Master McGrath facts for kids
Bronze sculpture of Master McGrath in Lurgan, County Armagh
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| Other name(s) | Dicksy |
|---|---|
| Species | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Breed | Greyhound |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 1866 Colligan Lodge County Waterford, Ireland |
| Died | 1873 |
| Resting place | Lurgan, County Armagh |
| Known for | Hare coursing |
| Term | 1868, 1869 and 1871 |
| Owner | The 2nd Baron Lurgan |
| Weight | 24 kg (53 lb) |
| Appearance | Black and white |
| Awards | Waterloo Cup |
Master McGrath (born 1866 – died 1873) was a super famous Greyhound dog. He was known for his amazing speed in a sport called hare coursing. He became a true legend in his time!
Contents
Early Life of a Champion
Master McGrath was born in 1866 in County Waterford, Ireland. He was one of seven puppies. Even though he was small, he was very strong. His pet name when he was a pup was "Dicksy". He was born at Colligan Lodge, which was the home of James Galwey. James was a well-known trainer and owner of greyhounds.
First Steps to Fame
At first, Master McGrath didn't seem like he would be a champion. In his very first trial, he did so poorly that his trainer wanted to give him away! Luckily, his "slipper" (which is like a handler or coach for the dog) believed in him. This handler took care of him and entered him in a few more races. Master McGrath won these races! After these wins, he was brought back to his original trainer.
Winning the Waterloo Cup
Master McGrath became the first greyhound ever to win the famous Waterloo Cup three times! He won it in 1868, 1869, and again in 1871. This made him a huge star. His owner, Lord Lurgan, was even asked to show Master McGrath to Queen Victoria and the British royal family.
Master McGrath's success helped Lord Lurgan build a row of houses in Walthamstow, England. These houses were paid for with Master McGrath's winnings! Today, these houses are part of Shernhall Street. You can still see a special plaque at one end of the row that says "Master McGrath Terrace". The plaque is on the upper part of number 18 Shernhall Street.
The End of a Legend
Sadly, Master McGrath died early in 1873. He passed away from heart disease. This condition had already stopped him from having puppies. A special examination after his death showed that his heart was twice the size of a normal dog's heart.
Master McGrath was buried in the garden of a house called "Solitude" in Lurgan. The house has since been taken down for new buildings. But Master McGrath's grave is still there, at a place that was once owned by an early English settler.
A Song for Master McGrath
Master McGrath was so famous that a song was written about him! It's called Master McGrath. The song tells the story of his journey to England and his amazing wins. There was also a musical tune called "The Master McGrath Gallop".
Honours and Achievements
- Waterloo Cup: 1868, 1869, 1871
See also
