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I THINK anybody who starts a thread on an open foram is inviting people to comment on their post

.Be it positive or negitive ......

 

If i wanted to thank somebody for something ,I would talk to them face to face or give them a buz

THATS JUST ME

yes your right but this topic as i said was about thanking the organisers NOT who organises the bigest show , !! which it has turned into ??? who care the comments made has nothing to with the i.w.t.f, again as i said start a new topic or leave it to pm's

atb sounder

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Have you any other suggestions for a young club (only a few short weeks) to potentially meet 30,000 people and get their name and cause known. If you do please let me know. Credit should be given wh

Ok i might of being a bit hard on neil . But being asked to pay 15 EURO into a game fair so you can pay 10 euro to the IWTF dosnt seem right Being asked to pay 15 EURO in to support a rise campaign

any help for the terrier cause is time well spent keep er lit lads

Were you at the Game Fair in Borris Albert or do you only attend shows that you have a financial interest in ? I attend Birr every year and always enjoy it but I also attend other shows that are equally as good! I am sick to death of you continually blowing your own trumpet and knocking other shows! By the way the lurcher and terrier show in Borris was far better attended with many more dogs than Birr this year ! All the best Garret

 

CH,

 

I am responsible for the promotion of our fairs although as a marketing led organisation we all contribute to the marketing effort wherever and whenever we can. We do not make exaggerated claims about our events we deliver on them - two of them this year at Shanes & Birr against a backdrop of appalling conditions. Did we lose control of our sites - no we did not because of a masssive effort by our team and our sheer professionalism - we plan for bad weather and hope for good not the other way round. . I am proud of our events and even prouder of the team that delivers them - not just me.

 

I was not at Borris as we were at the Lough's Agency Angling show promoting the Birr event to anglers with our 'Year of the Salmon & Trout theme'. Three of my colleagues went to Borris. Of course I/we go to many other shows and we exhibit at several events throughout the year and sponsor even more.. I didn't knock Borris just said it was smaller than Birr with a much smaller attendance - which is a fact and demonstrated by the photos and videos I have seen and the posts on facebook including by Mike Yardley who was demonstrating there !

 

However if you wish to really see 'Knocking copy' why not type game fair Borris into your browser and you will get this

'irishgamefair.com Borris

 

 

 

 

 

www.nationalcountryfair.ie/Cached - Similar

You +1'd this publicly. Undo

National Country Fair Borris House, Visit the Carlow game fair, Ireland's leading game fair, the National Country Fair at Borris House in Co. Carlow'

 

Now irishgamefair.com is not only our domain name for the Shanes Castle Fair but an established brand supported by a registered trademark - do you think this is professional friendly behaviour by another event organiser apparently wishing to 'steal' our identity and/or cause confusion? Secondly do you see the claim made when the event hadn't taken place yet except as not a great event at Ballinlough - of Borris being 'Ireland's leading game fair'.

 

We make no apology for factually rebutting such claims wherever and whenever possible - if you feel this is blowing our own trumpet so be it.

 

I don't know about the lurchers & terriers event at Borris as my colleagues didn't go to it as I understand this competition was held outside of the fair. But if it did get a good turnout well done to Ian who does work hard to run good events.

 

 

Albertj

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JimJIm,

 

Of course I/we use every opportunity to promote our events - as does every other organiser. That is what good marketing is all about - and that is why we deliver the two largest country sports events in Ireland year after year for over 34 years. Our team are all marketing/promotions focused and we all work hard to get the message out whenever and wherever we can. The sporting organisations recognise that we do a great job in promoting and defending country sports and that we provide a great platform for them to meet their members and make new ones and so do the animal rights people who would love to be able to organise public events of the size and status of our events. That is nothing that any self respecting country sports enthusiast should cringe about!

 

We do not claim we have the largest sports gatherings - certainly GAA matches can attract larger audiences - but we do organise the largest country sports gatherings in Ireland - FACT.

 

Of course lots of people run sporting events and I applaud each and every one of them because I know how hard it is to run events properly with increasing legislation, real economic hardship and dire weather.

 

we do not use the lurchers & terriers as an attraction but because we think they should be an integral part of the country sports community and should be treated as such. Are they a major public attraction - NO .

 

Look at the number of members of the public at Birr watching the gundogs and even the clay shooting compared to watching the terriers & lurchers and you will see how attractive they are to the general public. In fact some event organisers think they are actually offputting to the public and thats why they put them outside of the show. I can assure you in our research with the public terriers & lurchers as an attraction are very far down the list of why the public attend our events!

 

When we actually tot up what it costs to put on the terriers and lurchers in terms of share of ground rental, share of promotional costs , judges expenses and prizes - they actually contribute very little if anything to overall profits ( if any) bearing in mind we pay all of the expenses and the organising club take the entry fees.

 

Ask any event organiser this year including the Scottish fair, CLA Fair , Great Yorkshire Show etc how much they risk by organising a show and how much they can lose. Survival was the name of the game in 2012!

 

AND fact - we were the first to run major terrier and lurcher shows - in 1980 - and over the years and we will continue running them and promoting them as an integral part of country sports and our game fairs. AND we will continue to promote and advertise our events in the manner that we deem appropriate and the manner in which has won us several marketing and tourism awards.

