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ONE OF THE BEST WORKING DOG SHOWS THIS SUNDAY 14th JULY IN MOATE CO WESTMEATH. ( KEVIN MAGUIRES SHOW ) The Westmeath Working Terrier Club will be holding their clubs annual Working Dog Show this Sunday the 14th July in Moate Co.Westmeath. There will be the usual classes on the day, and will be well signposted when you get into Moate. Also by kind permissions of Kevin and the lads this is the 2019 venue for the Mourne All Ireland Digging Final. So roll up lads and ladies bring your gear for a chance at the 2019 title Margaret Mc Stay

THE IRISH GAME FAIR AND FINE FOOD FESTIVAL AT SHANES CASTLE, SATURDAY 29THAND SUNDAY 30THJUNE 2019. The Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival, held in the magnificent landscapes of Shanes Castle Saturday 29thand Sunday 30thJune 2019, is Irelands largest Game Fair and Country Sports event. These two days were action packed with loads of sporting events to suit the whole family. The Castle is steeped in history and sits on the north-east shores of Lough Neagh. This was the venue for the Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival June 2019. It was here in the fine summer weather, thousands of visitors from north and south of the border and further afield came to view the challenges for the sporting elite, and to partake in the many areas of the Country sports events happening on the day. The Game Fair provided a vast array of sporting interests, from Clay pigeon Shooting, Falconery, Gun Dogs, Angling, Fishing for the little people, Donkey Sancutary, Ferret showing and Racing, Amusements for the children, and many more sporting attractions to numerous to mention. As usual the Canine world was well catered for, with a full programme of showing, racing, and the now famous 5 Nations Championships. . With some retail therapy in mind, we strolled around at our leisure visiting the many stands and spoke to old friends along the way. We stopped off at Anthony Butlers leather stand from Co Mayo. What a friendly man. On to the Barbour stand and an ever welcoming Steven Smyth. This man always cheers me up to no end and has some really good bargains on his stand. As our legs got weary, and our money all spent, we headed back to the Showing and Racing arena. The excitement was building up in the air as the time for the highlight of the year, the Master Mc Grath and Mick the Millar was fast approaching. Some excitement when Josh O Connors dog Bear pipped the post first, followed by Michael Mc Graths Tucker taking Reserve. It was so worth the journey to see the look of joy on these two young sporting peoples face. This was quickly followed with Mick the Millar, and Ned Kanes dog flew past the winning post, followed by Michael Mc Graths Stella. Great sporting people. After a great days excitement at the Racing on Saturday, Sunday was a new day for Ferret, Dog Showing and 5 Nations. Of course the Ferret Showing and Racing is the highlight of the show for me. I can honestly say these little animals brought out the best audience participation I have seen in a long time at Shanes Castle. Graham Fyffe, and Darren Moore, provided young and old with an excellent display of Sportsmanship, along with Alan Crosbie judging, and Stephen Mc Gonigle doing the commentary. Even inwardly I am scared stiff of these little animals, I must say I loved this part of the Game fair dearly. Here are the Overall Showing Results. Racing Master Mc Grath Racing Champion Josh O Connor with Bear Reserve Michael Mc Grath with Tucker Mick The Millar Ned Kane with Snowy Reserve Michael Mc Grath with Stella Showing Results Puppy Champion Maurice Mc Dowell with Outlaw Champion Whippet Janet Duke with Luca Reserve Champion Davy Best with Merlin Champion Lurcher Jed Donagh with Jake Reserve Champion Lisa Beggs with Cirez Champion Terrier Darren Crawford with Joe Reserve Champion Eamo Mc Erlain with Spooky Overall Best in Show and Show Champion Darren Crawford with Joe Five Nations Champions Whippets Dermot Lawless with Blue Reserve Tracy Gill with Luca Lurchers Maurice Mc Dowell with Poacher ( Handled by Malachy Mc Fall ) Reserve Neil Pinkerton with Ben Terriers Drita Manson with Frankie Reserve Paul Mc Keown with POPs Congratulations to all above winners Ferret Results Polecat Hob or Jill 1. Raymond Brown with Athenia 2. Marty McGreevy with Nipper 3. Davy Downey with Sheila Albino Hob or Jill 1. Ian Fitzgerald with Snowy 2. Ray Brown with Sasha 3. John Wray with Sid Any Other Colour Hob or Jill 1. Gemma Wray with Reggie 2. Davy Downey with Stifflers Mum 3. Yvonne Duffy with Bear Best in Show : Raymond Brown with Athenia Reserve Best in Show : Ian Fitzgerald with Snowy Racing Results 1st Davy Downey with Stifflers Mum 2nd John Wray with Belle And Finally, All too soon the Game Fair came to a close on Sunday evening. With the good weather, the books have shown record crowds again this year on both days at Shanes Castle. This Game Fair was run with and under the guidance of people who are passionate about Country Sports. Albert and Irene Titterington, and their co directors bring a creative marketing flair, vast event organisation, a wealth of expierence, and a lifetime commitment to the promotion and enjoyment of all Country Sports. Of this we are truly thankful. May I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day : Whippets : Sammy Shaw Lurchers : John Shaw Terriers : Jamesie Toal Five Nations Judges Whippets : Mickey Quinn Lurchers : Kieran Young Terriers : Terry Crossen A job well done by all judges. And Finally Finally, many thanks to Tom Barry Director of Lurcher, Terrier and Whippet, Racing and Showing , his wife Leanne Barry, Ethan, and their team of helpers, for organising and running the Racing and Showing at Shanes Castle so effective and efficiently again this year. Major investment over the last number of years by the Great Game Fairs of Ireland team has seen its Game Fairs develop to a stage where they are unchallenged in the domination of their sector within the Irish Market place where town and country to come together to celebrate and enjoy the craic, along with some of our finest Country Sports and traditions. None of this would be possible without the man of the moment Albertj Tittering his wife Irene and their Co directors. Albert you are definitely ” King of the Castle,” and you and your good wife Irene are in a league of your own. Our lifes have been enriched with the excellent work and enjoyment you give to many families across the country, through your Game Fairs, and of that we are truly thankful. Albert and Irene you are a shining example in the Country Sports world. Thank you for a weekend full of joy and excitement, and above all a great window for Country Sports. Roll on 2020. Margaret Mc Stay

