Ireland Birr Castle Game Fair -Terriers, Whippets, Lurchers & Ferrets
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By appleblossom
***See Below I have started my Dog Show list for 2026.
PM me with your dates ASAP for your dog shows in 2026 to avoid disappointment ***
List of Dog Shows for 2026 so far.
*Sunday 8th March 2026 ( Stephanie O Connor )
Carlow Lurcher/Terrier/ Whippet Club Dog Show and Raceday
*Sunday 3rd May 2026
Rockview Harriers Annual Terrier/ Hound/ Lurcher/ Whippet and Pet Show. At Seven Houses Coursing Ground, Danesfort, Co Kilkenny. R95 XD98 ( Near Junction 9 /M9 Motorway )
*Saturday 16th May
South Tyrone Foxhounds ( Hanna)
*Sunday 24th May 2026
DWTC Dog Show
*Sunday 31st May 2026
Kilworth and Araglin Dog Show
*Saturday 25th July 2026 ( Anthony Taggart)
N.W.L.T.C Dog show and Race day
Margaret Mc Stay
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By appleblossom
The Mc Grath Racing Club Dog Show and Race Day, Sunday 31st August 25
**(Representing Mr Aj Titterington of The 5 Nations and The Great Game Fairs of Ireland)**
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
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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
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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 ***
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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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