 

Albertj

no albert you do not organise the largest gathering if irish sports people , you cannot in fairness say that , yes the events are large and on par with some, surely the tullamore show would be the largest in ireland , the killag and the tinahealy are on par or larger. stop twisting my words i said i cringe when you use the word largest when it clearly is not. yes albert you do a great job well done. but well done to the many other larger and as big as shows too like tullamore and tinahealy. as for the costs the game fairs in england and wales which i have attended charge £15 on the gate and every class you enter is free after that, you can enter as many dogs and as many class as you like for free. as for lurcher and terriers not being a public attraction i lost my voice explaining how my lurcher was crossed at borris show to the general public the dog was a real chick magnet so much so my friend wanted to lead him around for a while, may not be the biggest attraction but an attraction none the less.

 

JImJIm,

 

Tullamore and Tinahealy are not country sports shows they are country shows based primarily on agriculture. I did not say we run the largest sporting shows but the largest country sports ones. I don't think many would describe Tullamore or Tinahealy as either sporting or country sports event. I repeat the fact that we organise the largest country sports events in Ireland.

 

I don't know what game fairs you go to in England with free classes but as far as I am aware Scone, CLA and Midland cost more and do NOT have free classes except for pre qualified classes - which is similar to ourselves. As any one not pre entered or qualified at our show pay the same admission fee ( except for terriers & lurchers I offer a special pre paid two day ticket) what they do when they enter the fair is up to them - they can enter the clay pigeon shooting, the fly casting, archery, or the terriers & lurchers with the club organising the event taking all entry fees. It is your choice what you do when you come into the fair.

 

You mention Borris - I understand that you did not have to go into the fair to enter your dog in the terrier & lurcher event - was entry to the classes free? Did the prizes compare to Birr? If you went into the fair at Borris - was that free? So if you went to Borris entered your dog in some classes and then paid entry into the fair - was it really much different to going to Birr except Birr was much larger, had better prizes, ringside parking for terrier and lurcher inside the fair and a bit less mud!

 

I am pleased that there was so much public interest in your dog at borris - it shows that since we staged the first major terrier & lurcher show at Clandeboye in 1980 and other events every year for 34 years over 51 fairs people are more interested in terriers & lurchers BUT would they pay €15 specfically to come to see them - or that they be one of the reasons the public come to the show - I don't only think not - I know so because every person or family gets a questionnaire to fill in and T&L while of interest to you and me don't figure in the top 10 reasons for attending the show! However it is good that the public don't feel threatened by lurchers and terriers and are gradually getting an understanding of them and people like you walking them round fairs and discussing them does help create a good image. That's why I felt the IWTF at the fairs was both good for them, and good for the defence of working dogs.

 

I feel that it is very important to have terriers & lurchers at our events and to involve them in our PR, press conferences and promotions - really the only major show in Ireland to do so. Because it enables the public who attend our shows to see them in a neutral setting and in a lot of ways overcomes the negative images generated by our opponents.

 

Albertj

one larger event , clonmel is a large irish country sporting event. where the real master mcgrath used to run. albert the agricultural shows are large country sporting events too, look at the amount of classes, any competition is sport in my book, when they involve country persuit's they are both country and sporting. i didnt say borris was bigger or smaller but it was large and yes there was plenty of mud but us hunting people are used to it., i suppose we better stop our debate for fear of upsetting other people on here. finally i do enjoy the game fairs and any of the many irish country sporting events. yours in sport jimjim ps got the tux all set now , and thank you for your good wishes.

 

Jim Jim,

 

I see we are arguing how events are defined - you have your definition and I have mine. I do not think there is any point in arguing at cross purposes.

 

I hope you have a job to go with your graduation - as an ex university lecturer it saddens me to see how many young people of ability are having so much difficulty in the job market. You appear to have great persistence and that will help!

 

Anyway whether we run the largest country sports events in Ireland or are amongst some of the larger country events in Ireland we were delighted to facilitate the IWTF at our events. I wish the organisation great success in the future and as I have said stand ready to help them in any way we can.

 

I think that is something we can agree on.

 

Albertj

Edited by AlbertJ
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I think this forum is proof of how well the IWTF have done in the recent months,back in jan-feb time when stopend and the other lads got talking about it,there were a lot of naysayers and like here alot of silly arguments that had nothing to do with the actual fact that countrysports is changing fast and is under closer watch by the day and that there needed to be some type of group set as a voice hence the IWTF was born, it could of went like posts on here and decended into silly fallouts after a week as was forecast ,but under a serious threat these members have pulled together to the point where longrunning organizations are looking and thinking more serious about them by the day. debates are great on here sometimes but they all go the same way after a page or two,someone with very little to do insults someone else and the antis are back lauging on the floor. As most of you know i ran the digging final at birr and i have to say that albert and co were more help than they needed to be this is not defending him as hes well able to do that for himself but like the IWTF i have to thank him and do so on this forum.when i thought of the digging a lot said it would never take off that no one would enter,well they did and it has went well going from the side of the mountain in mourne to birr county offaly and already i have shows in england looking to enter next year so hopfully its here to stay just like i think the IWTF is also here now for the long haul.its time to stand up and be open about genuine terrierwork and promote it in the good light. so best of luck lads and have a good season ahead.

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JimJIm,

 

Of course I/we use every opportunity to promote our events - as does every other organiser. That is what good marketing is all about - and that is why we deliver the two largest country sports events in Ireland year after year for over 34 years. Our team are all marketing/promotions focused and we all work hard to get the message out whenever and wherever we can. The sporting organisations recognise that we do a great job in promoting and defending country sports and that we provide a great platform for them to meet their members and make new ones and so do the animal rights people who would love to be able to organise public events of the size and status of our events. That is nothing that any self respecting country sports enthusiast should cringe about!

