The owner of a greyhound alleged to have tested positive for caffeine after it won the Irish Cup at Clounanna in 1994 has taken a High Court action against the Irish Coursing Club. Mr Uinseann Purtill, named as the owner of Ballinveala Hobo, is suing by his father, Mr Vincent Purtill, of Ballinveala, Co Limerick.
Mr James O'Driscoll SC, for the Purtills, said yesterday that a subcommittee of the ICC had declared that the greyhound be disqualified from racing, coursing or breeding for two years and that the Irish Cup and prize money of £10,000 be forfeited.
Mr O'Driscoll said his primary claim was that the composition of the sub-committee was tainted. Counsel alleged that two members of the committee, Mr Brian Divilly, of Rockwood House, Claregalway, Co Galway, and Mr Michael Ryan, of Commons, Cashel, Co Tipperary, had an involvement with dogs which took part in the competition.
Both had sworn affidavits that they did not have any financial gain, counsel said. Whether there was such gain or not, there had been apparent bias, and justice should have been seen to be done.
Mr O'Driscoll added that the inquiry concerned an allegation that there was a positive presence of caffeine in a urine sample.
The analysis had been carried out at the National Greyhound Laboratory in Limerick. Because Uinseann Purtill was a minor at the time, his father was asked to attend the inquiry.
The hearing continues today.