Michael Fortune Remembered As BoyleSports Rename Irish Derby Plate Title

Following a short illness, Michael Fortune passed away on Monday, July 15th, leaving his family, friends and the whole greyhound industry in mourning.

Michael made a huge contribution to greyhound racing including the running of the IGB’s Talking Dogs website along with weekly columns in the Racing Post and the Irish Independent. He produced the annual Irish Greyhound Review from 1978 until his 41st edition, this year.

He will always be remembered to many for his unforgettable commentaries at Shelbourne Park and he was extremely helpful to us on the lead up the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby.

It will be extremely tough that his voice will not be calling the winner across the line this year.

With the blessing from Michael’s family, Rita, Ian and Michelle, we will rename the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Plate competition, the ‘Michael Fortune Memorial Plate’.

It was an honour working alongside Michael on all things greyhounds related and we would like to remember him for the wonderful services he provided the industry over the years.

The 2019 BoyleSports irish Greyhound Derby will begin on Friday, 16th August and run for six weekends, with the final, along with the Michael Fortune Memorial Plate, being held on Saturday, September 21st.

Leon Blanche, Head of Communications for BoyleSports said, “Michael Fortune was not only the biggest contributor to the greyhound industry, but he was also our friend and his passion for greyhounds was infectious.

We all miss him dearly and are very grateful to his wife Rita, son Ian and daughter Michelle for giving us their blessing to allow us to rename the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Plate the ‘Michael Fortune Memorial Plate’.

Michael adored the BoyleSports Irish Derby, it was his favourite time of year and his son Ian, who has already cemented his status in the industry, will carry on Michael’s hard work and dedication. May he rest in peace”.