Sunday 14th July at Moate , Co Westmeath. It will be signposted when you get to Moate

IRELAND's LARGEST WORKING DOG WEEKEND: The 31st ANNUAL ALL IRELAND TERRIER, WHIPPET and LURCHER CHAMPIONSHIPS at the 41st IRISH GAME FAIR 29th & 30th JUNE and the ALL IRELAND GAME FAIR FERRET CHAMPIONSHIPS. PLEASE NOTE : I HAVE JUST BEEN GIVEN THE JUDGES FOR THE ORDINARY SHOWING AT SHANES CASTLE THIS SUNDAY 30TH JUNE WHIPPETS. SAMMY SHAW. LURCHERS. SJ SHAW. TERRIERS. STEVE HALPIN JUDGES FOR THE 5 NATIONS ARE AS FOLLOW : WHIPPETS - MICHAEL QUINN (SENIOR ) LURCHERS - BILLY COPELAND. TERRIERS - TERRY CROSSEN RACING - £4.00 PER DOG (SAME AS LAST YEAR ) SHOWING - £4.00 PER DOG (SAME AS LAST YEAR ) MASTER MC GRATH AND MICK THE MILLAR ARE PRE ENTRY .ENTRIES WILL BE TAKEN AT SITE OFFICE TO MORROW SATURDAY( SITUATED AT THE SIDE OF THE MAIN ARENA ) ALL DOGS RACING IN UNDER 21/22/23 WILL BE MEASURED. SEE YOU ALL THERE Margaret Mc Stay

Steak Knife, I dont tell lies, I honestly dont know.

THE IRISH GAME FAIR & FINE FOOD FESTIVAL AT SHANES CASTLE. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT **YES THE BIG ONE HAS FINALLY ARRIVED** THE 5 NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP JUDGES AT SHANES CASTLE THIS SUNDAY 30th JUNE 19. THE JUDGES FOR THE 5 NATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS: WHIPPETS - MICHAEL QUINN (SENIOR) LURCHERS - BILLY COPELAND. TERRIERS. - TERRY CROSSEN SEE YOU ALL THERE. MARGARET Mc STAY