 

We do not claim we have the largest sports gatherings - certainly GAA matches can attract larger audiences - but we do organise the largest country sports gatherings in Ireland - FACT.

 

Of course lots of people run sporting events and I applaud each and every one of them because I know how hard it is to run events properly with increasing legislation, real economic hardship and dire weather.

 

we do not use the lurchers & terriers as an attraction but because we think they should be an integral part of the country sports community and should be treated as such. Are they a major public attraction - NO .

 

Look at the number of members of the public at Birr watching the gundogs and even the clay shooting compared to watching the terriers & lurchers and you will see how attractive they are to the general public. In fact some event organisers think they are actually offputting to the public and thats why they put them outside of the show. I can assure you in our research with the public terriers & lurchers as an attraction are very far down the list of why the public attend our events!

 

When we actually tot up what it costs to put on the terriers and lurchers in terms of share of ground rental, share of promotional costs , judges expenses and prizes - they actually contribute very little if anything to overall profits ( if any) bearing in mind we pay all of the expenses and the organising club take the entry fees.

 

Ask any event organiser this year including the Scottish fair, CLA Fair , Great Yorkshire Show etc how much they risk by organising a show and how much they can lose. Survival was the name of the game in 2012!

 

AND fact - we were the first to run major terrier and lurcher shows - in 1980 - and over the years and we will continue running them and promoting them as an integral part of country sports and our game fairs. AND we will continue to promote and advertise our events in the manner that we deem appropriate and the manner in which has won us several marketing and tourism awards.

 

Albertj

no albert you do not organise the largest gathering if irish sports people , you cannot in fairness say that , yes the events are large and on par with some, surely the tullamore show would be the largest in ireland , the killag and the tinahealy are on par or larger. stop twisting my words i said i cringe when you use the word largest when it clearly is not. yes albert you do a great job well done. but well done to the many other larger and as big as shows too like tullamore and tinahealy. as for the costs the game fairs in england and wales which i have attended charge £15 on the gate and every class you enter is free after that, you can enter as many dogs and as many class as you like for free. as for lurcher and terriers not being a public attraction i lost my voice explaining how my lurcher was crossed at borris show to the general public the dog was a real chick magnet so much so my friend wanted to lead him around for a while, may not be the biggest attraction but an attraction none the less.

 

JImJIm,

 

Tullamore and Tinahealy are not country sports shows they are country shows based primarily on agriculture. I did not say we run the largest sporting shows but the largest country sports ones. I don't think many would describe Tullamore or Tinahealy as either sporting or country sports event. I repeat the fact that we organise the largest country sports events in Ireland.

 

I don't know what game fairs you go to in England with free classes but as far as I am aware Scone, CLA and Midland cost more and do NOT have free classes except for pre qualified classes - which is similar to ourselves. As any one not pre entered or qualified at our show pay the same admission fee ( except for terriers & lurchers I offer a special pre paid two day ticket) what they do when they enter the fair is up to them - they can enter the clay pigeon shooting, the fly casting, archery, or the terriers & lurchers with the club organising the event taking all entry fees. It is your choice what you do when you come into the fair.

 

You mention Borris - I understand that you did not have to go into the fair to enter your dog in the terrier & lurcher event - was entry to the classes free? Did the prizes compare to Birr? If you went into the fair at Borris - was that free? So if you went to Borris entered your dog in some classes and then paid entry into the fair - was it really much different to going to Birr except Birr was much larger, had better prizes, ringside parking for terrier and lurcher inside the fair and a bit less mud!

 

I am pleased that there was so much public interest in your dog at borris - it shows that since we staged the first major terrier & lurcher show at Clandeboye in 1980 and other events every year for 34 years over 51 fairs people are more interested in terriers & lurchers BUT would they pay €15 specfically to come to see them - or that they be one of the reasons the public come to the show - I don't only think not - I know so because every person or family gets a questionnaire to fill in and T&L while of interest to you and me don't figure in the top 10 reasons for attending the show! However it is good that the public don't feel threatened by lurchers and terriers and are gradually getting an understanding of them and people like you walking them round fairs and discussing them does help create a good image. That's why I felt the IWTF at the fairs was both good for them, and good for the defence of working dogs.

 

I feel that it is very important to have terriers & lurchers at our events and to involve them in our PR, press conferences and promotions - really the only major show in Ireland to do so. Because it enables the public who attend our shows to see them in a neutral setting and in a lot of ways overcomes the negative images generated by our opponents.

 

Albertj

one larger event , clonmel is a large irish country sporting event. where the real master mcgrath used to run. albert the agricultural shows are large country sporting events too, look at the amount of classes, any competition is sport in my book, when they involve country persuit's they are both country and sporting. i didnt say borris was bigger or smaller but it was large and yes there was plenty of mud but us hunting people are used to it., i suppose we better stop our debate for fear of upsetting other people on here. finally i do enjoy the game fairs and any of the many irish country sporting events. yours in sport jimjim ps got the tux all set now , and thank you for your good wishes.

 

Jim Jim,

 

I see we are arguing how events are defined - you have your definition and I have mine. I do not think there is any point in arguing at cross purposes.

 

I hope you have a job to go with your graduation - as an ex university lecturer it saddens me to see how many young people of ability are having so much difficulty in the job market. You appear to have great persistence and that will help!

