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Shanes Castle Raceday Yesterday Saturday 29Th June 13


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Lee...

 

The Game Fairs in Ireland, or I should say Albert, has probably done more to promote field sports and working dogs than some of the bodies that people subscribe to, to do just that...

 

You will go a long, long way before you find anyone here who has done as much for field sports as he has, and you will go a longer way before you find any other organisation who organise similar events that puts back as much as The Irish Game Fair does.

 

Albert gets a lot of respect from everyone in Ireland involved in field sports and terriers and Lurchers, because its deserved. You wont meet a more honest and genuine fellow, who talks straight and tells it like it is, and there isn't many people who do that anymore.

 

Where else do people get a platform to show the true side of working dogs, shooting, hunting and fishing to the public without the usual slant put on it by the media...

 

And from what I know of things he has put up with over the years from the anti hunting lobby amongst other things...Anyone else in his position would have "pulled the pin" years ago....

everybody has different opinions your making out your speaking on behalf of terrier n lurcher men clearly your not.

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where does the gate money go ?

 

Estate Rental, Insurance, advertising, marquees, electrics, toilets, stewards, first aid, directional signs, printing costs, sponsoring FREE stands for the sporting organisations; barriers, arena performers, showers, ground preparation AND THE BEST PRIZES IN IRELAND FOR TERRIERS< LURCHERS and WHIPPETS; CLAY SHOOTING ; GUNDOGS & ANGLING; and sponsorship of sporting organisations; shows, gundog tests and trials, fishing competitions etc throughout the year. OVER THE THIRTY FIVE YEARS OF THE FAIR WE HAVE BEEN THE LARGEST SPONSOR OF COUNTRYSPORTS ACTIVITIES IN IRELAND.

 

And if there is anything over after that - towards a contingency fund against getting really bad weather.

 

So that is covered by the gate money? Where does the stall holders money go then? Because they pay a lot to have their wares for sale at your shows

Y.I.S Leeview

 

 

I had said you and I should correspond personally rather than openly because I don't know what I have done to you but I have never seen anything from you about our events, which you don't attend, other than criticism. I was asked a question about gate money and I answered it in terms of all of our costs. Exhibitors do NOT pay a lot to exhibit and we often swop stands for sponsorship for prizes and we try to give smaller companies starting up a helping hand. To put things into perspective the Garden Show up the road, with similar crowds, charges roughly twice as much to exhibit. Obviously exhibitors fees like the rest of the revenue from the show goes into the cost structure above. If you are sufficently interested in the cost structure of our fairs and wish to offer constrtuctive criticism or even informed comment do pop along to them and I'll show you rather than you sitting sniping from 'across the pond'. For now I'll make you a sporting challenge - name one major fair that puts more of the revenue raised back into sponsorship of the prizes at their event and into other sporting organisations and their events than we do and I will donate £100 to a charity of your choice. As i have said before I have never needed the fairs for my livelihood and have always worked outside of them to provide for my family. That is why in 35 years everyone has got paid whether we had profit making or loss making fairs and why we can and do put money back. I run fairs because so many clubs rely on them for revenue, our exhibitors many of whom have become friends and not cutomers need them - one Uk exhibitor to my embarrasment hugged me on Sunday night and said we had saved him again as we did last year' and I have met and continue to meet great people. If you do not recognise that we are a bulwark against the antis they certainly do because within Ireland no one has had the same amount of attention from them over the years including personal and family campaigns of harassment, death threats from four masked guys with crossbows published in the paper, harassment of our sponsors and exhibitors, personal assault by over a dozen - fortunately 'old hickory' was a great equaliser, assaults on our house and cars etc. I don't expect or want praise for what I do - as I said at our press conference I genuinely get much more pleasure and prefer to give awards than receive them - I fully expect attacks from the antis but I do think the fair concept that I and my colleagues put on could and should expect support from those who are supposed to be 'friends of country sports'. You have an invitation to come to one of our fairs and to see if we can sort out your personal animosity 'man to man' or take up the challenge above. YIS AlbertJ

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why does it matter where the gate money goes lol its not an advertised charity event it a very large expensive to run gamefair. that you can go to if you like if you dont like then do something else. it costs a hell of a lot to run a small show in a field and without the likes of albert and the gamefairs sponsership i and alot of others couldnt give out what we do. had a great weekend at the fair. the wee girl won the main arena obedience competition with the whippet.better for me than any show cup i ever won. so thanks albert j and keep up the good work.

