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The Castle, gardens and beautiful landscapes of Birr Castle came alive in the August sunshine on Saturday and Sunday of last weekend, as the annual National Game and Country Fair got under way at Birr Castle. It was an earley start for our northern contingent on Sunday morning,as we rendevoued at Mc Donalds in Newry at 6.00am to travel to Birr Castle in convoy with Ulsters finest Canine men and women. Patsy Mc Coy and his loyal wife " Bluebell" leading the way. We landed in Birr at approximately 10.00am. After getting our dogs exercised, fed, watered, securely locked up and comfortable, we went for a stroll around the Gamefair and the beautiful grounds around the Castle. There were many bargains on offer at the fair.I got a beautiful Whippet placque for 5 Euros and my husband Big John, got a lovely pair of sporting green trousers for 25 Euro, and even got a size to fit him, and take it from me that was a bonus.There were some great laughs on the day, and that one was hilarous. The next was in the main arena at 12.30 at the dog coursing.It was only on for a half an hour, but it was sheer enjoyment and laughter. Boy did those small and large dogs enjoy that trip. Some never started at all,some run half way and ran back to their owners, and some did the full rounds of the arena, cheered on by a wonderful family community out for a great days fun. Matt Lee and Sheamus Irwin did a great job there. The crowd really loved it and cheered their dogs around the arena.
In the afternoon the Dog show commenced, with rings for Lurchers,Terriers and Whippets.Michael Quinn and his father Mickey, from Lurgan in Co Armagh, won 1st and 2nd ( father and son) for best male dog handlers.As I said before, Mickey move over, Michael is taking over. Well done Michael and Mickey. I myself got a 2nd in the ladys handling class and Goldie our Whippet pup got 3rd in her class. A Big Congratulations to Peter Morgan, Belfast, and his beautiful terrier,who won the Overall Best in Show at Birr. Peter is a true sportsman in every sense of the word,a good friend, and a well deserved winner.Peter supports every Dog show like ourselves up and down the country from March to December every year. Simon Murphy, Dublin was at his work again, winning the Puppy Championship, and winning the Whippet Bitch class with the beautiful Breeze. Simon a big congratulations. Graham Brennan, Dublin did it again with his brilliant Lurcher. Well done Graham. Rab Greer Belfast, got a 3rd with his lurcher,and Bill Mc Guckan, Newtownards got a 2nd with his lurcher. Well done Rab and Bill. I dont know the name of the person who won the 5 Nations Terrier Championship, but whoever you are, heartiest congratulations. A top dog at a top show. A big congratulations to all the winners on the day, and to the winners of the racing on Saturday. I was not there but I am told it was a great day.
And finally,what can I say about the main organiser. Albert J Titterington and his excellent committe and fellow directors. It was a pleasure and an honour Albert to speak to you yesterday at Birr. The hard work, heartache, and sleepless nights you and your most effecient committe and directors has put into this show was very evident yesterday in every part of the show I rambled around. Many thanks for your hospitality and kindness shown to every single person that came in those gates on Saturday and Sunday.You have worked very hard to make this show such a success and a memorable day for every family both North and South of the border. Many thanks for that Albert. It was nice to forget our troubles and cares of everyday life for a short while, and you made this possible for all of us yesterday. To Matt Lee and Sheamus Irwin and all their judges and helpers, a job well done, you sent a lot of people home very happy. And how could I forget the "Star" of the day Bluebell our resident photographer. O Bluebell what would we do without you. This was brought home to me yesterday when walking over the field a short distance with you, you were stopped by 2 different people in my presence and congratulated on your photographs from all the different shows during the year.Your photographs takes pride of place on every mantle piece,and brings so much happiness and memories into so many homes all over Ireland and the UK. Keep up the good work Deidre, and many thanks for the liquid refreshments at the end of the day.A great day was had by all, and a brillant show. Thanks again Albert.
In the afternoon the Dog show commenced, with rings for Lurchers,Terriers and Whippets.Michael Quinn and his father Mickey, from Lurgan in Co Armagh, won 1st and 2nd ( father and son) for best male dog handlers.As I said before, Mickey move over, Michael is taking over. Well done Michael and Mickey. I myself got a 2nd in the ladys handling class and Goldie our Whippet pup got 3rd in her class. A Big Congratulations to Peter Morgan, Belfast, and his beautiful terrier,who won the Overall Best in Show at Birr. Peter is a true sportsman in every sense of the word,a good friend, and a well deserved winner.Peter supports every Dog show like ourselves up and down the country from March to December every year. Simon Murphy, Dublin was at his work again, winning the Puppy Championship, and winning the Whippet Bitch class with the beautiful Breeze. Simon a big congratulations. Graham Brennan, Dublin did it again with his brilliant Lurcher. Well done Graham. Rab Greer Belfast, got a 3rd with his lurcher,and Bill Mc Guckan, Newtownards got a 2nd with his lurcher. Well done Rab and Bill. I dont know the name of the person who won the 5 Nations Terrier Championship, but whoever you are, heartiest congratulations. A top dog at a top show. A big congratulations to all the winners on the day, and to the winners of the racing on Saturday. I was not there but I am told it was a great day.
And finally,what can I say about the main organiser. Albert J Titterington and his excellent committe and fellow directors. It was a pleasure and an honour Albert to speak to you yesterday at Birr. The hard work, heartache, and sleepless nights you and your most effecient committe and directors has put into this show was very evident yesterday in every part of the show I rambled around. Many thanks for your hospitality and kindness shown to every single person that came in those gates on Saturday and Sunday.You have worked very hard to make this show such a success and a memorable day for every family both North and South of the border. Many thanks for that Albert. It was nice to forget our troubles and cares of everyday life for a short while, and you made this possible for all of us yesterday. To Matt Lee and Sheamus Irwin and all their judges and helpers, a job well done, you sent a lot of people home very happy. And how could I forget the "Star" of the day Bluebell our resident photographer. O Bluebell what would we do without you. This was brought home to me yesterday when walking over the field a short distance with you, you were stopped by 2 different people in my presence and congratulated on your photographs from all the different shows during the year.Your photographs takes pride of place on every mantle piece,and brings so much happiness and memories into so many homes all over Ireland and the UK. Keep up the good work Deidre, and many thanks for the liquid refreshments at the end of the day.A great day was had by all, and a brillant show. Thanks again Albert.
Eddie followed us home, Dessie wanted to go to Mc Donald's at 10 that night :wacko: it had been a long day 
