulatory limbo due to the fact that they are licensed neither by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) nor Greyhound Racing Ireland (named Bord na gCon until 2020). To confuse matters still further, the industry regards racing as either UK or Irish, the latter including Northern Ireland. Greyhound Racing Ireland provides all of the results from Northern Ireland. The vast majority of greyhounds running in
486-499: Is 100% owned by Jamie Pilley, the son of the former owner. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules . Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality. Waterford FC plays their home games at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre , more commonly referred to as the RSC. They have played at the RSC since the 1992–93 season. The stadium has two stands and holds
540-534: Is an Irish association football club based in Waterford who play in the League of Ireland Premier Division . The club was founded and elected to the league in 1930 . Originally the club was based at the greyhound stadium known as Kilcohan Park , but moved to the Waterford Regional Sports Centre in the 1993–94 season. In 2018 the club and its players became fully professional. Waterford first participated in
594-692: Is now open for the 2018 season and information can be found on Waterford FC home page and on Facebook. The current chairperson of the BSC is Shane Murphy. Ultras ". Waterford contest the Munster Derby with Cork City . Waterford had big derbies with Cork City in the 2000s when Waterford were in the Premier Division and then again when Cork City Foras entered the First Division in the early 2010s. The derby with Cork always being Munsters biggest clash died off when Cork City started challenging
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#1732802040680648-813: Is seen today evolved from a sport called coursing . In 1926 the oval form of racing arrived in Britain at Belle Vue Stadium in Manchester which resulted in the creation of hundreds of tracks all over the United Kingdom and Ireland in the following ten years. The sport of greyhound racing in Ireland mainly takes place in the Republic of Ireland but also in Northern Ireland . However, any tracks in Northern Ireland have always been in
702-590: The EA Sports Cup Final where they were defeated 3–1 by Bohemians and the FAI Cup semi-finals. The club also finished in 4th in the League, missing out on the playoffs. Henderson signed a one-year extension to his contract for the 2010 season. His side finished in 2nd place just three points off champions Derry City . His side came up against Monaghan United in the playoffs but were defeated 3–1 in
756-399: The First Division . The FAI took over the running of the League of Ireland at the end of the 2006 season. Part of this takeover involved the assessment of all League of Ireland sides and the manner in which they were being run including finances, infrastructure, future plans, marketability and previous finishing positions since the 2002 season, (this was due to Kildare County only joining
810-784: The St Leger four times in the thirties but it was decided by the Irish Coursing Club that it was better to distribute the classics between several tracks. Another event was inaugurated in 1939 and that was the McAlinden Cup . The remarkable greyhound called Tanist reached the final of the Easter Cup in April 1940, by smashing the track record at Shelbourne Park in 29.66sec and the legendary Spanish Battleship claimed his second of three Derby victories in 1954, also breaking
864-457: The 1930s influenced mainly by the colours of County Waterford . The club's current kit for the 2020 season is manufactured by Umbro with the traditional blue home kit and a white away kit. The club are also currently sponsored 24/7 Cardiac Cover for the Southeast . The away kits over the years have mainly been white with blue trim, however the club has had a number of yellow kits throughout
918-406: The 1940–41 season. Both Waterford and League winners Cork United finished on equal points but Cork were awarded the title as Waterford were unable to compete in the play-off due to a dispute regarding payment to players. At the end of the campaign, the original Waterford resigned from the League of Ireland, only for a new entity, with the same name, to be elected in, for 1944–45 season. Waterford won
972-490: The 1971–1972 season and again in the 1972–73 season. The following season Waterford won the League of Ireland Cup , however failed to regain the league title. The Club won the FAI Cup for the second time under Tommy Jackson in 1980 beating St Patrick's Athletic with the winner from Brian Gardner. Waterford's success in the league over the years brought European football where they played against famous clubs such as Manchester United and Celtic . Bobby Charlton had
1026-614: The 1st Division with Shamrock Rovers and Galway United replacing them and the now defunct Dublin City. Dundalk, despite beating Waterford in a playoff, were controversially overlooked and remained in the First Division. However, on 20 February 2007 it was announced that Waterford United had been invited to participate in the Premier Division for the forthcoming season. Club secretary Larry Gough stated "The club considered
