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We started out for Birr at 5.00am on Sunday morning, met up with Rab Greer at Newry. Bluebell was also to join us at the same venue at 5.30am, but we waited and waited and finally after 15 phone calls later, and now 6.15 am, we managed to get her and Patsy woke up. End of story,Bluebell slept in. We proceed on without Bluebell, and left her to follow later, and arrived at Birr Castle at 9.30am. Birr Castle Demesne extends to over 100 acres, and is open to the public every day of the year and attracts an average of between 25,000 and 30,000 visitors per annum. The Castle is set amidst beautiful landscaped gardens .waterfalls and lakes and an abundance of wild life all around. The Gods were definately shinning on AlbertJ at the weekend, as he was blessed with good weather, a big increase on people coming in the gate, an excellent production and well organised show, a big,big bunch of happy people and another very successful third Great Game Fair of Ireland. Security was the tighest I have seen in all the years I have attended this show. Albert you are a man of your word, you went the whole hog this time.The relaxing way people could stroll around the many stalls, stand at the ringside with their dogs without interference, and park your car/van at the ringside with nobody leaning or sitting on top of it was very evident. Everywhere I looked I could see Security Staff with their high visability jackets very clearly on show. And the boss himself AlbertJ never got off that golf buggy all day, going from one end of the show to the other, co-ordinating, making sure all areas were feeding into each other,and stopping many times on his rounds meeting and greeting people,and welcoming his flock to the show.
As we had nothing to eat before we left, we headed straight to" Foodies Event Catering", Lisoban, Galway, situated near the main area. There we met Kenneth Connolly events director and his most efficent chef and staff. A very nice breakfast was served up at a very reasonable price and kept us going for most of the day. From there we headed round the many stalls, searching for little bargains. We stopped off at " Barking Dog Beds" from Newry NI, and had a great chat with its director Martin Ryan. Martin knows his trade well and was selling doogie beds like they were going out of fashion. A very friedly man and has great value for money on his stall, good quality, and a big variety to choose from. We also visited " Keenans " and Edinburgh Clothing Co, Dinky Doughnuts,Fishing,Toyland,walking stick stalls and many more. Many we bargains was gained, along with sore feet from walking, showing my age now, but so enjoyable. We met up with some of our friends on the way. John Humphries was there in full bloom, and we had a great chat with John. I have never seen John look so well. Look out John, old age pensioner looking for a tour of your motorvan. Beware. I am saying it nicely now John, not the way I say it when I meet you out. We also met up with Mark and Fiona Kerr from Kildare (Karl Kerrs Brother) and had a good evenings crack with them.
Racing Saturday ( Random)
The racing was on Saturday,but because of other committments we could not make it on Saturday. The Lees had a great day winning the Under 23 with Hugo, and also under 24 and the over 24.
Eddie Mc Kinistry and Liz won the KC Whippet final. Well done Eddie and Liz, sorry we were not there to celebrate your big win. Martin Tucker won the non-ped final with Ernie . That dog is very hard to beat. Well done Martin and may you win many more.Billy and Kirsty Harpur won the novice lurcher. Thats one nice dog Billy and Kirsty, and will continue to win for you. Glad to see your other dog is getting better. Kirsty is giving that dog so much TLC, he will make a good and full recovery. Well done Billy and Kirsty. John Humphries was there with his two wonder dogs Rebel and China. Those 2 dogs never lets John down,and also had wins on the day. Glad John to see Chinas foot is fully recovered, and he still looks so well. Congratulations to all the rest of the racing winners, for your particapation. A big thank you to Shane Lee and the Roscrea lads for running this event so efficently and enjoyable for everyone. Well done Shane and lads and hope to see you all there next year again.
Showing on Sunday. ( Random)
Showing started at 12.30 noon, to accomodate the 5 Nations at 5.00PM.
Many thanks to the judges who done a wonderful job on the day. Their tasks were not easy, as there were so many good dogs in the ring, but they carried out their duties in a very fair and courteous manner. The showing commenced with the childrens handling class.
