Dessie Mackins Christmas Dog Show Saturday 16th December 17

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Dessie Mackins Christmas Dog Show Saturday 16th December 17

Bannville House Hotel is set in 13 Acres of mature woodland on the Lurgan Road, 3 miles from Banbridge, and deep in the heart of the County Down countryside.   These beautiful surroundings was the venue for Dessie Mackins annual Christmas Dog show Saturday 16thDecember 17.

Although it was cold Christmassy weather,  this did not dampen the spirits of the good men and women of the canine world, all out for a good days enjoyment and festivities, and were not disappointed.  I can honestly say, being at all Dessies Christmas shows over the years, this years show was the biggest turnout so far.

From mid morning cars, vans, and trailers were arriving, all loaded up with their prized canine friends. This Christmas show is a welcome break from the trials and tribulations of Christmas shopping and all the razzmatazz that goes with the festive season and a gift at this time of year.

As we all know Christmas can be a very sad and lonesome time, full of memories of yester year. This annual doggie day out before Christmas lifts this mantle, brings cheer in abundance, and helps us to leave our cares and troubles behind, and learn to smile again, if only for a day.

Showing commenced at approximately 1.30.

Here are the Overall Results from the Show

Childrens Handling Class

1/ Chelsea Rafferty with Rosie

2/ Logan Hepburn with Joe

3/ Lewis Johnstone

Congratulations to the winners and all the children who took part.

Champion Puppy

Lisa Hanratty with Dakota

Reserve

Carol Brown with Portia

Champion Whippet

Janet Duke with Oscar

Reserve

Leeroy Mc Cullough with Tizer

Champion Lurcher

Lisa Beggs with Cirez

Reserve

Lisa Beggs with Joker

Champion Bull Cross

James Woods with Buster

Reserve

Mickey Quinn with Hoss

Champion Terrier

Terry Crossen with Teddy

Reserve

Scott Connolly with Fonzy

Plummers

Sam White with Viper

Reserve

Sam White with Finn

Champion Strong Dog

Ethen Barry with Sully

Stephen Mc Polin with Rebel

Overall Show Champion of Champions

Janet Duke with Oscar

Reserve Overall Champion

Lisa Beggs with Cirez

Congratulations to Janet and Lisa, two very worthy winners, and also a big congratulations to all the other winners.

It was nice to see the 1^st Bull Cross Championship in action at this show on Saturday. There was a very big class of Bull Cross in the ring, and what better man to judge this class than Albertj Titterington, Director of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland. James Woods was one proud man going home with his dog Buster winning this prestigious championship, as was Mickey Quinn with his dog Hoss taking reserve Champion.

Dessie always has surprise presentations up his sleeve on Christmas show day, and this year was no exception.

The first accolade on Dessies list this year was for Dog of the Year and this award went to a well deserved winner Mrs Janet Duke and her top class Whippet Oscar. Oscar owes Janet nothing, and has won many Champion of Champions down through the years and added many more to his list in 2017. I am sure the Whippets were all drunk on Saturday night, celebrating the bosses achievement. Congratulations to Janet and Oscar.

Next on the list was Country Sports Personalities of 2017.

This Accolade was awarded to Tom Barry and myself for our contribution to Country Sports, North and South of the border, with photography, write ups, shows, show advertisements, and providing show and Game Fair information on the Hunting Life, Face Book, and Irish Country Sports and Country Life Magazine. Many thanks Dessie for thinking so highly of Tom and myself.

And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day.

Whippets  -  Sharon Martin Eames

Terriers/Strong Dogs – Hannah Heinonen

Lurchers – Chontelle Mc Meekin

Childrens Handling Class – Margaret Mc Stay

Bull Cross Championship – Albertj Titterington

Your judgement was fair, and carried out meticulously. Thank you for a job well done.

Many thanks to Albertj Titterington and Great Game Fairs of Ireland for their generous sponsorship for this show. A very Happy Christmas to Albert, Irene and Co Directors and I look forward to working with you all again in 2018.

And Finally, Finally, may I take this moment especially to thank Dessie Mackin for putting on another brilliant show despite the fact tragedy hit his family during the year, by the passing of  his  beloved son Darren. Dessie you rallied on with a heavy heart to make this day enjoyable for everybody and was an over whelming success. Darren will walk by your side every day of your life in every road you go down.

Dessie, there are brighter days ahead, and we wish you and your family good health and happiness for 2018.

From myself and John, I would like to wish all Canine folk and their families, Hunters, and lampers, North and South of the border and further afield, A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year, and I look forward to meeting up with you all again, god willing in 2018.

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

 

 

Edited December 20, 2017 by appleblossom