Ireland’s economy ends long winning run

Davey McKeever was down to his last bet slip of the night, crumpled in a sweaty fist, at the Shelbourne Park greyhound track. The remnants of McKeever’s first unemployment check would rise or fall on the ironically named Nest Egg.

When the jet-black greyhound fell behind at the bend, the recently laid-off plasterer found it too painful to watch. He bowed his head. He looked up again just as Nest Egg crossed the line a frothy-mouthed winner – two lengths ahead of an underdog named So Your Crazy.

"I am going crazy," a flushed, visibly shaking McKeever said as he collected his winnings without pausing for a celebratory pint of Guinness with his friends. His $170 win was already destined for his 35-year mortgage on an apartment bought at market’s peak two years ago.

By SHAWN POGATCHNIK
Associated Press Writer

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