1080-493: The 2016 season, Collins signed a lot of players he worked with before such as Philip Gorman, James O'Brien and his son, Roddy Collins Jr, and many others. With two games left in the 2016 season and Waterford in 6th it was announced Roddy Collins would leave the club. After weeks of speculation on social media, the club officially announced in mid-November 2016 that Swindon Town chairman Lee Power had assumed control. Shortly after taking control, he outlined his plan to rebrand
1134-520: The 2023 season. Two days later, former Bohemians manager Keith Long was appointed as Searle's replacement. In July 2023, the Waterford FC owner Andrew Pilley was sentenced to 13 years in prison in the UK. In November 2023, following a playoff with Cork City, Waterford FC earned promotion back to the Premier Division. In May 2024, The Willows 96 Holdings Limited took over ownership of Waterford F.C. from Andrew Pilley . This holding company
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#17328020406801188-464: The Board of Rásaíocht Con Éireann (Greyhound Racing Ireland) announced a two-stage €2.3 million plan for improvements at the venue. The 2024 Irish Greyhound Derby was moved from its traditional Summer slot due to a major refurbishment of Shelbourne Park. The stadium also played host to the home matches of Shelbourne FC , who play in the League of Ireland , from 1913/14 to 1948/49. The first match
1242-679: The Easter Cup, Champion Stakes, Cesarewitch, Oaks, Laurels and St Leger. This is any minor race staged at a track, with prize money varying widely. This kind of racing is the most common at the various stadia. Greyhound racing in Ireland has a standard colour scheme (the same as in the UK). A racing jacket worn by a reserve bears an additional letter 'R' shown prominently on each side. Former competitions Former competitions Current competitions Former competitions Waterford United Waterford Football Club ( Irish : Cumann Peile Phort Láirge ) formerly Waterford United Football Club
1296-599: The Eircom League in 2002). Despite finishing in 11th and last place ( Dublin City being the 12th team in the league and subsequently folding during the season) the club were forced to play a relegation/promotion playoff against Dundalk . Despite being defeated Waterford United still stood a chance of remaining a Premier Division side due to the FAI assessment. However, on 8 December 2006 the FAI decided to relegate Waterford to
1350-575: The IBSC (Independent Blues Supporters Club) voted to become an official fans group. From the 2010 season, the BSC organises transport for Blues fans to away games, run the club shop as well as organise numerous fund raising activities and other match day activities for Waterford FC. There is also a branch of the BSC based in Dungarvan that accommodates Blues fans living in West Waterford. Membership
1404-504: The Premier Division for 2018. Waterford qualified for the Europa League first qualifying round by finishing fourth in the 2018 League of Ireland Premier Division , but were ruled by UEFA to have not passed the "three-year rule" as the club were reformed in 2016. As a result, the berth was given to the fifth-placed team of the league, St Patrick's Athletic . Reynolds resigned as manager on 16 June 2020. On 4 June 2021, with
1458-418: The Premier Division. Waterford were relegated to the First Division in the 1988–89 season. Their stay there was short, gaining promotion and winning the First Division title the following season 1989–90. They were unable to retain their Premier Division status the following season finishing in eleventh. The club was promoted to the top flight in the 1991–92 season finishing as runners up to Limerick . But again
1512-590: The RSC Waterford played at Kilcohan Park . The club draws its support not only from Waterford City, but also from Waterford County and the South East region as a whole. Waterford fans have organised themselves into two groups – both official and unofficial. Blues Supporter Club (B.S.C) The Blues Supporters Club is the official Waterford FC fans group. It was formed in December 2009 after members of
1566-513: The RSC. In May 2011, Henderson was sacked after a run of poor form. Waterford native, Paul O'Brien was appointed manager for the duration of the season. Waterford United finished 5th in the 2011 League of Ireland First Division . The board in the off season then appointed Paul as full-time manager on a year contract for the 2012 season. Paul O'Brien's side fell narrowly short of promotion, they defeated champions Limerick four times in four games but still finished 4 points behind them. This meant
1620-467: The Shield again in the 1952–53 season and were again runners-up in the League this time to St. Patrick's Athletic in the 1954–55 season and again in the 1962–63 season. The club eventually won the league title for the first time in the 1965–66 season, (under manager Paddy Coad) setting a then league record of 13 straight league victories. The 1965/66 title was the beginning of a hugely successful spell for
1674-456: The Title in 2013 but during the season O'Brien resigned due to poor form. Waterford finished in 4th, missing out on the playoffs. During the 2013 season former manager Stephen Henderson was seeking compensation from his previous contract, Henderson claimed he was sacked despite the club claiming he resigned, the club's supporters were forced to step in and raise the money Henderson was owed before