The winner went to Aerin Houreghan with Purdy, a well deserved winner. You handled your dog impeccably, and really deserved to win. Well done Aerin, hope to see you back again next year. All the other little children particapating,including the youngest participant, little Jay Reid from Portadown, Son of Paul Reid 5 nations winners at the show and following in dads footsteps,all got crisps and drinks for being good handlers. Well done to all our little friends. I am sure there were some sleepy heads last night.
Ladies handling class was won by Ann Forsyth with her winning dog. "Jack " Ann, like myself has many years expierence in dog shows,and handling her dogs, and boy does she excel in that area. I always say in the ring its 20% of the dog and 80% on how the dog is handled and shown. Ann has all these qualities, and this makes her a real winner.
Gents handling Class.
This class went to one of natures Gentlemen and a great sport, none other than our Billy Craig. Billy attends all the shows, North and South of the border, along with his beautiful , Shinny and well groomed black dog Diesel. Again Billy ,you have done it again with the great Diesel. Diesel never lets you down. Not only is he a mans best friend,but also a real winner. Well done Billy. You win again.
Whippets ( Random)
Overall Puppy Champion Janet Duke with her champion Whippet Finlay. What a beautiful dog and handled with excellence by Janet, with years of expierence in this area. Janet, may you go on to have many more wins with Finlay.
Reserve Champion was Fiona Devlin with Diva. Well done Fiona. Diva intends to make you very proud of him.
Whippet Bitch class went to Tracy Gill "Flash"
Whippet dog " Riley" John Mc Stay
Working Whippet Bitch " Sky" went to Michelle Rafferty
Working Whippet Dog went to Nigel Braddish with "Blue"
Congratulations to above winners, all top class dogs, along with their worthy owners.
Overall Champion Whippet went to Tracy Gill with "Flash" Tracy well done,your household should be very proud to night, with Janet winning Overall Champion Puppy, and you winning Overall Champion Whippet. A big hearty congratulations to both of you. Well done.
Reserve Whippet Champion went to my Husband John Mc Stay with " Riley". That dog is showing lots of promise this year, and has won 3 Championships in his young life , and only 14 months old. So delighted.
other Whippet winners : (Random)
Alannah Harpur with her lovely dog. This little girl is a star and really loves her dogs.
Charlene Rafferty with Spring and Tess.
John Mc Stay with "Silver"
Lurchers (Random)
1/Billy Harpur with Whippet Coss Bitch Tina. Well done Billy. There must be some trophys in the Harpur Household.
1/Graham Brennan from Dublin. This name creeps up at every show in the country as a winner. Well done Graham.
Barry Holland also had a win in this class. Well done Barry, a lovely dog. Hope you got home safe the rest of the way, and did not loose your way when you left us.
Smooth under was won by:
1/ Billy Harpur, followed in secound place by John Humhries. Well done you two,what more can I say about these two professionals. A force to be reckoned with.
1/Fiona Kerr won the Vetern Class with her half deerhound, Well done Fiona, MJ and Mark are so proud of you.
1/Roy Nixon, a lovely gentleman, had a win with his Terrier cross lurcher. Well done Roy. It was nice meeting you and putting a name to the face.
Over 23 smooth
1/ Mark O Neill with Muzzle
2/ Fiona Devlin
3/ Billy Craig
All top dogs and very worthy winners.
Lurcher pairs was won by Billy Craig with Diesel and his friends lovely black dog. These two are definately a winning combination.
Terriers
under 12 yrs
MJ Kerr from Kildare, with Skuddy. This little fellow is such a proud we fellow and enjoys shoeing his dogs.MJ you have made your Mum Fiona and dad Mark very proud of you.
Jack Russel Class
1/ Roy Nixon Well done Roy
Terrier Pup
1/ Peter Morgan with his top terrier breed "Chip". Well done Peter, another expierenced huntsman and show goer. Peter, you will have to move house if you win anymore trophys. The house must be stuffed with them. A big congratulations.
Peters mate Jimmy Black is also a keen huntsman and has some great racing terriers. Jimmy told me on Sunday in conversation, he has a few good terriers coming for next year. "So watch out Jimmys about "
Working Terrier Class
1/ Eamon Lennon. Well done Eamon,it was nice meeting you on Sunday,and may you win many more.
