Ireland Tully Castle ( Enniskillen ) Festival, Dog Show And Race Day Last Saturday 10Th August 13

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Tully Castle Festival, Dog Show and Raceday Saturday 10^th August 13.

 

Tully Castle lies on a hill overlooking the west shore of Lower Lough Erne, north of the village of Derrygonnelly, in County Fermanagh. The Castle was built between 1612 and 1615 for Sir John Hume of North Berwick. Tully Castle is also known for its historical gardens and impressive scenic views, and is steeped in history from many centuries back. An abandoned farmhouse, just a short stroll along a pathway from the Castle, has been restored as a visitor centre and contains an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle. Not only was this a Festival, a Dog Show, and Race Day, but also a chance to go back in time and just imagine you lived in that Castle in those early days back in the 16^th -17^th Century. This beautiful backdrop was the venue for Tully Castle Festival, Dog Show and Race day last Saturday 10^th August 13.

The Festival and Show goers began arriving from early in the morning, after travelling many miles, with their little people all dressed up for the occasion. There was a Bouncy Castle for the children, and many stands for the grown ups to browse around and take some bargains home. At the end of the evening, I saw a gentleman heading for home with an armful of plants and flowers, all to make that special place we all call home, a little more special to him. I spoke to some ladies on the tea stand. I bought some of their lovely home baked scones, and went up to some hungry men with a plateful of buttered and Jam scones, the kind your mother used to make. Needless to say they disappeared in minutes. Churchill Silver Band was there to serenade the crowd. It was very refreshing to listen to this beautiful music in such luxurious surroundings.

The sun shone for most of the day, with the exception of a few showers in the evening. The showing began at 2.00pm with the racing immediately afterwards. Here are some overall results, and as soon as I get the full results I will publish them separately.

Whippets

**Champion Whippet went to up and coming young sportsman Michael Quinn from Lurgan. Congratulations Michael, and well done. Your dad Mickey is one proud man. You never let him down Michael. The Quinn household has won some Silver this year. Well done Michael.

Lurchers

**Champion Lurcher went to James Woods, from Downpatrick. James you have a beautiful dog, and may you go on to win many more. I am told from reliable sources, you are buying a new cabinet to hold all your winnings this year. Buy a big one, cause there will be many more wins down the line for this winning Lurcher. Congratulations James and well done. I think your little daughter Chloe is following in your footsteps. Move over dad James.

Terriers

**Champion Terrier went to Gene Gallagher from Sligo. Gene, I fell in love with that little Terrier. What a beautiful dog. You did not have to show it. It was showing itself off. So delighted you won with your winning Terrier on Saturday. Congratulations Gene and well done. It was well worth the journey to Tully Castle.

There were other Champions who received cups from other classes of breeds of dogs. As soon as I get them I will edit them in on this write up. Congratulations to them too.

**Overall Show Champion and best in show went to :

James Woods.

A big congratulations James. Chloe and Charlene are very proud of you. As I have said get a bigger cabinet, you are going to need it.

 

And Finally, May I take this opportunity to thank the Judges. Kieran Young /Whippets and Lurchers, and the other two judges who judged the Terriers and Mixed Breeds, for a job well done, and carried out efficiently and fair. Barry Holland, and the NILRC monitoring team. The racing went like clock work. Some top class racing dogs there. I must not forget the lady of the day. Yes Norma Heap and her PA system. Norma, a job well done on announcing the ring classes, the names and class results, all went without a hitch.

 

And Finally, Finally, a special word of thanks to Wesley Scott, Scott Fallis, and their brilliant band of helpers. I know a lot of hard graft and sleepless nights went into organising this very successful Festival and Dog Show. Wesley , Scott, and team without your input this day would not of been possible. I really enjoyed the show and the beauty of Tully Castle” and many thanks for the memories.

Already looking forward to next years Festival and Dog Show.

 

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

 

 

Edited August 12, 2013 by appleblossom

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