 

Anyway whether we run the largest country sports events in Ireland or are amongst some of the larger country events in Ireland we were delighted to facilitate the IWTF at our events. I wish the organisation great success in the future and as I have said stand ready to help them in any way we can.

 

I think that is something we can agree on.

 

Albertj

have to agree with you there (did i just say i agree with you wow). YES i'm persistent and some would say even stubborn, i get it from my mother.. i have started in agricultural collage, jobs are almost non existent, i do join with you in wishing the i.w.t.f. luck and success in the future and you too albert with the game fairs. yours jimjim
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JimJIm,

 

Of course I/we use every opportunity to promote our events - as does every other organiser. That is what good marketing is all about - and that is why we deliver the two largest country sports events in Ireland year after year for over 34 years. Our team are all marketing/promotions focused and we all work hard to get the message out whenever and wherever we can. The sporting organisations recognise that we do a great job in promoting and defending country sports and that we provide a great platform for them to meet their members and make new ones and so do the animal rights people who would love to be able to organise public events of the size and status of our events. That is nothing that any self respecting country sports enthusiast should cringe about!

 

We do not claim we have the largest sports gatherings - certainly GAA matches can attract larger audiences - but we do organise the largest country sports gatherings in Ireland - FACT.

 

Of course lots of people run sporting events and I applaud each and every one of them because I know how hard it is to run events properly with increasing legislation, real economic hardship and dire weather.

 

we do not use the lurchers & terriers as an attraction but because we think they should be an integral part of the country sports community and should be treated as such. Are they a major public attraction - NO .

 

Look at the number of members of the public at Birr watching the gundogs and even the clay shooting compared to watching the terriers & lurchers and you will see how attractive they are to the general public. In fact some event organisers think they are actually offputting to the public and thats why they put them outside of the show. I can assure you in our research with the public terriers & lurchers as an attraction are very far down the list of why the public attend our events!

 

When we actually tot up what it costs to put on the terriers and lurchers in terms of share of ground rental, share of promotional costs , judges expenses and prizes - they actually contribute very little if anything to overall profits ( if any) bearing in mind we pay all of the expenses and the organising club take the entry fees.

 

Ask any event organiser this year including the Scottish fair, CLA Fair , Great Yorkshire Show etc how much they risk by organising a show and how much they can lose. Survival was the name of the game in 2012!

 

AND fact - we were the first to run major terrier and lurcher shows - in 1980 - and over the years and we will continue running them and promoting them as an integral part of country sports and our game fairs. AND we will continue to promote and advertise our events in the manner that we deem appropriate and the manner in which has won us several marketing and tourism awards.

 

Albertj

no albert you do not organise the largest gathering if irish sports people , you cannot in fairness say that , yes the events are large and on par with some, surely the tullamore show would be the largest in ireland , the killag and the tinahealy are on par or larger. stop twisting my words i said i cringe when you use the word largest when it clearly is not. yes albert you do a great job well done. but well done to the many other larger and as big as shows too like tullamore and tinahealy. as for the costs the game fairs in england and wales which i have attended charge £15 on the gate and every class you enter is free after that, you can enter as many dogs and as many class as you like for free. as for lurcher and terriers not being a public attraction i lost my voice explaining how my lurcher was crossed at borris show to the general public the dog was a real chick magnet so much so my friend wanted to lead him around for a while, may not be the biggest attraction but an attraction none the less.

 

JImJIm,

 

Tullamore and Tinahealy are not country sports shows they are country shows based primarily on agriculture. I did not say we run the largest sporting shows but the largest country sports ones. I don't think many would describe Tullamore or Tinahealy as either sporting or country sports event. I repeat the fact that we organise the largest country sports events in Ireland.

 

I don't know what game fairs you go to in England with free classes but as far as I am aware Scone, CLA and Midland cost more and do NOT have free classes except for pre qualified classes - which is similar to ourselves. As any one not pre entered or qualified at our show pay the same admission fee ( except for terriers & lurchers I offer a special pre paid two day ticket) what they do when they enter the fair is up to them - they can enter the clay pigeon shooting, the fly casting, archery, or the terriers & lurchers with the club organising the event taking all entry fees. It is your choice what you do when you come into the fair.

 

You mention Borris - I understand that you did not have to go into the fair to enter your dog in the terrier & lurcher event - was entry to the classes free? Did the prizes compare to Birr? If you went into the fair at Borris - was that free? So if you went to Borris entered your dog in some classes and then paid entry into the fair - was it really much different to going to Birr except Birr was much larger, had better prizes, ringside parking for terrier and lurcher inside the fair and a bit less mud!

 

I am pleased that there was so much public interest in your dog at borris - it shows that since we staged the first major terrier & lurcher show at Clandeboye in 1980 and other events every year for 34 years over 51 fairs people are more interested in terriers & lurchers BUT would they pay €15 specfically to come to see them - or that they be one of the reasons the public come to the show - I don't only think not - I know so because every person or family gets a questionnaire to fill in and T&L while of interest to you and me don't figure in the top 10 reasons for attending the show! However it is good that the public don't feel threatened by lurchers and terriers and are gradually getting an understanding of them and people like you walking them round fairs and discussing them does help create a good image. That's why I felt the IWTF at the fairs was both good for them, and good for the defence of working dogs.

 

I feel that it is very important to have terriers & lurchers at our events and to involve them in our PR, press conferences and promotions - really the only major show in Ireland to do so. Because it enables the public who attend our shows to see them in a neutral setting and in a lot of ways overcomes the negative images generated by our opponents.