Any Variety Hare
1/ John Laird. A great win John, and a brilliant dog. It was nice also meeting you on Sunday. Another trophy for the dresser.
Overall Terrier Champion
1/ Joe Maguire A big congratulations Joe, a great achievement. I am sure you and your family are very proud of that little dog. A wee cracker there. Well done Joe.
Reserve Champion
Dessie Mackens Terrier, handled and shown by Roy Nixon for Dessie Macken. Well done Roy. You may leave the old man at home in future and let you show his dogs. You could teach that Dessie a thing or two. Congratulations Dessie and Roy.
Best in show
Graham Brennan from Dublin with his wonder dog. This dog is a real winner and is hard to beat. Big Congratulations Graham, a true Champion,both man and dog.
Reserve Champion : Billy Harpur, another winning cobination. Congratulations to you both.
And now for the big event of the day, and only AlbertJ could put on a show like this.
The 5 Nations Lurcher Championship.
This is the ultimate award in the Doggie world, and it was won by a neighbour of mine, and one of the nicest people you could know.. This dog has won all over the place, and I am told his owner is presently moving house. Rumour has it,he is moving because he has no more room for all the trophys he has won this year. Yes the winner is
Paul Reid from Portadown and his top of the table winning Champion Lurcher. What a cracker of a dog. Paul, we are so proud of you taking the trophy home to Northern Ireland . You are a real winner with a Champion Dog. Hope you got all them prizes home safely. I suppose Terry Metcalfe had to do Security Guard for you. I am sure a few bevys was had in your house last night. Congratulations again Paul.
Finally, there are a few people who I cannot forget to thank. The Judges for a job well done. To Matt Lee and Matthew Lee for the showing, and Shane Lee and the Roscrea team for the racing. To Biily Harpur for his photography, and not forgetting Bluebell (Deidre Mc Coy) for being there with her camera at this show and every show,taking photographs and putting them up on K9 and Hunting life for all and sundry to see. Deidre we all get such pleasure to see our faces up in lights on our moment of glory. Many thanks Deidre,you are a star. As the day was coming to an end, I had a few glasses of wine with my doggie friends,John does not drink, so he was the designated driver, before heading for the long journey home.
And Finally,Finally, this just leaves me to say on behalf of all the Canine community everywhere, North and South of the border here in Ireland, our Scottish and English friends across the water, a big thank you to AlbertJ Titterington, Director of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland, for 3 great Game Fairs, and for all the hard work and sweat you and your team put into organising this show, and making it such a memorable and successful weekend. It will be nice to look back at these lovely memories you gave all of us in the winter when the snow is sitting on our window sills and Santa is coming down the chimney with all our presents. Albert, have a long and well deserved holiday with your family, and please God we will meet up with you again in the new year at Ballywalter. God Bless
Margaret Mc Stay
As we had nothing to eat before we left, we headed straight to" Foodies Event Catering", Lisoban, Galway, situated near the main area. There we met Kenneth Connolly events director and his most efficent chef and staff. A very nice breakfast was served up at a very reasonable price and kept us going for most of the day. From there we headed round the many stalls, searching for little bargains. We stopped off at " Barking Dog Beds" from Newry NI, and had a great chat with its director Martin Ryan. Martin knows his trade well and was selling doogie beds like they were going out of fashion. A very friedly man and has great value for money on his stall, good quality, and a big variety to choose from. We also visited " Keenans " and Edinburgh Clothing Co, Dinky Doughnuts,Fishing,Toyland,walking stick stalls and many more. Many we bargains was gained, along with sore feet from walking, showing my age now, but so enjoyable. We met up with some of our friends on the way. John Humphries was there in full bloom, and we had a great chat with John. I have never seen John look so well. Look out John, old age pensioner looking for a tour of your motorvan. Beware. I am saying it nicely now John, not the way I say it when I meet you out. We also met up with Mark and Fiona Kerr from Kildare (Karl Kerrs Brother) and had a good evenings crack with them.
Racing Saturday ( Random)
The racing was on Saturday,but because of other committments we could not make it on Saturday. The Lees had a great day winning the Under 23 with Hugo, and also under 24 and the over 24.