 

Delighted to hear your daughter won the obedience competition and with a WHIPPET! Pity she didn't go into the smaller arena and show what can be done. I understand the two guys who did turn up to do some good PR for lurchers and terriers in the small ring did an excellent job and really pleased to see Bri, who took part, go on to be ALL Ireland Lurcher Champion. PR like this is important to demonstrate to the public the 'normality' of the terrier, whippet and lurcher world.

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albert your a great man for what you do with the game fairs, I wasn't getting at that point. just the giving of money to the anti scum who will no doubt use the "MASSACRED GREYHOUND" by blood thirsty maniacs known as hunting folk against the whole hunting community and id even bet there would be no mention of the thanks for the donation towards the dog from the great game fairs off Ireland next time its on the news. keep up the good work that you do albert im sure many a man hold you in high regard for what you represent.

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albert your a great man for what you do with the game fairs, I wasn't getting at that point. just the giving of money to the anti scum who will no doubt use the "MASSACRED GREYHOUND" by blood thirsty maniacs known as hunting folk against the whole hunting community and id even bet there would be no mention of the thanks for the donation towards the dog from the great game fairs off Ireland next time its on the news. keep up the good work that you do albert im sure many a man hold you in high regard for what you represent.

 

I think everyone would have preferred the money to go directly to the treatment of the dog involved. It is unfortunate that bodies like the USPCA and RSPCA and some of the animal shelters appear to be pursuing an animal rights agenda rather than concentrating on looking after abandoned or distressed animals. I do not see their role is in harassing legitimate sportsmen pursuing legitimate sports. I was delighted to assist in a small way to help redress some of their activities with respect to one sportsman. If whoever ran the collection lets me know I will ensure it gets publicity in Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine.

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firstly have to say id great craic at that arena where the ferrets were.good craic and very well done.the lad took the time with the crowd talking about the ferrets while that longnet lad did his display he even had the women and kids holding the ferret which was funny but great to see. you do great work with the fair albert. there were the usual arguments at the racing but what ever was going on at the end with one of the races was bad craic and needs sorted.ill not put anything up here but ask someone you know albert. (tried to message you). on the good stuff had a great time myself and the boss but one bad bit, i was forced into buying one of those fancy barbours for the boss near killed me. lol see yous in birr

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i had the ferret kegs when the rabbit director was showing his skills of lol. one man i was talking to had been at gundogs 30 years and had never handled a ferret,after 10 minutes his kids were looking to get one and the wife even agreed. everyone i spoke to thought they were vicious things and always chewing on you lol. if it changed one persons outlook then thats a result for me.

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Lee...

 

The Game Fairs in Ireland, or I should say Albert, has probably done more to promote field sports and working dogs than some of the bodies that people subscribe to, to do just that...

 

You will go a long, long way before you find anyone here who has done as much for field sports as he has, and you will go a longer way before you find any other organisation who organise similar events that puts back as much as The Irish Game Fair does.

 

Albert gets a lot of respect from everyone in Ireland involved in field sports and terriers and Lurchers, because its deserved. You wont meet a more honest and genuine fellow, who talks straight and tells it like it is, and there isn't many people who do that anymore.

 

Where else do people get a platform to show the true side of working dogs, shooting, hunting and fishing to the public without the usual slant put on it by the media...

 

And from what I know of things he has put up with over the years from the anti hunting lobby amongst other things...Anyone else in his position would have "pulled the pin" years ago....

 

Fat ferret, Albert and fellow directors of the great game fairs of Ireland have the monopoly on these game fairs what competition do they have? " over this side of the pond" we have several company's(countryman fairs,CLA,Living Heritage) that put on much bigger shows all vying for the gate money.17th of this month Festival of Hunting at Peterborough Showground solely dedicated to hunting nothing else a truly great platform to show working dogs and Hunting.