 

Albertj

one larger event , clonmel is a large irish country sporting event. where the real master mcgrath used to run. albert the agricultural shows are large country sporting events too, look at the amount of classes, any competition is sport in my book, when they involve country persuit's they are both country and sporting. i didnt say borris was bigger or smaller but it was large and yes there was plenty of mud but us hunting people are used to it., i suppose we better stop our debate for fear of upsetting other people on here. finally i do enjoy the game fairs and any of the many irish country sporting events. yours in sport jimjim ps got the tux all set now , and thank you for your good wishes.

 

Jim Jim,

 

I see we are arguing how events are defined - you have your definition and I have mine. I do not think there is any point in arguing at cross purposes.

 

I hope you have a job to go with your graduation - as an ex university lecturer it saddens me to see how many young people of ability are having so much difficulty in the job market. You appear to have great persistence and that will help!

 

Anyway whether we run the largest country sports events in Ireland or are amongst some of the larger country events in Ireland we were delighted to facilitate the IWTF at our events. I wish the organisation great success in the future and as I have said stand ready to help them in any way we can.

 

I think that is something we can agree on.

 

Albertj

have to agree with you there (did i just say i agree with you wow). YES i'm persistent and some would say even stubborn, i get it from my mother.. i have started in agricultural collage, jobs are almost non existent, i do join with you in wishing the i.w.t.f. luck and success in the future and you too albert with the game fairs. yours jimjim

 

JImJim,

 

Best of luck with your course - good choice agrifood sector one of the few buoyant areas in Ni at present . Don't let that babe magnet of a dog lead you astray.

 

Albertj

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  • 2 weeks later...

tell you one thing junt hunt, you alone has caused untold damage within the IWTF, I would have granted you a wee bit of credit had you had the balls to put you name behind your claims.

 

But sure thats how yellow b*****ds work. Some friend you are :hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:

how could anyone trust a RAT like just hunt :yes: Edited by danny300
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      It has been said Carlow is one of the oldest counties in Ireland. Within this beautiful County traditionally rural and near the M9 motorway lies the village of Ballinabrannagh. This was the venue for The Mc Grath Racing Club Dog Show and Race Day Sunday 31stTH August 25.
      As it was 5 Nations day,Ballinabrannagh was buzzing with excitement. It was here in the late summer weather sporting enthusiasts from north and south of the border came to view the challenges of the sporting elite, and to partake in the Country sports events listed on the day.
      As we approached the venue, it was very evident the popularity of this now annual show and the footfall far bigger than last year, all parking places were  filling up fast. On entering the field, I met so many patrons who I would have met at the Great Game Fairs of Ireland  in Shanes Castle. At this point  the memories came flooding back and what happy memories they were, probably never to return. The weather was very windy all day with some heavy showers in between.  
      The show rings were well spaced out and the racetrack was in immaculate condition despite the heavy rain during the week.  
      The entire McGrath family was out in strength on Sunday. I would guess all 15 children of the household and all helping out in every way they could.
      It was nice to see all our little boys and girls in the childrens handling class showing off their faithful Canine breeds. We must not forget that these little people are our Country Sportsmen and women and show organisers of to morrow. 
      Ged Donagh paid a lovely tribute to  5 young sports girls and boys that have attended and showed their dogs at our shows in the summer months in 2025 and previous. These 5 young people  are now our  Young Sports Personalities of the year. They are Clodagh Gentle/Ian McGrath /Ivy Roche/Charlie Mc Caughey and TJ Duggan. Each young person in the group received a nice trophy sponsored by Ged himself for all their hard work in the ring. Ged does this now annually.What a lovely thought and accolade to these Young Sports People. 