Eddie Mc Kinistry and Liz won the KC Whippet final. Well done Eddie and Liz, sorry we were not there to celebrate your big win. Martin Tucker won the non-ped final with Ernie . That dog is very hard to beat. Well done Martin and may you win many more.Billy and Kirsty Harpur won the novice lurcher. Thats one nice dog Billy and Kirsty, and will continue to win for you. Glad to see your other dog is getting better. Kirsty is giving that dog so much TLC, he will make a good and full recovery. Well done Billy and Kirsty. John Humphries was there with his two wonder dogs Rebel and China. Those 2 dogs never lets John down,and also had wins on the day. Glad John to see Chinas foot is fully recovered, and he still looks so well. Congratulations to all the rest of the racing winners, for your particapation. A big thank you to Shane Lee and the Roscrea lads for running this event so efficently and enjoyable for everyone. Well done Shane and lads and hope to see you all there next year again.
Showing on Sunday. ( Random)
Showing started at 12.30 noon, to accomodate the 5 Nations at 5.00PM.
Many thanks to the judges who done a wonderful job on the day. Their tasks were not easy, as there were so many good dogs in the ring, but they carried out their duties in a very fair and courteous manner. The showing commenced with the childrens handling class.
The winner went to Aerin Houreghan with Purdy, a well deserved winner. You handled your dog impeccably, and really deserved to win. Well done Aerin, hope to see you back again next year. All the other little children particapating,including the youngest participant, little Jay Reid from Portadown, Son of Paul Reid 5 nations winners at the show and following in dads footsteps,all got crisps and drinks for being good handlers. Well done to all our little friends. I am sure there were some sleepy heads last night.
Ladies handling class was won by Ann Forsyth with her winning dog. "Jack " Ann, like myself has many years expierence in dog shows,and handling her dogs, and boy does she excel in that area. I always say in the ring its 20% of the dog and 80% on how the dog is handled and shown. Ann has all these qualities, and this makes her a real winner.
Gents handling Class.
This class went to one of natures Gentlemen and a great sport, none other than our Billy Craig. Billy attends all the shows, North and South of the border, along with his beautiful , Shinny and well groomed black dog Diesel. Again Billy ,you have done it again with the great Diesel. Diesel never lets you down. Not only is he a mans best friend,but also a real winner. Well done Billy. You win again.
Whippets ( Random)
Overall Puppy Champion Janet Duke with her champion Whippet Finlay. What a beautiful dog and handled with excellence by Janet, with years of expierence in this area. Janet, may you go on to have many more wins with Finlay.
Reserve Champion was Fiona Devlin with Diva. Well done Fiona. Diva intends to make you very proud of him.
Whippet Bitch class went to Tracy Gill "Flash"
Whippet dog " Riley" John Mc Stay
Working Whippet Bitch " Sky" went to Michelle Rafferty
Working Whippet Dog went to Nigel Braddish with "Blue"
Congratulations to above winners, all top class dogs, along with their worthy owners.
Overall Champion Whippet went to Tracy Gill with "Flash" Tracy well done,your household should be very proud to night, with Janet winning Overall Champion Puppy, and you winning Overall Champion Whippet. A big hearty congratulations to both of you. Well done.
Reserve Whippet Champion went to my Husband John Mc Stay with " Riley". That dog is showing lots of promise this year, and has won 3 Championships in his young life , and only 14 months old. So delighted.
other Whippet winners : (Random)
Alannah Harpur with her lovely dog. This little girl is a star and really loves her dogs.
Charlene Rafferty with Spring and Tess.
John Mc Stay with "Silver"
Lurchers (Random)
1/Billy Harpur with Whippet Coss Bitch Tina. Well done Billy. There must be some trophys in the Harpur Household.
1/Graham Brennan from Dublin. This name creeps up at every show in the country as a winner. Well done Graham.
Barry Holland also had a win in this class. Well done Barry, a lovely dog. Hope you got home safe the rest of the way, and did not loose your way when you left us.
Smooth under was won by:
1/ Billy Harpur, followed in secound place by John Humhries. Well done you two,what more can I say about these two professionals. A force to be reckoned with.