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1728-576: The UK are bred in Ireland (95% in 2017). In 2019, the Irish government created the Greyhound Racing Act 2019, which set out new legislation. This came about because the industry came under scrutiny regarding the welfare of greyhounds from multiple newspaper articles, which reported various stories primarily about the breeding of greyhounds and racing greyhounds after they retire from racing. The Rásaíocht Con Éireann are now required to conduct
1782-435: The club bottom of the table, it was announced that Lee Power had sold the club to R&S Holdings Ltd, fronted by UK entrepreneur Richard Forrest who had bought the remaining stakes in the club having previously bought 33% earlier in the year. The club finished 9th in the table in 2021, meaning they entered a relegation playoff. Then manager Marc Bircham was sacked just days before the relegation play-off with UCD AFC and
1836-426: The club could be wound up. Tommy Griffin was appointed manager for the 2014 season. The club encountered financial difficulties once again, this led to the club slipping down the table to a 7th-place finish. After a disappointing start to 2015, Griffin stepped aside into a new role in the club and Roddy Collins was appointed as manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Collins side finished 7th in his first season. In
1890-538: The club domestically. The following season they played in the preliminary round of the Champions cup against Vorwärts Berlin , an East German and Army side, losing 6–1 at Dalymount Park and 6–0 in East Berlin . They won the Shield once again in 1968–69 season. Waterford won the league title three times in a row, in 1968,1969 and in 1970. The title was won by Cork Hibernians in 1971 but returned to Waterford in
1944-662: The club to promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division in the 2002–03 season. The League of Ireland changed from a winter league to a summer league for the 2003 season. Waterford finished 6th under Jimmy McGeough. Despite the good season he was controversially sacked, the decision was very unpopular with the club's supporters. In 2004, The Blues finished 5th and they reached the FAI Cup Final, their first since 1986 under Alan Reynolds as player-manager and Paul McGrath as director of football but lost 2–1 to Longford Town . In 2006, Waterford United were relegated to
1998-441: The club were unable to remain in the Premier Division for more than a single season suffering relegation on goal difference to Drogheda United . Waterford United were promoted to the Premier Division, finishing top of the First Division in the 1997–98 season and remained there until the 1999–00 season suffering relegation in the playoffs to Kilkenny City . Jimmy McGeough was appointed manager in 2002. In his first season he led
2052-403: The club, removing 'United' from the club's name, going back to the original name of Waterford FC. He also wished to change the club's crest and jersey to something more traditional. On 2 January 2017, the club announced the new managerial team for the coming season. The new head coach was former player and manager Alan Reynolds and Pat Fenlon was appointed as the club's director of football. As
2106-566: The first official Irish Greyhound Derby which had been run on four previous occasions from 1928 to 1931 at a rival track Harold's Cross Stadium . The first winner of the Irish Derby at Shelbourne was Guideless Joe owned by champion Irish jockey Jack Moyland and trained by local trainer Mick Horan. The Oaks came to Shelbourne Park in 1935 and like the Irish Derby, was normally run every other year with Harolds Cross hosting in between. The Grand National took place here in 1933 & 1934 and
2160-443: The league in the 1930–31 season finishing ninth and again from 1931 to 1932 before dropping out of the league for two seasons. Waterford re-entered the league in the 1935–36 season along with Sligo Rovers . Waterford won the Shield in their first season. Waterford won the FAI cup for the first time in their history in 1937 beating St. James Gate and also won the Shield. The club were league runners up in 1937–38 season and again in
2214-470: The league. A valiant effort from Cronin's Blues saw them come so close yet so far as the "Blues" fell away towards the business end of the season leaving Dundalk and Shelbourne to compete for promotion on the final day of the season. In 2009, former Bohemians player, Stephen Henderson took over as boss at the club and in his first season, the Blues narrowly missed out yet again for the playoffs and reached
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2268-784: The night and on weekends. Greyhound racing in Ireland Greyhound racing is a popular sport in Ireland . There are 17 stadiums operating in Ireland (two in Northern Ireland) of which nine are fully operated by Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland (formerly named Irish Greyhound Board IGB, Bord na gCon ) with the remaining six owned and operated by private enterprise but licensed by GRI. Most have modern facilities including grandstand restaurants and parimutuel betting tote system with on-course and off-course betting available. Greyhound racing as it
