Master McGrath
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Master McGrath (1866-1871) was a famous greyhound in the sport of hare coursing.
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[edit] Early days
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".
[edit] First Trial
Unbelievably the great dog showed none of the outstanding qualities which were later to make him famous at his first trial. Indeed his performance was so bad that his trainer ordered him to be given away, however as luck would have his "slipper" (handler) took charge of him and having more faith in him, entered him in several races which he won. After these wins he was returned to his trainer.
[edit] Waterloo Cup
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.
[edit] Death
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.
[edit] Information
- Name: Master McGrath
- color: BKW
- sex: male
- weight: 24 kg (53 lb)
- date of birth:1866
- land of birth: Ireland
- breeder:James Galway Waterford
- owner:Lord Lurgan
[edit] Song - Master McGrath
- Eighteen sixty-nine being the date of the year
- The Waterloo sportsman, they all did appear
- To win the great prize and to bear it away
- Never counting on Ireland and Master McGrath
- And when they arrived there in London town
- The great English sportsman they did gather round
- One of the gentlemen gave an, "Ha ha
- Is that the great dog you call Master McGrath?"
- Lord Lurgon stepped forward and he said, "Gentlemen,
- If there are any among you have money to spend,
- For your great English greyhound I don't care a straw.
- Five thousand to one upon Master McGrath."
- White Rose stood uncovered, the great English pride -
- Her trainer and owner were both by her side.
- They led her away and the crowd cried, "Hurrah!"
- For the pride of all England and Master McGrath.
- As Rose and the Master, they both ran along,
- "I wonder," said Rose, "What took you from your home.
- You should have stayed there in your Irish domain
- And not come to gain laurels on Albion's plains."
- "I know," said McGrath, "We have wild heather bogs,
- But you'll find in old Ireland we have good men and dogs.
- Lead on, bold Britannia, give none of your jaw;
- Snuff that up your nostrils," said Master McGrath.
- The hare she led on, what a beautiful view,
- As swift as the wind o'er the green fields she flew.
- He jumped on her back and he held up his paw;
- "Three cheers for old Ireland," said Master McGrath.
- I've known many greyhounds that filled me with pride
- In the days that are gone and it can't be denied,
- But the greatest and the bravest the world ever saw
- Was our champion of champions, brave Master McGrath.
[edit] Honours
- Waterloo Cup 1868,1869,1871.
