Kilkenny greyhound trainer doubles up as derby challenge moves into semi-finals
Paul Hennessy has two of the final twelve dogs as the Irish Derby nears it’s conclusion
Kilkenny's Paul Hennessy remains firmly in contention for another BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby title after sending two greyhounds through to the semi-final stage following a thrilling quarter-final night at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.
A former winner of the Irish, English and Scottish Greyhound Derbys, Hennessy once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the sport's greatest trainers as both Priceless Romeo and Coloursaregreen safely negotiated their quarter-final assignments to remain in the hunt for Derby glory.
The first of Hennessy's qualifiers came in the opening quarter-final when Coloursaregreen produced a tremendous display to finish a close second behind Croydon Avenger. Showing his customary determination, Coloursaregreen emerged as the main challenger to the leader down the back straight and pressed all the way to the line before ultimately going down by just a length in a fast 29.31.
Hennessy's second representative, Priceless Romeo, was equally impressive in the night's standout performance from Derby favourite Bouncing Monarch. After finding himself perfectly positioned behind the early leaders, Priceless Romeo made his move down the far side and quickly established himself as the chief pursuer of the flying leader.
Staying on strongly, he claimed second place to comfortably secure his semi-final berth.While Bouncing Monarch stole the headlines with a sensational fastest-of-the-Derby clocking of 29.08, the performances of Priceless Romeo and Coloursaregreen ensured Hennessy leaves the quarter-final stage with two genuine contenders still standing.
The Kilkenny handler, who has enjoyed success at the very highest level across Ireland and Britain, now stands just two races away from adding another chapter to his remarkable Derby record.
Following Saturday night's action, the field has been reduced to just twelve greyhounds, with Hennessy's duo handed contrasting semi-final assignments.
2026 BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby Semi-Final Draw
- Croydon Avenger
- Waitingforastar
- Coloursaregreen
- Hackney Dancer
- Bockos Gold
- Im Here (w)
- Wi Can James
- Sleight Of Hand
- Low Profile
- Bouncing Monarch
- Glengar Phantom (m)
- Priceless Romeo (w)
With both Coloursaregreen and Priceless Romeo progressing and the Derby entering its decisive stages, Kilkenny racing fans will be hoping Paul Hennessy's wealth of experience can help guide another runner into the sport's biggest final.
The semi-finals of the 2026 BOYLE Sports Irish Greyhound Derby take place at Shelbourne Park on Saturday, 5 September.