I touched lucky this week and got my hands on an unused postcard dedicated to our very own world famous greyhound "Master McGrath". Its dated from around 1920. At the price it was on sale at i just couldnt refuse to buy it.
Heres his story and i have to say it gives me goosety-pimpleys :wacko:
Master McGrath was born in County Waterford, Ireland. A small, weak pup he went on to become the most celebrated and successful dog of his time. Born in 1866 at Colligan Lodge, the home of James Galwey, a well known trainer and owner of greyhounds. Master McGrath was one of a litter of seven pups and although small was powerfully built. As a pup his pet name was "Dicksy".
He won the Waterloo Cup on three occasions. 1868, 1869 and 1871 and was the first greyhound to do so. He became such a celebrity that his owner Lord Lurgan was requested to take him to be seen by Queen Victoria and the Royal Family. His success enabled his owner to build a terrace of houses in Walthamstow from Master McGrath's winnings. These houses now form part of Shernhall Street, but are still clearly marked at one end of the terrace as "Master McGrath Terrace".
Master McGrath died in 1871 of heart disease which had already ended his career as a sire. A post mortem examination showed that his heart was twice the size of a normal dog's heart. He is buried in the grounds of a house called "Solitude" in Lurgan. This has since been demolished for development and Master McGrath's grave lies in the garden of one of these houses. And his weight.....unbelievable 53lb ! What a cracking little dog !
Heres a link to a fabulous song about him how he went to England and was mocked till he kicked your asses !
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vf4emisRCvI
Enjoy and salute Master McGrath !!
Heres his story and i have to say it gives me goosety-pimpleys :wacko:
Master McGrath was born in County Waterford, Ireland. A small, weak pup he went on to become the most celebrated and successful dog of his time. Born in 1866 at Colligan Lodge, the home of James Galwey, a well known trainer and owner of greyhounds. Master McGrath was one of a litter of seven pups and although small was powerfully built. As a pup his pet name was "Dicksy".
He won the Waterloo Cup on three occasions. 1868, 1869 and 1871 and was the first greyhound to do so. He became such a celebrity that his owner Lord Lurgan was requested to take him to be seen by Queen Victoria and the Royal Family. His success enabled his owner to build a terrace of houses in Walthamstow from Master McGrath's winnings. These houses now form part of Shernhall Street, but are still clearly marked at one end of the terrace as "Master McGrath Terrace".
Master McGrath died in 1871 of heart disease which had already ended his career as a sire. A post mortem examination showed that his heart was twice the size of a normal dog's heart. He is buried in the grounds of a house called "Solitude" in Lurgan. This has since been demolished for development and Master McGrath's grave lies in the garden of one of these houses. And his weight.....unbelievable 53lb ! What a cracking little dog !
Heres a link to a fabulous song about him how he went to England and was mocked till he kicked your asses !
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vf4emisRCvI
Enjoy and salute Master McGrath !!
A remarkable dog and a very chilling story, :thumbsup: Di