2322-541: The pair became the two most greyhound prestigious tracks in Irish racing. When opening in 1927 the track employed four resident trainers in Mick Horan, Paddy Quigley, Billy Donoghue and Ben Scally. One year later it was decided to introduce the Easter Cup which commemorated the 1916 Easter Monday Rising in Dublin . However, the race soon became known for its own fame rather than its naming origins. The first winner
2376-471: The playoffs once again for Waterford. In the first section of the playoffs Waterford beat 3rd placed Longford Town 3–1 on aggregate. This set up a tie with Dundalk of the League of Ireland Premier Division . The first leg ended in a 2–2 draw in Oriel Park but Waterford were defeated 2–0 in the second leg at the RSC and would once again remain in the First Division. The Blues were favourites to lift
2430-487: The position for over 30 years before becoming general manager and then retiring in 2009. The Derby distance changed to 550 yards in 1986 and after a successful one-off feature in 1979, the Champion Stakes became an annual event in 1986. With the closure of Celtic Park in 1983 Shelbourne became the premier track in Ireland and continues to provide most of the major events in the Irish racing calendar. In March 2021,
2484-463: The proposal carefully and decided to accept the invitation in the best interests of football in Waterford and the eircom league". However, The "Blues" were relegated that season via the play-offs losing 6–3 on aggregate to Finn Harps . After the club's relegation, Waterford went into the 2008 season knowing that only one team from the First Division would be promoted as the FAI planned to revamp
2538-535: The squad started to take shape, the club officially announced on 20 January 2017 that they would change back to the original Waterford FC name. They also unveiled the new crest which was a modernised version of the club's first ever crest from 1930. Under the new leadership, Waterford FC signed several high-profile players and ran the club in a new professional way. After Waterford beat Wexford 3–0 and Cobh Ramblers were defeated 3–0 by Cabinteely , Waterford were officially crowned league champions and promoted back to
2592-431: The team subsequently lost the playoff 2–1, returning Waterford to the First Division. On 14 June 2022, Waterford appointed Danny Searle as manager. Searle had previously been Aldershot Town manager. In August 2022, Andrew Pilley , then Fleetwood Town F.C. owner, bought out Richard Forrest to become the owner & Chairman of Waterford F.C. In March 2023, Searle was removed from his position just five games into
2646-551: The threat of redevelopment that was hanging over the stadium. A £240,000 investment followed and the same year that the Irish Derby found a permanent home at Shelbourne to the dismay of Harolds Cross supporters. The Shelbourne 600 sponsored by Guinness started in 1964 and the Oaks also became permanent at Shelbourne in 1980. Paddy Ryan who became the Racing Manager in 1974 after taking over the reins from Jack O'Shea would hold
2700-612: The top of the table in the Premier Division and Waterford plummeted to the bottom end of the First Division around 2014. When Waterford drew Cork in the cups the club would usually be easily beaten. When Waterford played Cork in Turners Cross in the EA Sports Cup in 2016 they were beaten 7–0. However the rivalry was somewhat rekindled in 2017 after Waterford were taken over by Lee Power , a heavy challenge by Patrick McClean on Corks Sean Maguire caused controversy, it led to
2754-483: The track record in the process. On 25 June 1946 Shelbourne used the first photo finish in Ireland during the semi-finals of the McAlinden Cup. An extraordinary 1956 Irish Derby saw 'Keep Moving' break the track record twice before the sub-29-second barrier was broken by Prince of Bermuda. Bord na gCon installed a new totalisator system in 1960 and eight years later they purchased the stadium itself to stop
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#17328020406802808-533: Was a 1–1 draw against Bohemians and their last match there was a 2–2 draw against Waterford . Shels left Shelbourne Park with the intention of building a new stadium in the nearby district of Irishtown . While Shelbourne Park was the home of Shelbourne FC, they won one Irish Cup while competing in the Irish League and upon becoming founder members of the League of Ireland in 1921, won five league titles and one FAI Cup before moving on. Shelbourne Park
2862-484: Was a greyhound called Odd Blade and the brindle dog went on to successfully defend his title the following year. Famously Mick the Miller equalled the world record time for 500 yards when recording 28.80 in 1928 but he only managed a runner-up spot to Odd Blade in that previously mentioned 1929 Easter Cup final. Mick went on to win the English Greyhound Derby that year for Shelbourne trainer Horan. Shelbourne Park hosted
2916-455: Was the venue for two FAI Cup Final replays, in 1927 and 1929. Shelbourne Park appeared in the British motoring programme, Top Gear where Richard Hammond using a Mazda MX5 raced against a greyhound around the track. Despite Hammond's best efforts, the greyhound won. Shelbourne Park staged Motorcycle speedway racing from 1950 to 1954, again in 1961 and again in 1970 and 1971. In 1951 it was
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