1/Fiona Kerr won the Vetern Class with her half deerhound, Well done Fiona, MJ and Mark are so proud of you.
1/Roy Nixon, a lovely gentleman, had a win with his Terrier cross lurcher. Well done Roy. It was nice meeting you and putting a name to the face.
Over 23 smooth
1/ Mark O Neill with Muzzle
2/ Fiona Devlin
3/ Billy Craig
All top dogs and very worthy winners.
Lurcher pairs was won by Billy Craig with Diesel and his friends lovely black dog. These two are definately a winning combination.
Terriers
under 12 yrs
MJ Kerr from Kildare, with Skuddy. This little fellow is such a proud we fellow and enjoys shoeing his dogs.MJ you have made your Mum Fiona and dad Mark very proud of you.
Jack Russel Class
1/ Roy Nixon Well done Roy
Terrier Pup
1/ Peter Morgan with his top terrier breed "Chip". Well done Peter, another expierenced huntsman and show goer. Peter, you will have to move house if you win anymore trophys. The house must be stuffed with them. A big congratulations.
Peters mate Jimmy Black is also a keen huntsman and has some great racing terriers. Jimmy told me on Sunday in conversation, he has a few good terriers coming for next year. "So watch out Jimmys about "
Working Terrier Class
1/ Eamon Lennon. Well done Eamon,it was nice meeting you on Sunday,and may you win many more.
Any Variety Hare
1/ John Laird. A great win John, and a brilliant dog. It was nice also meeting you on Sunday. Another trophy for the dresser.
Overall Terrier Champion
1/ Joe Maguire A big congratulations Joe, a great achievement. I am sure you and your family are very proud of that little dog. A wee cracker there. Well done Joe.
Reserve Champion
Dessie Mackens Terrier, handled and shown by Roy Nixon for Dessie Macken. Well done Roy. You may leave the old man at home in future and let you show his dogs. You could teach that Dessie a thing or two. Congratulations Dessie and Roy.
Best in show
Graham Brennan from Dublin with his wonder dog. This dog is a real winner and is hard to beat. Big Congratulations Graham, a true Champion,both man and dog.
Reserve Champion : Billy Harpur, another winning cobination. Congratulations to you both.
And now for the big event of the day, and only AlbertJ could put on a show like this.
The 5 Nations Lurcher Championship.
This is the ultimate award in the Doggie world, and it was won by a neighbour of mine, and one of the nicest people you could know.. This dog has won all over the place, and I am told his owner is presently moving house. Rumour has it,he is moving because he has no more room for all the trophys he has won this year. Yes the winner is
Paul Reid from Portadown and his top of the table winning Champion Lurcher. What a cracker of a dog. Paul, we are so proud of you taking the trophy home to Northern Ireland . You are a real winner with a Champion Dog. Hope you got all them prizes home safely. I suppose Terry Metcalfe had to do Security Guard for you. I am sure a few bevys was had in your house last night. Congratulations again Paul.
Finally, there are a few people who I cannot forget to thank. The Judges for a job well done. To Matt Lee and Matthew Lee for the showing, and Shane Lee and the Roscrea team for the racing. To Biily Harpur for his photography, and not forgetting Bluebell (Deidre Mc Coy) for being there with her camera at this show and every show,taking photographs and putting them up on K9 and Hunting life for all and sundry to see. Deidre we all get such pleasure to see our faces up in lights on our moment of glory. Many thanks Deidre,you are a star. As the day was coming to an end, I had a few glasses of wine with my doggie friends,John does not drink, so he was the designated driver, before heading for the long journey home.
And Finally,Finally, this just leaves me to say on behalf of all the Canine community everywhere, North and South of the border here in Ireland, our Scottish and English friends across the water, a big thank you to AlbertJ Titterington, Director of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland, for 3 great Game Fairs, and for all the hard work and sweat you and your team put into organising this show, and making it such a memorable and successful weekend. It will be nice to look back at these lovely memories you gave all of us in the winter when the snow is sitting on our window sills and Santa is coming down the chimney with all our presents. Albert, have a long and well deserved holiday with your family, and please God we will meet up with you again in the new year at Ballywalter. God Bless
Margaret Mc Stay
