Main Irish Countrysports Bodies unite in support of Fair

[AlbertJ 569]

The main Irish country sports bodies have come out with a strong united voice of support for the ROI's premier game & country fair taking place at Birr Castle, Co Offally on the 28th & 29th August.

 

 

The three leading Irish country sports bodies have announced that they will have a major presence at the Irish Game & Country Fair at Birr, Co. Offaly on 28/29 August.

 

With their commitment to show the public and members alike why they lead the way in country sports representation and conservation both the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), the Federation of Irish Salmon & Sea Trout Anglers (FISSTA) and Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI) will have much to interest everyone on their stands. And they said that they were taking full advantage of the crowds expected to top 30,000 at Ireland’s leading Game Fair to showcase their organisations.

 

Director Des Crofton said: “On the NARGC stand, we will help with many varied and sometimes complex issues confronting shooting people, whether it’s wildlife legislation (European or domestic), firearms or some of the NARGC funding schemes. Chris Gavican will also be on hand to answer questions on the NARGC Compensation Fund, the most successful fund of its type in Ireland.

 

“At Birr, we will have many of the big names in country sports, such as Mike Johnson, a ‘must see’ with his selection of traps and game rearing equipment, author Peter O’Reilly, on hand to discuss angling matters, and everyone can marvel at Jim Corcoran’s taxidermy display. Fly tyer Jimmy Tyrrell will demonstrate his skills and for the shooting enthusiast, Paul Walsh from East Coast Dog & Gun will show the NARGC/Weatherby limited edition shotgun and some very interesting old guns. Jim O’Connor and his safety team will answer the question on every shooter’s lips: “How do I shoot better?†Assisted by coach Chris Lyndsay they will be providing the answer and advice with the help of a laser system.

 

“Cooking up a storm, TV chef Mark Gilchrist will demonstrate what can be done with venison, pigeon and duck and we thank FloGas for providing the cooking facilities and the Fieldsports Channel will be there to film the demonstration.

 

Des Crofton concluded: “And if that is not enough, there will be a raffle over the weekend for a limited edition NARGC/WEATHERBY Shotgun with two other guns as second and third prizes. There will also be a raffle for the children and a separate raffle for an original painting of a woodcock by wildlife artist David Prescott kindly donated by Fair Director Albert Titterington. The proceeds of this raffle will go towards sending a young man with learning difficulties to train as a taxidermist. We are looking forward to seeing and meeting as many of our club members as possible and of course everyone is welcome on our stand. Artist David Prescott will be displaying some other examples on his own stand.â€

 

FISSTA, the Federation of Irish Salmon & Sea Trout Anglers, undoubtedly Ireland ’s Premier Angling body will also have a major presence at Birr beside the Irish Countrysports and Country Life stand and anticipate a very busy time considering the huge numbers expected at Birr.

 

Chairman Mr. John Carroll said: "This annual event is the highlight of our country sports season. We look forward to meeting our angling fraternity to discuss the mid season salmon and sea trout runs and returns throughout the great rivers of Ireland.

“It is a very special time for FISSTA, and at Birr we will promote the important youth angling programmes which are run by over clubs on the island. The fly casting exhibition at the Fair will feature the flavour of this ,with demonstration finalists kicking off the events in the main arena on Saturday 28 August at 10 am.

 

“The Irish Game and County Fair at Birr Castle has enabled FISSTA to consolidate its angling base, by promoting our sport and all the angling issues throughout Ireland. Increasingly, our club members travel to what is now Ireland's premier country sports event that is unmatched in anglers’ country calendar. The Great Game Fairs of Ireland at Shanes Castle and Birr Castle, partnered with the premier sporting magazine Irish Country Sports and Country Life, features our quarterly newsletter and enables us to spread FISSTA’s angling message to a very broad country sports fraternity. We are most grateful for the opportunity to bring angling to a wider public and without doubt, the Irish Game & Country Fair at Birr is the most important ‘shop window’ for FISSTA, promoting our conservation and education message to a massive audience.â€

 

CAI’s Chief Executive Lyall Plant said: “Countryside Alliance Ireland is delighted once again to be exhibiting at Birr. Alongside us in our marquee will be the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, the Irish Deer Society and renowned Irish Stickmaker, Lindsay Carlisle. We will be delivering a positive message to the wider public and fellow country sports enthusiasts of the benefits that responsible deer and countryside management and conservation make to our rural way of life.

 

With the very future of country sports in Ireland being challenged, the threats to our activities has never been greater . Therefore, it is vital that we have the continued support of our members, friends and enthusiasts to assist us in defending rural activities for generations to come. A united front by all country sports organisations is also essential and Birr gives us an ideal opportunity to show that we are unified in defence of the rural the way of life we all so enjoy.â€

 

Great Game Fairs of Ireland Marketing Director, Albert Titterington welcomed the participation of these and many other sporting bodies and also the whole hearted support they have given to the fairs, north and south, in helping them become not only the premier Irish outdoor events of their kind but also in the development of an acclaimed international reputation.