Ireland North Armagh Working Terrier Club ( Breandan Colemans Show )

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North Armagh Working Terrier Club ( Breandan Colemans Show )

 

The Meadows Equestrian Centre, Embankment Road. Lurgan, Co Armagh, is Northern Ireland’s Southfork of the horse world, and a centre of excellence for equestrianism. With the river Bann rippling in the distance, loads of good country fresh air, near the motorway, this was the luxurious surroundings for the North Armagh Working Terrier Club ( Breandan Colemans Show ) last Sunday the 25th May 14.

 

We arrived in the field around 10.30am, and at that time the field was filling up fast. By the start of showing the venue was filled to capacity, and overflowed into the outside car park. For a first time show I have never seen crowds like what I seen in attendance on Sunday. Families and trailers arrived in abundance with their loyal Canine friends in tow, all crooning the dog chorus, and full of winning spirit. With the exception of a few small showers, the weather was reasonably good for most of the day.

 

People travelled from England, Wales , and Southern Ireland, just to be at this great Working Dog Show, and they were certainly not disappointed. It was nice to meet up with some old friends, and I made plenty of new ones along the way. The children had a field day at the equestrian centre, with loads of room for them to play safely, an ice cream van and a fast food van at their disposal.

 

It was evident from the start , that this show was going to run like clockwork. The organization and timing was impeccable, resulting in the show schedule starting on time. The showing started at approximately 12 noon. I will have the showing results shortly, and I will put them up seperately.

 

The showing was followed by the digging competition, and that was when all the fun really began. Kieran Young was there with his watch, gave the starting orders, and the diggers were off. Very soon the clay and shirts were flying in the air, showing off their muscles to the ladies cheering them on. But it was not the men who were doing all the digging at the show, there was a very able ladies team also taking part. Yes, Claire Pauley, and Arlene Mc Clurkin sure did give the men a run for their money. Well done ladies. Very soon Tango called time up and the shovels and pick axes were quickly fired on the ground.

 

But it was two very popular young men in the working dog fraternity that won on the day. The smile on these two faces told a million stories. Yes it was Breandan Coleman and Peter Conn who delivered the goods and team work on the day. These two men are a force to be reckoned with. Birr Castle look out, Breandan and Peter will be about.

 

Congratulations Breandan and Peter and also congratulations to everyone who took part in the dig.

 

As the day progressed, it was raffle time and the excitement began. Some great prizes in this raffle including wine, expensive watches, dog platforms, pure leather dog collars, and galvanised dog bowl holders, and dog bowls. Of course avid punter John Mc Stay gave his usual performance, holding his hands up to heaven, when his tickets were drawn not only once but twice, and walked away with two very expensive dog platforms. One very happy camper.

 

Last, but not least, it was Racing time. Here are the results of the Racing.

 

Whippets
1/ Ricky McIlwaine with Ollie
2/ Patsy Mc Coy with Rio

 

Under 21
1/ Rose Mc Coy with Zola
2/ Deirdre Mc Coy with Paris

 

Under 23
1/ Kirsty Harpur with Tina
2/ Jed Donagh with Taz

 

Over 23
1/ Jed Donagh with Flick
2/ Shaun Mc Caughey with Frazer

 

Bull Cross
1/ Mickey Quinn with Lady
2/ Mark with Rocky

 

Under 23 Elite
1/ Rose Mc Coy with Diego
2/ Steven Dumigan with Dash

 

Over 23 Elite
1/ Michael Quinn with Mo Chara
2/ Jed Donagh with Flick

 

Pups
1/ Willy with Ice
2/ Mal Mc Fall with Snitch

 

Terriers
1/ Jed Donagh with Boe
2/ Jed Donagh with Spike.

 

And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day, who all done a wonderful job.

 

Whippets/ Jed Donagh
Lurchers/ Paul Mc Keown
Terriers/ Brian Coleman
Strong Dogs/ Anthony Maxwell

 

You all judged with accuracy and integrity, and a job well done. Many thanks for that. Dessie Mackin was santas little helper, when he sold all tickets for the raffle. Dessie your help was much appreciated, and sent some people home very happy. Billy Harpur and Bluebell were there with their cameras, clicking away at every opportunity. Look forward to seeing the photographs up shortly.

 

The racing like everything else on the day went like clockwork. This could not of been possible without the efficient organisation and lure handling of Patsy Mc Coy, along with Mickey Quinn, Breandan Coleman,and Peter Conn, their line stewarts and helpers. Patsy, Mickey, and Peter you were a very valuable contribution to the success of the show racing plan. Well done to all.

 

And Finally, Finally, the best is always left to last. What can I say that will gather the skills, fuelled spirit and determination of this young man Breandan Coleman. Along with Peter Conn and your brilliant band of helpers, you have pulled together one of the best Working Dog shows I have been to this year, with super efficiency.

 

Breandan you are a true Country Sportsman, and keep your sport very close to your heart. You have run a top class first time show, thank you for a most enjoyable and memorable day, and I look forward to more of the same next year.

Margaret Mc Stay