      Next on the schedule was the Ross Rice racing cup in memory of Ross who passed away after an accident a few years ago. It was lovely to see all Rosses mates there to support and honour and keep the memory of their treasured friend alive. There were cheers all around the field when Jaimie O Connors winning dog romped home to victory for the 2nd time around. He was last years winner also. Many thanks to Ged Donagh for keeping this young mans memory alive through this race and sponsoring this event.
      Time passes so quickly, very soon it was Race and Show time. 
      Racing Results, Curtesy of Biddy Mc Grath
      Master McGrath Final 
      Winner
      Adam McGrath with Johnny 
      Reserve 
      Joyce Scott with Guss 
      Mick the Miller Final
      Ged Donagh with Tess
      Reserve 
      Ned Kane with Gunner 
      All Ireland Racing 
      Whippet
      James Mullen with Junior 
      James Mullen with Toby
      KC Whippet 
      Susan with Miss Money Penny 
      Fred Gentle with Snake 
      Under 21s 
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Bill
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Ollie 
      Under 22s 
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Venus 
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Ruby
      Under 23's Traditional Lurcher 
      Ricky with Lady 
      MJ with Ruby
      Under 23 elite 
      Vanessa Lynn with Arthur 
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Lady 
      Under 24 smooth 
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Jack
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Fletcher 
      Under 24 Hairy 
      Rebecca Saunderson with Susan 
      Bull Cross Heavy 
      Joyce Scott with Mabel
      Glen with Nova 
      Bull Cross Light 
      Yapper Hayes with Lady 
      Like with Myla 
      Greyhound 
      Barry Holland with Hot Hunter 
      Stephanie O Connor with Holly 
      Ross Rice Cup
      Jamie O Connor with Penny 
      Puppy 
      Ricky with Big Girl 
      Kirsty Smyth with Sika 
      Over Hairy 
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Sugar 
      Ged Donagh with Shea
      Fastest Young Slipper
      John Reilly
      5 Nations Showing Results
      5 Nations Champion Whippets
      Fred Gentle with Susie
      Reserve 
      Sophie Leonard with Junior
      5 Nations Champion Lurcher
      Lynzi Gardiner Magill  with Sugar
      Reserve
      Ged Donagh with Shea
      5 Nations Champion Terrier
      Rocco Cairns with Paddy
      Reserve
      Paddy Gilmore with Hanns
      ALL IRELAND SHOWING 
      ALL Ireland Champion Lurcher
      Jed Donagh with Stig
      Reserve
      Lisa Beggs with Rossa
      ALL Ireland Champion Whippet
      Sophie Leonard with Junior
      Reserve 
      Clodagh Gentle with Nala
      ALL Ireland Champion Terrier
      David O Brien with Grip
      ALL Ireland Champion Strong Dog
      Johnny with Winnie
      Reserve
      Ged Donagh with Brock
      Overall All Ireland Champion and Best in Show
      David O Brien with Grip
      Reserve
      Sophie Leonard with Junior
      Overall All Ireland Champion Puppy
      Harry Roche with Reba
      Reserve
      Joyce Scott with Ernie
      Finally, On Behalf of the Mc Grath Racing Club many thanks to the brilliant Judges on the day 
      Child Handling : Karla Wilson
      **All Ireland Showing Judges **
      *Whippets: 
      Karla Wilson
      *Lurchers :  
      Paddy Gibson
      *Terriers    : 
      Niall O Cloghan
      *Strong Dogs : 
      Franky Corrigan  
      **5 Nations Judges
      *Whippets : 
      Margaret Mc Stay
      Chontelle McMeekin
      *Lurchers:
      Maurice McDowell
      Paddy McGrath
      *Terriers
      Marty Black
      Jack McGrath
      Your judging skills were honest, efficient and impeccable, and many thanks for that. 
      And Finally, Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the Mc Grath Family for another brilliant show and race day on Sunday. The saying is that behind every good man is a good woman and Biddy Mc Grath you definately fit that picture. Biddy, we would have been lost without you. Along with Michael and Jack, you put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes to make this day most enjoyable for everyone. 
      Your whole family was so welcoming, and made us all feel at ease in your native Co Carlow. Thank you so much for the lovely presentation to us on Sunday, it was so unexpected and very much appreciated.
      As the end of the day was approaching, it was time to say good bye to Balinabrannagh for another year and be on the road again to Co Armagh and the place we call home. 
      Many thanks Mc Grath Racing Club for the memories, and God willing, we will all be back again in 2026 for another great window in Country Sports.
      To we meet again God Bless.
       
