Ireland David Dickensons Charity Dog Show And Race Day, Rathnew , Co Wicklow, Sunday 2Nd July 17.

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David Dickensons Charity Dog Show and Race Day, Rathnew , Co Wicklow, Sunday 2^nd July 17.

 

Blessed with its beauty, Rathnew, is a village in Co Wicklow, located deep in the garden of Erins Green Isle. This was the venue for David Dickensons annual Charity Dog Show and Raceday, Sunday 2^nd July 17. The sun came out to play early in the morning, as we made our way down the motorway, taking in the views of this enchanting country side.

 

There were no wrong turns this year, as David Dickenson and his good wife Marie were out and had the route well sign posted. We arrived in the field around 11.00am, and already parking places were filling up fast. The show rings were well spaced out, and a magnificent race track of good length for racing dogs.

 

 

A chip and ice cream van was on site to keep the little people happy. Denise and Trevor Cahill were there with dog leads to suit every breed of dog in the field. Some lovely leads were purchased from this stand on the day. April Dickenson kept everyone well informed of all the happenings, with her brilliant and very efficient PA system. Well done April, you made sure we missed nothing.

 

I met up with some lovely people yesterday, some old friends and also made some new ones. I met Jade Dunphy and her lovely family for the first time on Sunday. I have spoken to Jade many times on Face Book, so it was nice to meet you in person.

 

Granpa Dunphy, a well respected and renowned huntsman in his day, was there to keep an eye on the crew, and this he did. Mr Dunphy senior met up with Mickey Quinn from Lurgan, our Lurcher Judge at the show, and discovered many years ago, he used to hunt with Mickys late father. What a coincidence. I think this really made Mickys day and brought back so many happy memories and nostalgia of hunting in his younger days with his late father.

 

This Charity Show was well supported by our Northern folk, backed up with Dublin, Carlow, Cork and Waterford huntsmen and women, all here for a chance to win, and at the same time supporting this worthy cause.

 

The lady winner of the Master Mc Grath at Shanes Castle two weeks ago Nicky Smith was there in full glory on Sunday, with her ever loyal partner David Nolan by her side. What a win Nicky. I am told the Champagne is still flowing in the Smith Household.

 

I have noticed the dog shows in the South of Ireland are very generous with their class and Overall prizes. Every class winner at this show received a rosette and a bag of meal. Champions got 3 bags and Reserve got 2 bags. Overall Show Champion got 5 bags of meal. I counted 8 bags of dog meal sitting at the side of Peter Cummins van, all won, and all going home with one very happy punter. No dog meal to be bought in that household for a while.

 

Time passes so quickly, and it was soon time for the Racing, followed by Showing.

 

 

Here are some Racing Results.

 

When I get the rest of the results I will update them

 

UNDER 21” Peter Cummins

UNDER 23” Ned Kane

Over 23” Stephanie O Connor

Bull Cross Jed Donagh with Chunk.

 

*Showing Results*

 

 

 

**Overall Champion Whippet went to :

Karen Cummins with Maisie

Reserve

Jade Dunphy with Willow

3^rd

John Hunter with Jet

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**Overall Champion Lurcher went to :

Maurice Mc Dowell with Blue

Reserve

Pat Dunphy with George

 

**Overall Champion Terrier went to :

Gary Healy with Poppie

Reserve

Shane Gilmartin with Sid

 

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

Gary Healy with his winning Terrier Poppie

Reserve

Karen Cummins with Maisie

3^rd

Maurice Mc Dowell with Blue

 

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**Champion Puppy Terrier went to:

Gary Healy with Sailor

 

**Champion Puppy Lurcher went to :

Kirsty Harpur with Joker

 

**Champion Puppy Whippet went to:

Jade Dunphy with Willow

 

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

Kirsty Harpur with Joker

 

 

**Overall Champion Pet went to:

Emma Moody with her Doberman

Reserve

Brooke Byrne with her Jack Russell

3^rd

Dillon Conroy with his lurcher

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A big congratulations to all the winners and well done.

 

 

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

 

Lurchers : Mickey Quinn/ Whippets : Michael Quinn/ Terriers : Jed Brady/ Pets : Ricky Tuite. Many thanks to all. As usual the racing team were right on the job. Dogs were measured, traps ready, and the racing run without a hitch.

 

Billy Harpur was there with his camera, clicking away, and I also took some photographs with my mobile. These are all up on my timeline at the moment.

 

 

There was a very poignant moment when the “Art Dickenson Memorial Cup", was presented to the Overall Champion Lurcher winner Maurice Mc Dowell by Margaret Duffy. This cup was in memory of Margaret and Davids late father Arthur Dickenson who passed away on show day, a few years ago.

 

 

And Finally, Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank most sincerely David Dickenson, his wife Marie, daughter April, Ricky Tuite, Declan, Tomasina and PJ, and all your loyal band of helpers on show day. We all had a great family day out at this Charity Dog Show, which you all worked so hard to put together.

 

I know there were some sleepless nights before the show, and a lot of hard work and organisation input. But everything went like clockwork on the day, well organised, and was a credit to the Dickenson family.

 

 

It is also nice to know that the Martin Family will benefit from all our loyal Canine friends showing their dogs off on a fine summers day in Wicklow. Definitely a man and womans best friend in every sense of the word.

 

Hopefully the revenue generated at this show on Sunday, no matter how big or small, will help ease the pain and suffering of this family in some small way.

 

David, we all enjoyed ourselves down there in Co Wicklow on Sunday.

 

Many thanks for the beautiful Bouquet of flowers you presented to me. I really enjoy the work I do in the Canine world, and expect nothing in return. David, your generosity knows no bounds, and I appreciate it so much. I must say I really enjoyed your show, and I am looking forward to next years show already.

Margaret Mc Stay

Edited July 5, 2017 by appleblossom