Armagh Sporting Dog Charity Show. ( Fiona Devlins Show ) Sunday 23rd June 19

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Armagh Sporting Dog Charity Show. ( Fiona Devlins Show ) Sunday 23rd June 19

As the ringing tones of my mobile phone rang out forcefully, signalled the start of a new day and another great sporting event on the horizon. With dogs in trailer we drove through the heart of Orchard County and down the motorway to the now famous Feaghbridge Schooling Track.

Situated on the outskirts of Coalisland Co Tyrone, and lies along side the shores of Lough Neagh, Feaghbridge schooling track was the venue for Fiona Devlins Armagh Sporting Dog Charity Show and Race day Sunday 23rd June 19.

We arrived at the track around 10.30am, got the dogs signed in for racing, and then parked up for another great sporting event. The ground filled up fast, with canine folk from North and South of the border, and by the start of show time the venue was full to capacity.  As this show was for charity, families and trailers arrived in abundance with their Canine friends, all barking and crooning the dog chorus, and full of winning spirit. 

Paddy and Jade Dunphy travelled all the way from New Ross in County Wexford, as did Liam and Conor Nolan from Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Great people and great Country Sports enthusiasts.

The weather was good, and although a little cloudy at times, there was no rain in sight. The children had a field day with burgers and chips on site, and loads of room for them to play safely, under the watchful eye of parents and family. 

It was evident from the start this show was going to run like clockwork, as Fiona is an experienced hand in that area. This young lady  has run many very successful shows over the years. The organisation and timing was impeccable, resulting in the show keeping to schedule and starting on time. 

As the day progressed, it was raffle time and then the excitement began. There were some great prizes in the raffle, and some very happy campers going home, and all for a good cause.    

 The Racing started at approximately 11.30 followed by the showing. 

 Here are  Racing and Showing Results:  

 Racing Results

 Puppy Derby Champion For Race Bred Pups under 42lb 

Fiona Devlin with Rebel Country (Batman)

Reserve 

Conor Nolan with Della.

Whippet Puppy Dash 

Sean Burke with Jet

Reserve 

Shane Mc Killion with Frankie

No Limit Puppy 

Emily with Fluer 

Reserve 

Charlene Rafferty with Rocky

Pure Bred Greyhounds 

Michelle Rafferty with sky in a time of 17.91 

Whippet Bitch u 20 Inches

Susanne Addis with Poppy 20.47 Runner up 

Sean Burke with Lilly

Whippet Dog u21

Barry Chambers with Alfie 20.07 

Reserve 

Sean Dooher with Joe

No Limit Whippet

Sean Dooher with Jill 20.96

U30lb Kirsty Harper with Tilly in 21.15

U40lb Alison Gamble with Zira 19.23

U50 Kirsty Harper with Megan 18.83

No limit 

Seamus Heart with Moses 18.61

Hairy Dogs 

U23 Danny Maxwell with Blue

O23 Seamus Heart with Nora

Bull Cross Kirsty Harper with Skylar

Novice Unders Conor Nolan with Della

Novice Overs Chelsea Rafferty with Rosie

Showing

Champion PUP

Stewart Graham with Ace

Reserve

Gerard Leonard with Nova

Champion Whippet

John Mc Stay with PIP

Reserve

Davy Best with Merlin

Champion Lurcher

Neil Pinkerton with Ben

Reserve 

Lisa Beggs with Joker

Champion Terrier

Martin Mc Donald with Saoirse

Reserve

Eamo Mc Erlain with Spooky

Champion Strong Dog

William Hanna with Tia

Reserve

Christopher Davos with Axel

Overall Show Champion and Best in Show

Martin Mc Donald with Saoirse

Reserve

Neil Pinkerton with Ben

Congratulations to all above winners and well done.

And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day, for doing a wonderful job.

 Whippets/ Susan Mc Cann

Lurchers/ Sean Burke

Terriers/ Fraser Gorman

Strong Dogs/ Barry Holland

Childrens/Ladies and Gents Handling Classes/ Margaret Mc Stay

Judging was delivered with accuracy and integrity, and a job well done by all. Billy Harpur was there with his camera, and I also took some photographs with my mobile. These are all up on my time line at the moment. 

 

And Finally, the best is always left to last. What can I say that will gather the skills, fuelled spirit and determination together of this young woman Fiona Devlin. Along with your brilliant back up team, you have pulled together another great sporting event with super efficiency.

Finally, Finally, Fiona, you are a great Country Sportswoman, with the sport very close to your heart. Again this year you run another top class show, and thank you for a most enjoyable and memorable day out at Feaghbridge.

And the good news, the proceeds from this Charity show is going to “The Cancer Fund For Children” Remember all good Canine men and women its your money that will help ease the pain in some small way of some of our little people suffering from this terrible disease. Cancer has no mercy on young or old. I know, I was that soldier. 

 

Fiona you are a woman in a million with a giving heart, and well done for this very worthy cause. Many thanks for the lovely presentation you made to myself and Kirsty Harpur on the day. We truly appreciate it. 

I am already looking forward to your next show in 2019.

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

Edited June 27, 2019 by appleblossom