      Margaret Mc Stay
       
       
    • By appleblossom
      THE GLENSHANE WORKING DOG CHARITY SHOW AND RACEDAY SUNDAY 24th AUGUST 25 ( In Aid of The Fort Centre RDA Maghera )
      Maghera is a small town at the foot of the Glenshane Pass and lends itself to some of the North coasts most beautiful panoramic views. Situated 2 miles outside Maghera is Tobermore Golf Club. This was the venue for The Glenshane Charity Working Dog Show and Raceday Sunday 24th August 25. And what a day and venue that was.  
      Safe to say this was one of the best venues I have been to this year.  The grass was immaculately cut, rings well spaced out and a well groomed race course.
      As this show was run for a very special charity, the gods were on our side as the sun shone in abundance all day. As the morning progressed into noon, cars and trailers with dogs in tow filled the field to capacity. The craic and the banter was in full swing amongst the huntsmen and women on the day. Our good Canine folk had only one thing in mind. Out for a great Sporting day  in Glenshane before the work in the field begins.
      The wee people were there enjoying the day in the play trailer, bouncing around to their hearts delight. Some very tired children on Sunday night. Paul Boyd was there with his Country Sports stand, as was the hot food, tea and coffee van.
      Time passes so quickly and very soon it was show time.
       Here are the Showing Results
      Showing Results
      *OVERALL CHAMPION PUP
      JESSICA - LEE CORRIGAN WITH BEAR
      RESERVE
      CHARLIE Mc CAUGHEY WITH 
      DIXIE
      *OVERALL CHAMPION PAIRS
      JOHN WILLIAMS WITH LIGHTENING AND SASS
      RESERVE
      CLODAGH GENTLE WITH SNAKE AND SUSIE
      *OVERALL CHAMPION LURCHER
      SHANE BURNS WITH BUSTER
      RESERVE
      MORGAN McNULTY WITH CLYDE
      *OVERALL CHAMPION WHIPPET
      SUSAN McCANN WITH MISS MONEYPENNY
      RESERVE
      JAMES MULLEN WITH MAX
      *OVERALL CHAMPION TERRIER
      ROCCO CAIRNS WITH PADDY
      RESERVE
      GED DONAGH WITH THUG
      *OVERALL CHAMPION STRONG DOG
      LASZLO PUSZTAI WITH BLACK DIAMOND
      ***OVERALL CHAMPION AND BEST IN SHOW***
      LASZLO PUSZTAI WITH BLACK DIAMOND
      RESERVE
      ROCCO CAIRNS WITH PADDY
      Racing Results
      Terriers
      Jack with Millie
      Big Dogs
      1/ Jack Townsend with Zara
      2/ John Williams with Lightening
      Mick The Millar /Jimmy Scott Memorial Cup
      1/ Ged Donagh with Tess
      2/ Harry Roche with Ria
      Under 21s
      1/ Rose McCoy with Arlo
      2/ Joyce Scott with Nettle
      Under 22s
      1/ Rose McCoy with Texas
      2/ Rose McCoy with Guicci
      Under 23s Elite
      1/ Vanessa Lynn with Arthur
      2/ Jack with Missy
      Under 24s Smooth
      1/ Rose McCoy with Prada
      Under 24s Hairy
      1/ Harry Roche with Zola
      Heavy Bull Cross 
      1/ Charlene Rafferty with Jester
      2/ Barry Holland with Sally
      Light Bull Cross 
      1/ John Williams with Sass 
      2/ Nevaeh Marly
      Big Pups
      1/ Kirsty Smyth with Sika
      2/ Katelyn Mc Kenzie with Zeus
      Small Pups
      1/ Clodagh Gentle with Dash
      Whippets
      1/ James Mullen with Toby
      2/ James Mullen with Junior
      Greyhounds
      1/ Billy Harpur with Tilly
      2/ Barry Holland with Hot Hunter
      Congratulations to all above winners
      And Finally, may I take this opportunity on behalf of the Glenshane team to thank the judges on the day.
      Childrens Handling Class and Pets :
      Chloe Taggart
      Lurchers : Daithi O Faolain
      Whippets : Patsy McCoy
      Terriers: Philip Mackin
      Strong Dogs : Mark Mc Callion
      The Racing was run and organised by the McGrath Lurcher Racing Club.  Teamwork is the success of this club and as usual everything went like clockwork. Michael/Jack and Biddy your efficiency and dedication as usual is beyond reproach and thank you for that.
      And Finally, Finally on this occasion it is very hard to put into words what the show organisers Joanne and Paul Owens have come through over these last 11 years and it still continues today.  
      Cathan, their son was born with a rare liver disease called Biliary Atresia and was only diagnosed when he was 6 weeks old and had surgery at 6.5 weeks At the age of 7 years Cathan received his gift of life from Birmingham Childrens hospital, with a liver transplant and is 4 years post liver transplant on 23rd August.
      It would take a tear from a stone listing to these parents briefly telling me the heartache and trauma they came through to try to keep Cathan alive and to get him to where he is to day. 
      All proceeds from this charity dog show will go to Fort Centre RDA Maghera. This show is also a celebration of Cathans life and how far and the progress he has made in his young life so far.   
      Joanne/Paul/Cliona/Tiarna/Sharon/Nicola and your back up team, your show was well organised and a credit to all good sporting shows and a great window for our Country Sports. It was evident on the day a lot of hard work went on behind the scenes to make this show so enjoyable for everybody. This show is now an annual event and for a very special reason close to Paul and Joannes heart.
      ** Just a wee foot note. As many of you know Cathan had a we set back on Sunday at the show resulting in him being hospitalised. The good news is he is out of hospital and making good  progress and will be back to full health and of to school very soon.** 
      Glenshane Team, Thank you for Sunday. To we meet again take care and God Bless
      Margaret Mc Stay
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
    • By appleblossom
      CURTESY OF THE McGRATH RACING CLUB
      THE 5 NATIONS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS /ALL IRELAND RACING AND SHOWING/MICK THE MILLAR AND MASTER Mc GRATH
      REPRESENTING THE GREAT GAME FAIRS  OF IRELAND
      THIS SUNDAY 31st AUGUST 2025
      HI FOLKS, 
      JUST A FEW DAYS TO GO TO OUR BIG DOG SHOW AND RACEDAY IN CARLOW FOR THE 5NATIONS /ALL IRELAND RACING AND SHOWING/MICK THE MILLAR AND MASTER McGRATH
      FOR YOUR SAT NAVS:
      Ballinabranagh
      Carlow
      Co Carlow
      R93 K573
      HERE IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
      Gates Open 9.00am
      1/ Entries for racing will be taken at    10.00am
      2/ Mick the Millar and Master McGrath will follow after entries taken
      3/ 5 Nations will be next on the schedule
      4/ All Ireland showing
      5/ All Ireland Racing will commence after showing finishes.
      ****The Mc Grath Lurcher Racing Club is really looking forward to seeing you all there ***
       
       
       
       
       
