Ireland Gilford Lurcher, Terrier, Whippet Show And Raceday, At The Ni Country Sports Fair Scarvagh House, Scarva, Saturday 27Th May And Sunday 28Th May 17.

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Gilford Lurcher, Terrier, Whippet Show and Raceday, at the NI Country Sports Fair Scarvagh House, Scarva, Saturday 27^th May and Sunday 28^th May 17.

 

As the sun broke through the clouds early Saturday morning, dogs fed and watered, we headed off to the NI Country Sports Fair at Scarvagh House, Scarva.

 

While driving into this 340 Acre estate, we were shadowed all the way by mature parkland, woodland, and stunning scenery. There was a grandeur of trees and trappings of wildlife that goes with a magnificent sprawling country estate.

 

 

This stunning venue was the home for the 3rd year running of the NI Country Sports Fair. The Fair celebrates country sports and country pursuits, from gun dog tests, Lurcher, Terrier and Whippet showing and racing, Ferretts, Archery, Clay pigeon shooting and many more activities too numerous to mention.

 

We arrived at Scarva at 10.00am on Saturday, and of course as soon as we got parked at the ringside, dogs in tow, we headed up into the Fair to soak up and take in all the fun of the Fair

 

The sound of childrens laughter, the barking of dogs, the smell of hot burgers, the country music and with dancing ladies and gentlemen, I must say the atmosphere was electric.

 

Foremost on our minds was breakfast. We stopped off at the Yellow Door stand and had some lovely food, which set us up for the day. Onwards and upwards, and it was time to get started with some good retail therapy.

 

By midday on both days the fair was full to capacity. There were some showers of rain on Saturday, but that did not dampen the spirits of the little people who really enjoyed all the various amusements on site. Some very sleepy heads on Saturday and Sunday night.

 

 

Had a yarn with Charlie Keenan, and Steven Smyth on the Barbour Stand. What a lovely man, and a great conversationalist. Field and Stream, Andrea Cowans stand was crowded, and Trevor and Denise Cahill were busy and very welcoming as usual, and selling some lovely leads for our Canine friends.

 

Davy (Matthew) Downey was there with his Ferrett racing and showing, and certainly brought a lot fun and laughter to young and old. Davy had a variety of classes both for showing and racing these little creatures and created a lot of excitement around the ring.

 

I met up with some lovely country sports people and their families on both days. Ritchie and Patricia Verden travelled all the way from Sligo, as did the Smith families from Carlow. Mark Maloney and his mates travelled from County Clare right there in the deep south of our beautiful country. Its these good Canine people that make the fair so successful and family orientated.

 

Here are some Showing and Racing Results.

 

Saturday 27th May 17 - Showing

 

***Overall Whippet Champion

Janet Duke with Oscar

Reserve

Leeroy Mc Cullagh with Tizer

 

***Overall Champion Lurcher

Fred Hallissey with Lennox

Reserve

Eamon Mc Cann with Trigger

 

***Overall Champion Terrier

Declan Owens with Moscow

Reserve

Josh Gavin with Commando

 

***Overall Champion Pup

Jed Donagh with Lilley

 

****Overall Champion and Best in Show went to :**

Janet Duke with Oscar

 

A Big congratulations to Janet and all the rest of the worthy winners, and everyone who took part on both days

 

 

Some Racing Results

 

Over 23

Gary Smith with Fergie

 

Coursing

Des Smith with Sonic

 

Jed Donagh

Overall Racing winner on Saturday

Terrier racing winner

 

And the highlight of the day was Susan Ernie Mc Canns winning racing Whippet Seabass, winning the big prize of £150.

This special prize was presented to Susan by the Director of the NI Country Fair Mr Derek Lutton. Susan was one happy bunny on the day. A Big Congratulations to Susan and Seabass.

 

 

Ferretts

 

Congratulations to Rose Mc Coy winner of the Overall Ferrett Krypton Factor obstacle course with the fastest time. Roses Ferrett Sansa also took 2 firsts in the ferret showing.

 

There were other winners with Ferretts on the day, but I don’t have their names. Congratulations to all.

 

 

And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the Judges on the day, Fiona Devlin Whippets/Jonny Wilson Lurchers/Trevor Coulter Terriers for a job well done.

Judging is not an easy task, but you all carried out your duties with precision and perfection.

 

As usual, a lot of hard work and planning went into organising this brilliant Fair, dog show, and Race day at Scarva House. This would not of been possible if it were not for three very important people in the Canine world.

 

Ian Davison, Justin Hill, Ben Davison, and their brilliant band of helpers, and all the people in the background who worked so hard to make this Fair, Dog show and Race days so successful, we are truly thankful. Ian, Justin and Ben, the Dog Show and Race Days was a credit to you all. Excellent team work .

 

And Finally, Finally, last but not least, Gillian and Derek Lutton, Directors of the NI Country Sports Fair, you produced another brilliant and successful Country Sports Fair in a top of the range venue, a real credit to you and your team. All the hard work and sleepless nights paid off, and many thanks for two memorable days at your fair, and long may it continue. You achieved what you set out to do 100%, and I am already looking forward to more of the same in 2018.

 

 

Margaret Mc Stay

Edited June 1, 2017 by appleblossom