Ireland David Dickensons Charity Dog Show And Raceday In Rathnew Co Wicklow Sunday 3Rd July 16

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Charity Dog Show and Raceday in Rathnew Co Wicklow Sunday 3rd July 16

 

 

Between Ashford and Wicklow Town lies the small town of Rathnew with all its beauty and splendor. Located on the River Vartry, it nestles snugly among the famous and scenic Wicklow Hills.

 

Not only is Rathnew a stronghold for Gaelic football and Hurling, but it is also now on the radar for its annual Charity Lurcher, Terrier and Whippet Dog Show and Race day. This top canine event took place this year on Sunday 3^rd July 16, and what a day that was.

 

As we zig zagged down through the midlands, very soon the venue came into view, and we had arrived at our destination safe and early.

 

It was evident a lot of hard work had went on behind the scenes, as the venue was in superb condition. There were a few good stands on site, selling all types of Country Sport wares, and of course a chip van to keep the little people happy.

 

We had a very good turnout of working Terriers, Lurchers and Whippets at this show on Sunday. After a terrible week of heavy rain, the weather went totally in our favour on Sunday. There was not a cloud in the sky, with brilliant sunshine all day.

 

I met up with some lovely people yesterday, some old friends and also made some new ones. Quite a few Northern folk came down to support this worthy cause.

 

I met up with Denise Cahill, and Tracy and Alan Crosbie along the way. As usual, Tracy and Alan had some top class Lurchers and Terriers with them, and went home with a couple of bags of meal to feed their canine friends for the coming weeks.

 

Mickey and Michael Quinn from Lurgan travelled all the way down to Rathnew, and went home with nine bags of meal. A great achievement, with genuine working dogs. Quite a few Dublin huntsmen were there in the ring with their loyal canine friends on the day. These dogs all show in the summer and work in the field in the winter.

 

April Dickenson operated the PA system all day with gilt edged efficiency, and kept us all well informed of our turn in the ring.

 

Very soon it was time for the Racing to start, so we headed over to the race track. At the helm of the starting line was Willie Flynn and Paddy Dunphy. These two guys were old hands at the job, and kept everyone on their toes. Willie and Paddy gave everyone the choice of slipping or Flapping by majority rule. Some great laughs down at that line, listening to some of the comments. At the finishing line was Paddy Dunphys son Pat, and David Nolan. Again to well experienced Country Sports men.

 

As the Racing finished, the Showing started. Here are the showing results.

 

Overall Champion Pup

David Nolan with Celt

Reserve

William Callaghan with Flint

 

Overall Champion Lurcher

Nicky Smith with Rambo

Reserve

Brian Grady with Jet

 

Overall Champion Terrier

Gary Healey with Poppoi

Reserve

Peter Morgan with Charlie

 

Overall Champion Whippet

Michael Quinn with Finn

Reserve

Karen Cummins with Maisie

 

Overall Champion and Best in Show

Nicky Smith with Rambo

Reserve

Michael Quinn with Finn

 

A Big congratulations to Nicky and Michael, and also congratulations to all the rest of the worthy winners.

 

And Finally, I would like to thank the judges as requested by David Dickinson , for carrying out your remit so diligently on the day.

Lurchers : Peter Cummins/ Whippets : John Mc Stay/ Terriers : Seanie Bherigar/ Pets : Thomasina Dickenson. Many thanks for a job well done.

 

Bluebell ( Deidre Mc Coy ) and myself were there in full swing with our camera and mobile phone recording all your moments of glory. The photographs are up on Dog Shows in Ireland and on my Facebook timeline.

 

The "Art Dickenson Memorial Cup", was presented to the Champion Lurcher by David and April Dickenson, in memory of Davids late father Arthur. Arthur would be very proud of the charity work you are doing David through your Dog shows. He will walk through the fields with you every day of your life.

 

And Finally, Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank most sincerely David Dickinson, his wife Marie, daughters April and Thomasina, Paula, PJ, Declan Byrne, and last but not least, that lovely friendly lad Ricki Tuite. Thank you all for a great day out at this charity dog show. Your determination and hard work paid off, and was a credit to David Dickenson and his team of helpers.

 

It is also nice to know that Pieta House Suicide Services will benefit from all our loyal Canine friends showing themselves in the ring for such a brilliant cause.

 

Pieta House provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm. A very important shoulder to cry on, in a moment in a world totally divorced from reality.

 

Hopefully the revenue generated at this show on Sunday will help ease the pain and suffering of some individuals in need of help. Pieta House staff are dedicated people we could not do without, and deserve a helping hand along the way.

 

David, April and Marie Dickenson, many thanks for the beautiful Bouquet of flowers and Crystal you presented to John and myself. Your generosity knows no bounds, and we appreciate it so much. I must say we really enjoyed your show, and we are looking forward to next years show already.

 

Margaret Mc Stay

Edited July 6, 2016 by appleblossom