Trainer Profile John O'Callaghan

John O’Callaghan:

What club are you with & how long have you been with the club?

I’m currently with Griffin United; I re-joined the club back in 2013 after a couple of brief spells with two other clubs. I started my drag hunting off career off  when I was a 10 year old with Douglas Harriers & was with them until 1995 that year they folded & I then joined Griffin United.

How long have you been involved in the sport?

Ever since I was a young lad we have always had hounds in our yard.

slipping hounds with my son Brion 

How did you get involved in drag hunting?

My late father John introduced me into the sport when I was 10 years old my first hound being McArthur,my two boy's Brion & John are also active in the sport &  i have great support from the girls in my life being the boss Christine & Orlaith.

My dad john looking delighted after winning the Senior All Ireland
back in 1993

What have been the best hounds you have trained?

I have had many a hound in my kennel over the years but two hounds Lofty & Milligan would have to be my pick of the bunch, they were two good honest hounds that could run anywhere, some good hounds were bred from these two.

Brion with Black Sail

What is the best hound you have seen run & why?

For me it would have to be Rocky’s Son & Mossy, two superb athletes of the drag-hunting world, I would have loved to watch these two magnificent hounds race against one another.

What is your favourite course & why?

Bottle hill, A great viewing course steep climb up the finish a good test of stamina & courage for any hound.

Which are your most memorable victories?

My most memorable win would have to be Milligan winning the Senior International @ Rylane in 2003, my late father John who was very ill at the time was there to witness it & I will always remember him turning to me and saying “we finally done it” it was the one drag hunt meeting he always wanted to win.

Who is your favorite drag hunting characters past & present & why?

left to right
Billy Higgins, Connie Hogan,Tucker, my dad Jackie Ahern
 & a young me. 

For me my favourite character of the past would have to be Connie Hogan, he used to call up to my fathers every Friday night  & tell stories that still have me smiling today, present character would have to be Gary Freyne , always a good craic off him & one to entertain.