DESPITE Storm Jorge battering the western counties, it proved to be an unforgettable weekend for Limerick lady, Fionnuala Maloney Carey and Linda McInerney, from the ‘Banner County’.

Fionnuala, from Croom, received the Welfare Award at the Irish Greyhound Board awards, held in Killashee House Hotel, for her work in rehoming retired greyhounds at the family’s Timaru Kennels. Their four-legged guests adapt readily to indoor living and have found new homes in Ireland and across Europe.

“The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust set up foster homes last year and I was lucky enough to be asked to foster retired racers. We’ve between eight and 10 at any one time and basically, we get them used to a homely environment of sofa, stairs, etc.

“The only problem is saying goodbye but a lot of their adopters keep in touch, so that’s great!” said Fionnuala, who previously worked as a groom for Paul Larkin, the Doyle brothers, Conor Swail and the Connswater show team.

She produced K&K Cobs’ Westend Willie to win the reserve title at Dublin last year. “Willie is still here with me having a much deserved break but he’ll be up for sale soon. I do have a very special four-year-old for this year.”

Linda McInerney and her fiancé Donal Holohan won a €30,000 wedding package at the Munster Wedding Extravaganza in Limerick. The couple, who got engaged in October 2018 and have concentrated on building their new house since, were among Sunday’s finalists from 500 entries.

“I’m still amazed by the win,” said Linda who drew the winning envelope. “Donal was nudging me, saying ‘Open it!’ and I saw ‘winner’. I couldn’t speak, I was so shocked that I didn’t even see everyone else leave the stage.

“The package covers suits, wedding dress, bands, everything and the wedding is at the Castle Oak House Hotel in Castleconnell, we meet with them this Saturday to talk over details. It has given a huge lift to everyone, although the wedding planning will be put to a halt again as show season is coming!”

Linda and her brother Brian showed the reserve champion combination in The Irish Field Breeders Championship two years ago.

“Max Naughty But Nice [the dam] is in foal again, this year to For Treasure and due the end of April. We hope all goes okay foaling and we’ll get through to the Breeders’ this year again. We know the foal will be young but all good things come in small parcels! We just go out on show days and make memories, whatever the result.”