    • By appleblossom
      The Tally Ho Working Dog Show Saturday 16th August 2025
      As I looked out the window early Saturday morning the sun was just breaking through the trees, with a small welcoming breeze filtering over the dog pens. Barking out at us was the usual Whippet chorus signalling the day had arrived for the Tally Ho Working Dog Show and Raceday at Nutts Corner. And what a show that was.
      I firmly believe nature plays a big part in telling our faithful Canine friends the end of the showing season is on the horizon, and their weekly excursions to the show ring and race track is coming to an end. 
      We arrived in the field around 10.00am and were greeted by the show organiser Peter Morgan who had reserved a parking place for us right beside the whippet ring. What a thoughtful man with a heart full of kindness.
      By noon time the field was filling up with dogs and families all out for a good days racing and showing. The venue was superb, with rings were well spaced out and the racetrack in immaculate condition, and all put up and hammered in by Peter Morgan himself. Four toilets were well situated around the site and plenty of ringside parking was provided. 
      Paul Boyd as was Marty Black there with all the hunting gear,collars etc you could wish for the coming season.A great variety for our Country Sports fraternity. A burger van was in full swing with some delicious burgers and chips and was not long to the smell of good hot food was wafting its appetizing smells all over the place.
      I can honestly say it was a childrens paradise at the Tally Ho Show on Saturday. The laughter and enjoyment coming from the bouncy castle was unreal. When it came to the childrens handling class, there were 43 children in the ring. The winners got a beautiful trophy and rosette and each child in the ring got a medal and a big bag of goodies.
      Very soon it was Raffle time and boy was there some variety of prizes on that table. I never have seen such an array of prizes in a raffle at any show this year.  The raffle generated so much excitement and fun around the field as it progressed. Many happy punters went home with some lovely prizes.
      Time waits for no one and very soon it was Racing and Showing time. Here are the Results.
      Racing Results
      Lurcher Pup
      Aiden Dunne with Lass
      Whippet Pup 
      Clodagh Gentle with Dash
      Whippet Dog 
      James Mullen with Junior
      Whippet Bitch 
      Clodagh Gentle with Suzie
      Under 21 
      Bridget Carthy with Speedy
      Under 23 
      Kirby – Jane Mc Kibben with Sheeba
      Under 24 
      Colin Tucker with Fletcher
      Over 24 
      Jake Parke with Storm
      Hairy Under 24 
      Jed Donagh with Tess
      Hairy Over 24 (Mick the Miller) 
      Jed Donagh with Tess 
      Bull X Heavy 
      Joyce Scott with Mabel
      Bull X Light 
      Joyce Scott with Axle
      Terrier 
      Jed Donagh with Spike
      SHOWING RESULTS 
      PETS
      OVERALL CHAMPION PET
      CLODAGH GENTLE WITH DASH   
      RESERVE :
      NIALL O CLOGHAN JNR WITH BRIA
      PUPS
      OVERALL CHAMPION PUP
      CHARLIE McCAUGHEY WITH DIXIE
      RESERVE
      CLODAGH GENTLE WITH DASH
      LURCHERS
      OVERALL CHAMPION LURCHER
       TJ DUGGAN WITH FRANK
      RESERVE
      LEIGH THOMPSON WITH SCOOBY DOO
      TERRIERS
      OVERALL CHAMPION TERRIER
      PADDY GILMORE WITH HANNS
      RESERVE
      NIALL O CLOGHAN BUDDY
      WHIPPETS
      OVERALL CHAMPION WHIPPET
      SUSAN McCANN WITH PENNY
      RESERVE
      SOPHIE LEONARD WITH JUNIOR
      STRONG DOGS
      WORKING STRONG DOGS
      GED DONAGH WITH BROCK
      RESERVE
      LASZLO PUSZTAI WITH DIAMOND
      BULLIES
      OVERALL CHAMPION BULLIE
      PAULA BEGGS WITH PACO
      RESERVE
      GAIL ROSS WITH BERT
      PAIRS
      OVERALL CHAMPION PAIRS
      FRED GENTLE WITH SNAKE AND SUSIE
      RESERVE
      AIDY TOAL WITH THUNDER AND SCAR
      ***OVERALL CHAMPION AND BEST IN SHOW***
      GED DONAGH WITH BROCK
      RESERVE
      PAULA BEGGS WITH PACO
      ***TALLY HO NORTHERN  IRELAND CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS***
      SUSAN McCANN WITH PENNY
      Congratulations to all above winners
      And Finally, may I take this opportunity on behalf of the Tally Ho Working Dog Show to thank the judges on the day for a job well done.
      Childrens Handling Class  
      Margaret Mc Stay
      Ladies and Gents Handling Class
      Margaret Mc Stay
      Pets
      Michelle Darby
      Whippets 
      James Mullen
      Lurchers 
      Jonathan Kirwan
      Terriers  
      Sam Kirwan
      Strong Dogs
      Chontelle Mc Meekin 
      Bullies
      Carla Mc Donnell
      Tally Ho Northern Ireland Champions of Champions
      Peter Morgan
      Judging is not an easy job, but the judges were all consistent and fair  
      A Big thank you to the Racing team Matt Lee/Joanna Relf Lee and Matthew Lee for running the racing on the day so efficiently. Your experience and input is invaluable and of this we are extremely grateful. 
      There were 3 very willing young people helping Peter out on Saturday. Conor Creagh/Callum Jones and Kerry Ann Hughes you all done a great job and everything ran like clockwork. 
      As usual it was evident a lot of hard work and sleepless nights was put into organising this top show and all Peters shows in the past to make them so successful, and all along the way Peter has done this single handed.
      And Finally, Finally it is with a heavy heart I am writing this and hoping it will not come to fruition.  Peter has said to me this is the last show he will run. But  with hope in my heart I am hoping he might change his mind. 
      Peter you have given 20K plus to charity over the years, encouraged our young country men and women to carry on the tradition in the ring and in the field, and given Country Sports a great window through your shows over the years. I have known you now through country sports for over 20-25 years and probably longer, and all through that time you have never faltered away from the Canine world. 
      The prizes, the cups, the childrens handling class and bouncy castles at your shows are second to none. The time and money you put into your shows for our enjoyment is a credit to you.
      I will conclude for now Peter hoping at some time down the road, maybe you will change your mind and have another show in 2026. It was nice to be your friend through the ups and downs in the Country Sports world. 
      God Bless to we meet again.
       Margaret Mc Stay
       

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