The Laois Lurcher/Terrier/Whippet Club first Annual Charity Dog Show and Race Day which took place Sunday 22nd April 18.

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The Laois Lurcher/Terrier/Whippet Club first Annual Charity  Dog Show and Race Day which took place Sunday 22^nd April 18.

As we closed the gates on the hunting fields for another year, and dusted off the forty shades of winter, and as the dawn chorus were chanting their versus , we started winging our way to the start of another summer salsa of canine shows, race days and Game Fair dates for 2018.

As the  chimes of the mobile rang out loud and clear at 4.30am, transmitting the time to get up and get on the road and head for Abbeyleix. Bleary eyed with feet on the floor, dogs in the trailer, and car packed, we were soon off down the motorway to Laois Lurcher, Whippet and Terrier Charity Dog Show and Race day. With the dolcet tones of Mrs Sat Nav guiding us on our merry way, at the same time keeping an eagle eye on the speed limit, we arrived in Abbeyleix at approximately 10.00am.

Into the venue, I could see by the atmosphere, it was going to be a good day. Stands were dotted around the field, selling everything to do with dog shows, Country Sports, burgers and Ice Cream. Some good bargains were to be had on the day, and no doubt we came away with a few of them.

I am never lonely or lost for company at these shows. Over the many years of going to dog shows up and down the country and further afield, I have made so many good friends and some very strong friendships. Looking around the rings all the usual show goers of yesteryear were there and also a few new trainees.

I chatted to some old friends and also made some new ones. I met up with a lovely lady called Annmarie Mulcahey and her husband, who like myself takes so many photographs at the shows in the south of Ireland. It was so nice speaking to you Annemarie and a lovely surprise. Tina Morrisey was there with little Abagail, who was having the time of her life running around on the freshly mown grass. Billy Cullen, my knight in shinning armour, carried my chair up from the racing line for me. What a gentleman. These are all lovely people and all out for a great days sport.  

The Raffle was one of the best I have seen so far this year. The prizes were magnificent and generated a lot of interest, especially my husband. I can honestly say he was like a child in a toy shop.  I think he went home with half the prizes. One torture, but a happy bunny.

Very soon after our arrival, the show got under way with the very efficient Alan Hand on the PA system. Alan you done a great job keeping everyone in touch with the days proceeding and proudly announcing our winnings. No time was wasted, and the racing and showing commenced.

It was nice to see all our wee people in the childrens handling class.  These little people are our Country Sportsmen and women and show organisers of tomorrow. Some proud mothers and fathers watching their little boys and girls walk round the ring on Sunday. I am sure there were some sleepy heads on Sunday night.

Congratulations, to all the boys and girls that took part.

Moving onwards, it was the adults time to show off their handling skills in the ring. What a large turnout of Whippets/Lurchers/Terriers.

Here are Showing and Racing Results( From the hand of Charmaine Grady)

Showing Results

Champion Hound

Dennis Gilmartin

Reserve : Dermot Hanratty

Champion Lurcher

Fiona Devlin  with Musty

Reserve : Jed Donagh with Lily.

Champion Terrier

Mark Raybould  with Jockey

Reserve : Dessie Mackin with Bank

Champion Whippet

Mairead Fearon with Jill

Reserve : Gail Canning with Roe

Champion Vetern

Sean O Keefe with Ness

Champion Pet

Jenny O Meara with Rodge

 

**Overall Show Champion and Best in show

went to : Fiona Devlin with Musty

 **Reserve Champion went to : Mark Raybould with Joker .

Racing Results :

U21 Josh O Connor with Jess

U24 Tommy Cullen with Shadow

O24 David Nolan with Missy

Whippets : Gladys & Alec Savage with Billybob

Open Whippet : Gladys and Alec Savage with Murphy

Open Lurcher Nicky Smith with Scooby

Bull Cross  Jed Donagh with Chunk

Hairy Dog  Fran Kenny with Tea Bag

Terriers  Jenny O Meara.

Ferretts :

Champion Ferrett : Nicky Smith

Reserve : David Nolan

Finally, many thanks to the brilliant Judges on the day:

Whippets/ Tracy Crosby  Lurchers/ John Moriarty & Paul Deasey /Terriers Alan Crosby/ Hounds  David Thompson/Pet Judges.

Your judging skills was honest, efficient and impeccable. Your duties on the day were carried out to perfection.  

There were plenty of photographs taken on the day, capturing everyones moment of glory.

 Not forgetting the great work carried by : Biddy Mc Grath and Lauren Mc Grath down on the starting line and the men at the top of the line. The banter and the craic was good down at the bottom of that hill. I thoroughly enjoyed your company girls.

And Finally, Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the Laois, Lurcher,Whippet and Terriers Club for a brilliant first time show this year. Well worth the journey. It was evident Brian Grady, his wife and family and his team had put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes to make this Charity Show day most enjoyable for everyone. You worked so hard Brian, and made us all feel at ease in your native Co Laois. Many thanks for the memories.

As darkness was on the horizon and the end to a perfect day looming, it was time to say good bye Abbeyleix, and be on the road again back home to Co Armagh and the place we call home. Many thanks Laois Club for the memories, and God willing, we will all be back next year for more of the same.

 

***Let it be noted, that the LLWTC are giving all Proceeds from this show to St Vincent De Paul Charity, a very worthy cause.

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

 

Edited April 25, 2018 by appleblossom