Willie’s Dog Won At 100/1

Willie Pratt who has passed away was a proud member of a talented club we could call sporting Kilkenny.
He was a devoted handballer, a respected member of the Talbot’s Inch Club where he won many honours over the years at club, county and national level.
He was also a lover of greyhound racing and reared many fine hounds.
His glory night was certainly at Kilkenny Greyhound where his dog started at the handsome price of 100/1, generous odds in any contest.
Willie was the proudest man on Mother Earth when the dog romped to glory for a very popular victory by an owner who was very popular at the Freshford venue.
As one who knew Willie from his very young years, I would have to say that it was always enjoyable meeting him, chatting and listening to his great wit.
We became friends on wheels as very young lads as Willie cycled a messenger boy for a local greengrocer and I was messenger boy for St Joseph’s Laundry, Waterford Road which had a depot in High Street near the then OK House, owned by the Griffin family.
Willie passed away at St Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Benny and Sonny and sisters, Josephine and Phyllis.
He was father of James, Louis, Catherine, Siobhan, Canice, Phyllis, Conor, Noreen and Rosina
He is also survived by his sisters Helen and Patsy; brothers Anthony and Paddy; grandchildren Adam, Mason, Stephanie, Eamon, Richie, Willow, Harper, Conor, Fionn, Sarah, Isobel, Charlie, Darren, Leah, Cillian, Eoin and Sydney, great-grandchildren Ada, Paige, Dylan, Esmay and Kai.