Shooting and Fishing have there own dedicated shows along with the Falconers Fair so pretty much covered

Y.I.S Leeview

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where does the gate money go ?

 

Estate Rental, Insurance, advertising, marquees, electrics, toilets, stewards, first aid, directional signs, printing costs, sponsoring FREE stands for the sporting organisations; barriers, arena performers, showers, ground preparation AND THE BEST PRIZES IN IRELAND FOR TERRIERS< LURCHERS and WHIPPETS; CLAY SHOOTING ; GUNDOGS & ANGLING; and sponsorship of sporting organisations; shows, gundog tests and trials, fishing competitions etc throughout the year. OVER THE THIRTY FIVE YEARS OF THE FAIR WE HAVE BEEN THE LARGEST SPONSOR OF COUNTRYSPORTS ACTIVITIES IN IRELAND.

 

And if there is anything over after that - towards a contingency fund against getting really bad weather.

 

So that is covered by the gate money? Where does the stall holders money go then? Because they pay a lot to have their wares for sale at your shows

Y.I.S Leeview

 

 

I had said you and I should correspond personally rather than openly because I don't know what I have done to you but I have never seen anything from you about our events, which you don't attend, other than criticism. I was asked a question about gate money and I answered it in terms of all of our costs. Exhibitors do NOT pay a lot to exhibit and we often swop stands for sponsorship for prizes and we try to give smaller companies starting up a helping hand. To put things into perspective the Garden Show up the road, with similar crowds, charges roughly twice as much to exhibit. Obviously exhibitors fees like the rest of the revenue from the show goes into the cost structure above. If you are sufficently interested in the cost structure of our fairs and wish to offer constrtuctive criticism or even informed comment do pop along to them and I'll show you rather than you sitting sniping from 'across the pond'. For now I'll make you a sporting challenge - name one major fair that puts more of the revenue raised back into sponsorship of the prizes at their event and into other sporting organisations and their events than we do and I will donate £100 to a charity of your choice. As i have said before I have never needed the fairs for my livelihood and have always worked outside of them to provide for my family. That is why in 35 years everyone has got paid whether we had profit making or loss making fairs and why we can and do put money back. I run fairs because so many clubs rely on them for revenue, our exhibitors many of whom have become friends and not cutomers need them - one Uk exhibitor to my embarrasment hugged me on Sunday night and said we had saved him again as we did last year' and I have met and continue to meet great people. If you do not recognise that we are a bulwark against the antis they certainly do because within Ireland no one has had the same amount of attention from them over the years including personal and family campaigns of harassment, death threats from four masked guys with crossbows published in the paper, harassment of our sponsors and exhibitors, personal assault by over a dozen - fortunately 'old hickory' was a great equaliser, assaults on our house and cars etc. I don't expect or want praise for what I do - as I said at our press conference I genuinely get much more pleasure and prefer to give awards than receive them - I fully expect attacks from the antis but I do think the fair concept that I and my colleagues put on could and should expect support from those who are supposed to be 'friends of country sports'. You have an invitation to come to one of our fairs and to see if we can sort out your personal animosity 'man to man' or take up the challenge above. YIS AlbertJ

 

Can you define exhibitors as opposed to traders please? exhibitors show/race dogs, traders sell from stalls that they have paid for this purpose IMHO

as for naming one major fair that puts more revenue raised back into sponsorship of the prizes at their event....Living Heritage run qualifiers over the season and have several grand finals for £1,000 each racing,dash and coursing

Y.I.S Leeview

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where does the gate money go ?

 

Estate Rental, Insurance, advertising, marquees, electrics, toilets, stewards, first aid, directional signs, printing costs, sponsoring FREE stands for the sporting organisations; barriers, arena performers, showers, ground preparation AND THE BEST PRIZES IN IRELAND FOR TERRIERS< LURCHERS and WHIPPETS; CLAY SHOOTING ; GUNDOGS & ANGLING; and sponsorship of sporting organisations; shows, gundog tests and trials, fishing competitions etc throughout the year. OVER THE THIRTY FIVE YEARS OF THE FAIR WE HAVE BEEN THE LARGEST SPONSOR OF COUNTRYSPORTS ACTIVITIES IN IRELAND.