Armagh Sporting Dog Charity Show. ( Fiona Devlins Show ) Sunday 23rd June 19 As the ringing tones of my mobile phone rang out forcefully, signalled the start of a new day and another great sporting event on the horizon. With dogs in trailer we drove through the heart of Orchard County and down the motorway to the now famous Feaghbridge Schooling Track. Situated on the outskirts of Coalisland Co Tyrone, and lies along side the shores of Lough Neagh, Feaghbridge schooling track was the venue for Fiona Devlins Armagh Sporting Dog Charity Show and Race day Sunday 23rd June 19. We arrived at the track around 10.30am, got the dogs signed in for racing, and then parked up for another great sporting event. The ground filled up fast, with canine folk from North and South of the border, and by the start of show time the venue was full to capacity. As this show was for charity, families and trailers arrived in abundance with their Canine friends, all barking and crooning the dog chorus, and full of winning spirit. Paddy and Jade Dunphy travelled all the way from New Ross in County Wexford, as did Liam and Conor Nolan from Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Great people and great Country Sports enthusiasts. The weather was good, and although a little cloudy at times, there was no rain in sight. The children had a field day with burgers and chips on site, and loads of room for them to play safely, under the watchful eye of parents and family. It was evident from the start this show was going to run like clockwork, as Fiona is an experienced hand in that area. This young lady 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. As the day progressed, it was raffle time and then the excitement began. There were some great prizes in the raffle, and some very happy campers going home, and all for a good cause. The Racing started at approximately 11.30 followed by the showing. Here are Racing and Showing Results: Racing Results Puppy Derby Champion For Race Bred Pups under 42lb Fiona Devlin with Rebel Country (Batman) Reserve Conor Nolan with Della. Whippet Puppy Dash Sean Burke with Jet Reserve Shane Mc Killion with Frankie No Limit Puppy Emily with Fluer Reserve Charlene Rafferty with Rocky Pure Bred Greyhounds Michelle Rafferty with sky in a time of 17.91 Whippet Bitch u 20 Inches Susanne Addis with Poppy 20.47 Runner up Sean Burke with Lilly Whippet Dog u21 Barry Chambers with Alfie 20.07 Reserve Sean Dooher with Joe No Limit Whippet Sean Dooher with Jill 20.96 U30lb Kirsty Harper with Tilly in 21.15 U40lb Alison Gamble with Zira 19.23 U50 Kirsty Harper with Megan 18.83 No limit Seamus Heart with Moses 18.61 Hairy Dogs U23 Danny Maxwell with Blue O23 Seamus Heart with Nora Bull Cross Kirsty Harper with Skylar Novice Unders Conor Nolan with Della Novice Overs Chelsea Rafferty with Rosie Showing Champion PUP Stewart Graham with Ace Reserve Gerard Leonard with Nova Champion Whippet John Mc Stay with PIP Reserve Davy Best with Merlin Champion Lurcher Neil Pinkerton with Ben Reserve Lisa Beggs with Joker Champion Terrier Martin Mc Donald with Saoirse Reserve Eamo Mc Erlain with Spooky Champion Strong Dog William Hanna with Tia Reserve Christopher Davos with Axel Overall Show Champion and Best in Show Martin Mc Donald with Saoirse Reserve Neil Pinkerton with Ben Congratulations to all above winners and well done. And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day, for doing a wonderful job. Whippets/ Susan Mc Cann Lurchers/ Sean Burke Terriers/ Fraser Gorman Strong Dogs/ Barry Holland Childrens/Ladies and Gents Handling Classes/ Margaret Mc Stay Judging was delivered with accuracy and integrity, and a job well done by all. Billy Harpur was there with his camera, and I also took some photographs with my mobile. These are all up on my time line at the moment. And 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 woman Fiona Devlin. Along with your brilliant back up team, you have pulled together another great sporting event with super efficiency. Finally, Finally, Fiona, you are a great Country Sportswoman, with the sport very close to your heart. Again this year you run another top class show, and thank you for a most enjoyable and memorable day out at Feaghbridge. And the good news, the proceeds from this Charity show is going to “The Cancer Fund For Children” 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. I know, I was that soldier. 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 myself and Kirsty Harpur on the day. We truly appreciate it. I am already looking forward to your next show in 2019. Margaret Mc Stay

IRELAND's LARGEST WORKING DOG WEEKEND: The 31st ANNUAL ALL IRELAND TERRIER, WHIPPET and LURCHER CHAMPIONSHIPS at the 41st IRISH GAME FAIR 29th & 30th JUNE and the ALL IRELAND GAME FAIR FERRET CHAMPIONSHIPS. PLEASE NOTE : I HAVE JUST BEEN GIVEN THE JUDGES FOR THE ORDINARY SHOWING AT SHANES CASTLE THIS SUNDAY 30TH JUNE WHIPPETS. SAMMY SHAW. LURCHERS. SJ SHAW. TERRIERS. STEVE HALPIN JUDGES FOR THE 5 NATIONS WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY. Margaret Mc Stay

