Ireland Armagh Sporting Dog Charity Show. ( Fiona Devlins Show ) Sunday 13Th August 17

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Armagh Sporting Dog Charity Show. ( Fiona Devlins Show ) Sunday 13th August 17

 

As the sweet tones of my Samsung rang out at the break of dawn, it was signaling another new day and another great sporting event on the horizon. With the river Bann rippling in the distance, loads of good country fresh air, we headed down the motorway to Feaghbridge Dog Track.

 

Situated on the outskirts of Coalisland Co Tyrone, and lies along side the shores of Lough Neagh, this was the venue for Fiona Devlins Armagh Sporting Dog Show and Race day Sunday 13th August 17.

 

We arrived at the track around 10.30am, and at that time the field was filling up fast, and by the start of show time the venue was filled to capacity. As this show was for charity, families and trailers arrived in abundance with their loyal Canine friends in tow, all crooning the dog chorus, and full of winning spirit.

 

The weather was good, and although a little cloudy at times, there was no rain in sight. The children had a field day with loads of room for them to play safely, and under the watchful eye of parents and family.

 

It was evident from the start,that this show was going to run like clockwork as Fiona is an expierenced hand in this area, as she has run many very successful shows over the years. The organisation and timing was impeccable, resulting in the show keeping to schedule and starting on time.

 

The Racing started at approximately 12.30 followed by the showing.

 

Here are some Racing Results:Hope I have them all right.

 

Greyhound Race

Gregory Conlon with Joe

 

Lurcher Pups

Jed Donagh with Lily

 

Over 24s

Jed Donagh with Chunk

 

Under 24s

Kirsty Harpur with Regal

 

Over 24 Elite

Mal Mc Fall with Sonic

 

Under 24s Elite

Joe Leonard with Frozen not scared

 

Under 22s

Joe Leonard with Not Scared

 

Hairy Dog

Jed Donagh with Hammer

 

Mick the Millar

Jed Donagh with Hammer

 

Bull Cross (Dead Heat Between )

Kirsty Harpur with Skyler

Shane Ennis with Flash

 

KC Reg Whippets

Gabriel Frank with Dash

 

Non Peds

Susan Mc Cann with Bella

 

Collie Cross

Sean Burke with Mylo

 

Whippet Pup Race

Barry Chambers with Alfie

 

 

Showing Results

 

Overall Champion Handler

 

Christina Maguire with Maverick

 

Whippet Pairs

Christina Maguire

 

Overall Champion Pup

Jamie Lee Mc Kinistry with Hank

 

Reserve

Charlene Rafferty with Drake

3^rd

Bria Rooney with Rocky

 

Overall Champion Whippet

Lisa Dumigan with Frankie

 

Reserve

Susan Aicken with Luna

 

Overall Champion Lurcher

Philip Mc Cormick with Ricco

 

Reserve

Seamus Kearney with Banjo

3^rd

Billy Harpur with Lady

 

Overall Champion Terrier

Clive Corkin with Diesel

 

Reserve

Gerry Maxwell with Snowy

 

Overall Champion Strong Dog

Jamie Lee Mc Kinistry with Hank

 

Reserve

Charlene Martin with Rohan

 

***Overall Champion and Best in Show

Philip Mc Cormick with Ricco***

 

***Reserve

Lisa Dumigan with Frankie

 

Congratulations to all above worthy winners.

 

As the day progressed, it was raffle time and then the excitement began. There were some great prizes in this raffle. Of course avid punter John Mc Stay gave his usual performance, holding his hands up to heaven, when his tickets were drawn and walked away with couple of nice prizes. The raffle is the highlight of Johns day at the dog shows and went home one very happy camper.

 

The raffle was followed by an Auction. Some very valuable prizes were auctioned here, and all for a very good cause. Fiona you done a great job as auctioneer. I think you have missed your vocation in life.

 

And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day, who done a wonderful job.

 

Whippets/ Noel Sherry

Lurchers/ Jed Donagh

Terriers/ Niall O Cloghan

Strong Dogs/ Terence Metcalfe

Childrens/Ladies and Gents Handling Classes/ Margaret Mc Stay

 

You all judged with accuracy and integrity, and a job well done. Billy Harpur was there with his camera, clicking away at every opportunity. Billy is very professional and takes some lovely photographs. I also took some with my mobile. These are all up on my time line at the moment.

 

The racing like everything else on show day went like clockwork. Maurice Mc Dowell,you done a great job at the starting line, getting everyone off their marks on time, while Fiona Devlin herself kept tabs on the finishing line. Maurice and Fiona, you made a very valuable contribution to the success of the show racing plan.Great team work by both individuals.

 

And Finally, Finally, the best is always left to last. What can I say that will gather the skills, fuelled spirit and determination together of this young lady Fiona Devlin. Along with your partner Conor Mc Cormick and your brilliant band of helpers, you have pulled together one of the best Sporting Dog shows I have been to this year, with super efficiency.

 

Fiona, you are a true Country Sportswoman, and keep your sport very close to your heart. You have run a top class show, and thank you for a most enjoyable and memorable day out at Feabridge.

 

And the good news, the proceeds from this Charity show going to “The Cancer Fund For Children” was the grand sum of £1300. What an achievement. Remember all good Canine men and women its your money that will help ease the pain in some small way of some of our little people suffering from this terrible disease. Cancer has no mercy on young or old.

 

Fiona you are a woman in a million with a giving heart, and well done for this very worthy cause. Many thanks for the lovely presentation you made to me on the day. I truly appreciate it.

 

I am already looking forward to your next show in 2018.

 

 

Margaret Mc Stay