Ireland Combined Clubs Race Day And Dog Match Last Saturday 15Th March 2014

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Combined Clubs Race Day And Dog Match Saturday 15^th March 14

 

The first Race day of 2014 was held at Hollymount Road, Laurencetown last Saturday 15^th March. Being the first sporting occasion of the year, this event brought a sizeable crowd to the venue. I could almost feel the rush of excitement in the air, as huntsmen and women of the winter past and sporting world , began arriving from all parts of the country, North and South of the border with their faithful Canine friends in tow. The weather was generous for March, which helped enormously with ground conditions for racing on the day.

It was nice after the long cold, wet winter, to meet up again with some old friends, and also make some new ones. I spoke to people who travelled from Carlow, Dublin and Drogheda, all out for a great days racing and a bit of craic. Paddy Mc Carthy from Dublin was there all dressed up for St Patricks day. Paddy is a great sport and a real gentleman, and brought a little colour and banter to the occasion.

One by one the dogs were booked in and at approximately 1.30pm the racing was under way. Dessie Mackin took command of the Lure, Tracy Gill efficiently mastered line judge, while Tom Barry lined up the dogs and their handlers at the starting line. Within minutes the roars and cheers of excitement rang out across the valley, as the first race of 2014 was under way. Here are the Racing results.

Whippet Final ...

Graham Fyffe with Bolt.

Reserve
Michael Quinn .

Under 21
Fiona Devlin with Angel.

Reserve
Rose Mc Coy with Kyro

Under 23 Elite
Rose Mc Coy with Diago

Reserve
Fiona Devlin with Diva

Under 23 Lurchers.
Ged Donagh with Zeus

Reserve
Gary Smyth with Lucy.

Bull x
Paddy Mc Carthy with PIP.

Reserve
Mark Sloan with Sasha.

Over 23 Elite
Michael Quinn with Mo Charra.

Reserve
Ged Donagh with Jess.

Over 23 Lurcher.
Ian Balfour with Ben.

Reserve
Glen Doherty with Diesel.

Terriers

Ged Donagh with Boe

Reserve
J Mc Gregor with Nipper

Whippet Pups

Colin Tucker with Tia.

Lurcher Pups

Ged Donagh with Shadow.

Overall Winners of Qualifers for The Master Mc Grath.

Michael Quinn with Mo Charra

Reserve
Rose Mc Coy with Diago

 

Well done Michael and Rose, and good luck in the Master Mc Grath, and congratulations to the rest of the winners in the racing.

After the Racing a very successful Dog Match show was carried out. This is something new to the open show arena, but proved very popular on the day. Hopefully we will see more of same in the months ahead at dog shows around the country . A Dog match gives every dog, no matter what the breed, height or colour, a chance to win on the day. Here are the Results of the Dog Match.

Dog Match Winners

Puppy Match
Janet Duke with Maeve

Reserve
Tracy Gill with Scarlett.

Adult Dog Overall Match Winners.
Peter Morgan with Fire.

Reserve
Kirsty Fyffe with Ollie.

 

A Big congratulations to all the winners of the dog match.

 

Finally, there was a few very important presentations awarded to Canine folk , who could not attend Dessie Mackins Christmas show in December 2013. It was explained that these presentations referred to 2013 show year. First up was Fiona Devlin, whom Dessie awarded Fionas winning dog Maverick, “ Dog of the Year ” 2013. One could see Fionas eyes filled with pride upon receiving this award. Well done Fiona. Maverick is a very deserving winner. Next up to receive an award was Billy Harpur. Dessie explained that Billy was receiving this award for his contribution to our shows in 2013 through his brilliant photography. Billy took some lovely photographs, both of racing and showing, and is also a very well deserved winner. Congratulations to both people, and may you continue to go from strength to strength in 2014.

 

And Finally, Finally, May I take this opportunity to thank Dessie Mackin and Tom Barry and their team, for producing a very well run , trouble free and most enjoyable first Race day and Dog Match of 2014. Bluebell ( Deirdre Mc Coy ) was there clicking away with her camera, recording all our moments of glory. Many thanks for that Deirdre. I must say I really enjoyed every part of the day, and look forward to more of the same in the upcoming summer of 2014.

 

 

Margaret Mc Stay

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