 

And if there is anything over after that - towards a contingency fund against getting really bad weather.

 

So that is covered by the gate money? Where does the stall holders money go then? Because they pay a lot to have their wares for sale at your shows

Y.I.S Leeview

 

 

I had said you and I should correspond personally rather than openly because I don't know what I have done to you but I have never seen anything from you about our events, which you don't attend, other than criticism. I was asked a question about gate money and I answered it in terms of all of our costs. Exhibitors do NOT pay a lot to exhibit and we often swop stands for sponsorship for prizes and we try to give smaller companies starting up a helping hand. To put things into perspective the Garden Show up the road, with similar crowds, charges roughly twice as much to exhibit. Obviously exhibitors fees like the rest of the revenue from the show goes into the cost structure above. If you are sufficently interested in the cost structure of our fairs and wish to offer constrtuctive criticism or even informed comment do pop along to them and I'll show you rather than you sitting sniping from 'across the pond'. For now I'll make you a sporting challenge - name one major fair that puts more of the revenue raised back into sponsorship of the prizes at their event and into other sporting organisations and their events than we do and I will donate £100 to a charity of your choice. As i have said before I have never needed the fairs for my livelihood and have always worked outside of them to provide for my family. That is why in 35 years everyone has got paid whether we had profit making or loss making fairs and why we can and do put money back. I run fairs because so many clubs rely on them for revenue, our exhibitors many of whom have become friends and not cutomers need them - one Uk exhibitor to my embarrasment hugged me on Sunday night and said we had saved him again as we did last year' and I have met and continue to meet great people. If you do not recognise that we are a bulwark against the antis they certainly do because within Ireland no one has had the same amount of attention from them over the years including personal and family campaigns of harassment, death threats from four masked guys with crossbows published in the paper, harassment of our sponsors and exhibitors, personal assault by over a dozen - fortunately 'old hickory' was a great equaliser, assaults on our house and cars etc. I don't expect or want praise for what I do - as I said at our press conference I genuinely get much more pleasure and prefer to give awards than receive them - I fully expect attacks from the antis but I do think the fair concept that I and my colleagues put on could and should expect support from those who are supposed to be 'friends of country sports'. You have an invitation to come to one of our fairs and to see if we can sort out your personal animosity 'man to man' or take up the challenge above. YIS AlbertJ

 

Can you define exhibitors as opposed to traders please? exhibitors show/race dogs, traders sell from stalls that they have paid for this purpose IMHO

as for naming one major fair that puts more revenue raised back into sponsorship of the prizes at their event....Living Heritage run qualifiers over the season and have several grand finals for £1,000 each racing,dash and coursing

Y.I.S Leeview

 

As usual Lee you speak with such definitive authority people are in danger of thinking you are right! I run events where exhibitors sell their products, their services and /or promote their businesses from EXHIBITION stands. Prior to running fairs we organised trade EXHIBITIONS and I have also consulted with the World Bank on advising the Indonesian government on exhibition systems in trade centres and exhibition stands as part of an overall international marketing project. Hence I should once again claim to know a little more about terminology in this area than you. AND SURPRISE, SURPRISE The Living Heritage Series of Fairs - call their 'traders' EXHIBITORS too. Thumbing through their site I see some good prizes but nothing like the the sort of prizes we have for our fairs. Now Lee once again you have apparently entered a thread with ill informed comment and purpose - but how could it be otherwise as you don't come to our fairs and just appear to wish to snipe at us from 'across the pond'. Be a man get on the boat and see for yourself and then give us some informed comment.

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firstly have to say id great craic at that arena where the ferrets were.good craic and very well done.the lad took the time with the crowd talking about the ferrets while that longnet lad did his display he even had the women and kids holding the ferret which was funny but great to see. you do great work with the fair albert. there were the usual arguments at the racing but what ever was going on at the end with one of the races was bad craic and needs sorted.ill not put anything up here but ask someone you know albert. (tried to message you). on the good stuff had a great time myself and the boss but one bad bit, i was forced into buying one of those fancy barbours for the boss near killed me. lol see yous in birr

Drop me a mail to irishgamefair@btinternet.com Re the Barbour - never go near that man Smyth no lady is safe from buying a Barbour from him!