UP dATED

IRELAND's LARGEST WORKING DOG WEEKEND: The 31st ANNUAL ALL IRELAND TERRIER, WHIPPET and LURCHER CHAMPIONSHIPS at the 41st IRISH GAME FAIR 29th & 30th JUNE and the ALL IRELAND GAME FAIR FERRET CHAMPIONSHIPS Working Dog Director: Tom Barry PLEASE NOTE: Only the Master McGrath Race and Mick The Miller Championships are pre entry. All other racing events are enter on the day in order that our All Ireland Champions can be true Champions of Ireland having beaten ALL COMERS on the day. RACING SATURDAY 29th June Starts 12.00noon with the RED MILLS Master McGrath Final to find the fastest lurcher in the UK and Ireland followed by the Mick the Miller Final. All qualified dogs must be registered with David Titterington at Game Fair HQ before 11.00 am. Master Mc Grath Challenge for Elite Lurchers: Winner £200, Special Trophy, Winners cap for handler and winners Coat for dog. Runner Up : £50 and Runner Up Coat Mick the Miller Challenge for Traditional lurchers: Winner £200, Special Trophy, Winners cap for handler and winners Coat for dog Runner Up : £50 and Runner Up Coats. As this is a transitional year - all dogs that ran in the finals in 2018 are qualified to run again this year against the newly qualified dogs. Two fantastic vintage trophies to be won outright FEEDWELL SPONSORED 30th Anniversary All Ireland Championship Racing OPEN TO ALL Lurcher Pups NEW UNDER 22 CHAMPIONSHIP £50, Trophy and Winners Coat Elite Lurchers Under 23" Elite Lurchers Over 23" Elite Traditional Lurchers Under 23" Traditional Lurchers Over 23" Traditional Lurchers (Hairy Dog/Collie Type) Whippet Race Bull Cross Lurcher Heavy Bull Cross Lurcher Light Retired Greyhounds Terrier Racing Each race winner receives a special Winners Cap and a bag of Feedwell Please note eligibility to run in a particular race will be decided by the organisers. If there is a challenge to a dog's eligibility a panel will take a group decision on the dog's eligibility. If in doubt as to your dog's eligibility please speak to the organisers in advance of the Fair and /or racing. The 31st ALL IRELAND CHAMPION TERRIER, LURCHER & WHIPPET SHOW sponsored by FEEDWELL Sunday 30th start 12.30 pm with pet show and 1.00 sharp for breed classes. OVERALL SHOW CHAMPION wins £50, Trophy and Rosette. PUPPY CHAMPION: £25 CHAMPION TERRIER, LURCHER & WHIPPET receive special bronze trophies to keep plus £50 & a BAG OF Feedwell & Rosette. Best Opposite Sex to Champion Terrier will receive £25. Terrier, Lurcher & Whippet Champion Trophies Overall Champion Trophy and examples of the jackets to be won at both Shanes Castle & Galway Each Class Winner receives a Special Cap plus a Bag of Feedwell Dog Food and Rosette (Rosettes 1-3) Terriers Any variety terrier dog pup Any variety terrier bitch pup Jack Russell dog or bitch Patterdale dog or bitch Lakeland dog or bitch Border dog or bitch Crossbred dog or bitch Any variety working dog or bitch Staff Dog or Bitch Plummer Dog or Bitch Veterans Pairs Lurchers Any Variety dog pup Any Variety bitch pup Under 23 smooth bitch Under 23 smooth dog Over 23 smooth bitch Over 23 smooth dog Under 23 rough dog Under 23 rough bitch Over 23 rough dog Over 23 rough bitch Collie cross Heavy Bull cross Light Bull cross Whippet Cross Fox Lamping Veterans Retired Greyhounds Pairs Whippets Dog pup Bitch pup Open Dog Open Bitch Racing Dog or Bitch Working Dog or Bitch Veterans Dog or Bitch Pairs All pups under 12 months old Veterans 7 years and over Classes may change due to entries All winners receive a bag of Feedwell a limited edition Winners Cap and a Rosette Family Dog Show: Any Variety shown by a child under 12 years of age Any Variety shown by a Lady Any Variety shown by a Gent Champion Handling Class from the above classes Receives a Bag of Feedwell & Rosette. THE FIVE NATIONS TERRIER, LURCHER & WHIPPET CHAMPIONSHIPS Will take place after the showing with the Champion and Reserve Champions at the Game Fair Show qualifying. ALL OTHER QUALIFIERS MUST REGISTER WITH DAVID TITTERINGTON AT GAME FAIR HQ by 11.00 am on the day of the fair. RED MILLS Five Nations Terrier Championship : Champion wins £200, Special Trophy, winners cap & A Winners Coat; Runner Up wins £50 and a Res Champion Coat. FEEDWELL Five Nations Whippet Championship : Champion wins £200, Special Trophy, winners cap & A Winners Coat; Runner Up wins £50 and a Res Champion Coat RED MILLS Five Nations Lurcher Championship : Champion wins £200, Special Trophy, winners cap & A Winners Coat; Runner Up wins £50 and a Res Champion Coat. Champion & Reserve Champion owners win caps from Wildebeest. ALL IRELAND GAME FAIR FERRET SHOWING & RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS organised by Darren Moore At the Irish Game Fair & Fine food Festival, Shanes Castle, Antrim Sunday 30th June 11.00am in the Countrysports in Action Arena Show Classes Albino Jill Albino Hob Polecat Jill Polecat Hob Any Other Colour Jill Any Other Colour Hob Class Prizes : & Rosettes Best In Show : Cold cast bronze ferret trophy sponsored by Albert & Irene Titterington Best Racing Ferret : Cold cast bronze ferret trophy sponsored by Albert & Irene Titterington