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albert your a great man for what you do with the game fairs, I wasn't getting at that point. just the giving of money to the anti scum who will no doubt use the "MASSACRED GREYHOUND" by blood thirsty maniacs known as hunting folk against the whole hunting community and id even bet there would be no mention of the thanks for the donation towards the dog from the great game fairs off Ireland next time its on the news. keep up the good work that you do albert im sure many a man hold you in high regard for what you represent.

 

I think everyone would have preferred the money to go directly to the treatment of the dog involved. It is unfortunate that bodies like the USPCA and RSPCA and some of the animal shelters appear to be pursuing an animal rights agenda rather than concentrating on looking after abandoned or distressed animals. I do not see their role is in harassing legitimate sportsmen pursuing legitimate sports. I was delighted to assist in a small way to help redress some of their activities with respect to one sportsman. If whoever ran the collection lets me know I will ensure it gets publicity in Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine.

if whoever ran the collection...................are you saying you dont know who is taking up collections at your fairs.as someone who donated money i feel cheated .is there any action going to be taken against whoever started this ill thoughtout idea.

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albert your a great man for what you do with the game fairs, I wasn't getting at that point. just the giving of money to the anti scum who will no doubt use the "MASSACRED GREYHOUND" by blood thirsty maniacs known as hunting folk against the whole hunting community and id even bet there would be no mention of the thanks for the donation towards the dog from the great game fairs off Ireland next time its on the news. keep up the good work that you do albert im sure many a man hold you in high regard for what you represent.

 

I think everyone would have preferred the money to go directly to the treatment of the dog involved. It is unfortunate that bodies like the USPCA and RSPCA and some of the animal shelters appear to be pursuing an animal rights agenda rather than concentrating on looking after abandoned or distressed animals. I do not see their role is in harassing legitimate sportsmen pursuing legitimate sports. I was delighted to assist in a small way to help redress some of their activities with respect to one sportsman. If whoever ran the collection lets me know I will ensure it gets publicity in Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine.

if whoever ran the collection...................are you saying you dont know who is taking up collections at your fairs.as someone who donated money i feel cheated .is there any action going to be taken against whoever started this ill thoughtout idea.

 

Nans pat,

 

At the time I wrote what you quoted I did not know who ran the collection but as I deal in facts not wild speculation I took steps to find out. In spite of terrier & lurcher enthusiasts thinking I have nothing else to do but to address problems in their area I cannot be everywhere at once. I was not asked for permission to collect money as I understand it was a spontaneous reaction to animal suffering by two members of the organising team. Of course there is no action to be taken against such a well meaning gesture but I have advised them that before any money is handed over that the conditions of the donation be made clear i.e. that the money is SOLELY to be used for the treatment of the animal involved and the rehoming off it. I think that's what most people who donated would have wanted and I will give it positive publicity - that should resolve any concerns. Like your earlier complaint about the cost of fish suppers last year - my advice then was to make a choice whether to purchase them or not - I assume you made a similar choice when you made a donation. I do give regularly to collections BUT I do make sure I know to whom it is going. If you feel you have 'been cheated' with regard to this collection I am happy to refund your donation myself.

Albertj

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where does the gate money go ?

 

Estate Rental, Insurance, advertising, marquees, electrics, toilets, stewards, first aid, directional signs, printing costs, sponsoring FREE stands for the sporting organisations; barriers, arena performers, showers, ground preparation AND THE BEST PRIZES IN IRELAND FOR TERRIERS< LURCHERS and WHIPPETS; CLAY SHOOTING ; GUNDOGS & ANGLING; and sponsorship of sporting organisations; shows, gundog tests and trials, fishing competitions etc throughout the year. OVER THE THIRTY FIVE YEARS OF THE FAIR WE HAVE BEEN THE LARGEST SPONSOR OF COUNTRYSPORTS ACTIVITIES IN IRELAND.