BUMP

The Great Games Fairs of Ireland & Country Lifestyle Festival week ending 15thand 16thJune 2019, at Ballybrit Race Course, Co Galway. In Country Galway by the sea, in the shadow of the wild atlantic way lies the beautiful Ballybrit Race Course. On this historical site, the first racing festival took place on 17th August 1869 where it is believed 40,000 people turned up to watch this grand event. The racecourse measures one and a half miles long and excelles any other course in Ireland. Ballybrit has a long and exciting history and has become what is now one of the most famous tracks in the world. This was the new venue for The Great Games Fairs of Ireland & Country Lifestyle Festival week ending 15thand 16thJune 2019. And what a weekend that was. After a 162 mile journey following our lead driver Maurice Mc Dowell, who we meet on our way down and was our guiding light, we arrived save and sound at the race course at 10.00am. Although the weather was not kind to us, this did not dampen the spirits of the good Country Sports people who came out from all areas of Country life to attend this big event. It was not long to we were browsing around the many stands and attractions that this brilliant Game Fair had to offer. The Mourne Clothing Company had some fine Country wear on display, as did my old favourites Charlie Keenan, Edinburgh Clothing Company and Barbour. There were Clay pigeon shooting, Gun Dogs, Dog shows, amusements, and ice cream and swetties stands for the Children. Everything for a good family day out. Retail therapy at an end, hunger took over, so we treated ourselves to some of the tasty food on offer on the site. The sun shone bright to early afternoon, but all of a sudden the sky darkened and the heavens opened. And that it did. But the show must go on. Time passes so quickly, it was soon time to head back to the show ring and our high light of the day, the dog show. Here are the Championship Results for Showing. Champion Whippet Raphael O Reilly with Sky Champion Lurcher Mark Dupplaw with Booty Reserve Champion Tina Morrissey with Eddie Champion Terrier Keith Breen with Busker Reserve Champion Eamo Mc Erlain with Spooky Champion Puppy Niall O Cloghan with Ryder Congratulations to all above winners, hope to see Whippet/Lurcher/Terrier, all at Shanes Castle for the 5 Nations Championships on Sunday 30thJune. And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the judges, who stood out in the pouring rain and judged so fair and efficiently on the day. Whippets Jim Dalton Lurchers Niall Healey Terriers Jed Brady And Finally, Finally, many thanks to Tom Barry and his wife Leanne and their back up team for running the dog show so smoothly despite the heavy rain, and also everybody that stood in the ring. A lot of hard work goes into running and organising these shows, and thank you for that. What comes to mind when a dream comes true. Hard work , sleepless nights, a brilliantly successful Game Fair and Country Lifestyle Festival, and a new venue. Many thanks again to Albert Titterington, the rock in his life his wife Irene, and Co Directors for another great Game Fair weekend in the pleasant countryside of County Galway. Onward and upward, and on to the daddy of them all, yes Shanes Castle Game Fair, Saturday 29thJune and 30thJune 19. See you all there Margaret Mc Stay

Not sure which one you mean. The Man O War show was on last year, not sure if it will be on this year or not.