 

And if there is anything over after that - towards a contingency fund against getting really bad weather.

 

So that is covered by the gate money? Where does the stall holders money go then? Because they pay a lot to have their wares for sale at your shows

Y.I.S Leeview

 

 

I had said you and I should correspond personally rather than openly because I don't know what I have done to you but I have never seen anything from you about our events, which you don't attend, other than criticism. I was asked a question about gate money and I answered it in terms of all of our costs. Exhibitors do NOT pay a lot to exhibit and we often swop stands for sponsorship for prizes and we try to give smaller companies starting up a helping hand. To put things into perspective the Garden Show up the road, with similar crowds, charges roughly twice as much to exhibit. Obviously exhibitors fees like the rest of the revenue from the show goes into the cost structure above. If you are sufficently interested in the cost structure of our fairs and wish to offer constrtuctive criticism or even informed comment do pop along to them and I'll show you rather than you sitting sniping from 'across the pond'. For now I'll make you a sporting challenge - name one major fair that puts more of the revenue raised back into sponsorship of the prizes at their event and into other sporting organisations and their events than we do and I will donate £100 to a charity of your choice. As i have said before I have never needed the fairs for my livelihood and have always worked outside of them to provide for my family. That is why in 35 years everyone has got paid whether we had profit making or loss making fairs and why we can and do put money back. I run fairs because so many clubs rely on them for revenue, our exhibitors many of whom have become friends and not cutomers need them - one Uk exhibitor to my embarrasment hugged me on Sunday night and said we had saved him again as we did last year' and I have met and continue to meet great people. If you do not recognise that we are a bulwark against the antis they certainly do because within Ireland no one has had the same amount of attention from them over the years including personal and family campaigns of harassment, death threats from four masked guys with crossbows published in the paper, harassment of our sponsors and exhibitors, personal assault by over a dozen - fortunately 'old hickory' was a great equaliser, assaults on our house and cars etc. I don't expect or want praise for what I do - as I said at our press conference I genuinely get much more pleasure and prefer to give awards than receive them - I fully expect attacks from the antis but I do think the fair concept that I and my colleagues put on could and should expect support from those who are supposed to be 'friends of country sports'. You have an invitation to come to one of our fairs and to see if we can sort out your personal animosity 'man to man' or take up the challenge above. YIS AlbertJ

 

Can you define exhibitors as opposed to traders please? exhibitors show/race dogs, traders sell from stalls that they have paid for this purpose IMHO

as for naming one major fair that puts more revenue raised back into sponsorship of the prizes at their event....Living Heritage run qualifiers over the season and have several grand finals for £1,000 each racing,dash and coursing

Y.I.S Leeview

 

As usual Lee you speak with such definitive authority people are in danger of thinking you are right! I run events where exhibitors sell their products, their services and /or promote their businesses from EXHIBITION stands. Prior to running fairs we organised trade EXHIBITIONS and I have also consulted with the World Bank on advising the Indonesian government on exhibition systems in trade centres and exhibition stands as part of an overall international marketing project. Hence I should once again claim to know a little more about terminology in this area than you. AND SURPRISE, SURPRISE The Living Heritage Series of Fairs - call their 'traders' EXHIBITORS too. Thumbing through their site I see some good prizes but nothing like the the sort of prizes we have for our fairs. Now Lee once again you have apparently entered a thread with ill informed comment and purpose - but how could it be otherwise as you don't come to our fairs and just appear to wish to snipe at us from 'across the pond'. Be a man get on the boat and see for yourself and then give us some informed comment.

 

 

Wow where do you find all this time Albert? But your not running an exhibition its supposed to be a Game Fair surely?

When you were at Crufts(where you got a rossette) as an exhibitor were you showing a dog or selling your wares?

Living Heritage pay out £1,000 to the winner NOT goods to the equivalent value of donated prizes. So ask the people who enter your events if they are happy with your donated prizes or would they prefer the cash?

I've been on the boat several times judging in both north and Eire unfortunately that does nt leave much time for looking around the stalls.

Y.I.S Leeview

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      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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