THE GLENSHANE WORKING DOG SHOW AND RACEDAY SUNDAY 20th AUGUST 23 ( in aid of RVH liver support group )

[appleblossom 703]

 

THE GLENSHANE WORKING DOG SHOW AND RACEDAY SUNDAY 20^th AUGUST 23 ( in aid of RVH liver support group )

As dawn broke on Sunday morning the 20^th August 23 with a good breakfast in our bellies, we headed off to the beautiful Maghera countryside and the venue for The Glenshane Working Dog Show and Race Day. And what a day and venue that was.  

Safe to say this was one of the best venues I have been to this year.  The grass was immaculately cut with plenty of room in the show rings and on the racecourse. As this was a first time show and run for a very special cause and charity, it was a credit to the organisers. 

The Gods were on our side as the sun shone all day. As the morning progressed into noon, cars and trailers with dogs in tow filled the field to capacity. The craic and the banter was in full swing amongst the huntsmen and women and all with one thing in mind, a great Sporting day out in Maghera.

The we people were there enjoying the day in the play trailer, bouncing around to their hearts delight. Some very tired children on Sunday night. 

Barry Kelly was there with his canine athletics and what a show within a show this guy serves up. I have great admiration for this man as he has added a great something that was needed in the Canine world. Some great dogs there in fine form and clearing every hurdle put in front them. Well done Barry.

Very soon it was Raffle Time, and as usual the raffle generates a lot of excitement around the field with some great prizes on offer. John and myself won a bag of meal and a few hunting plates. Some happy punters went home with armfuls of goodies.

At this point praise must come the way of none other than the lady of the manor herself, Joanne Owens our continuity announcer for the day. I must say Joanne you done a wonderful job keeping everybody well informed on all the happenings.You were so much appreciated

Time passes so quickly and very soon it was show time.

Showing Results :

 *Overall Champion Whippet

Suzanne Addis with Jax

*Overall Champion Lurcher

Vanessa Lynn with Arthur

*Overall Champion Terrier

Cayce Coyle with Rooke

*Overall Champion Bully

Pusztai Laszlo with Hera

*Overall Champion Strong Dog

Oliver Dunne with Maximus

***Overall Champion and Best in Show

Suzanne Addis with Jax

Reserve

Vanessa Lynn with Arthur

Racing Results

Whippets 

Sean Burke with Jack

Under21s 

Joe Leonard with Venus

Under 22s 

Billy Harpur with Dash

Under 23s Elite 

Billy Harpur with Ben

Under 24s 

Colin Tucker with Fletcher 

Big dogs

Paul with Miley 

Over Hairy 

Earl Gardiner with Chase

Bull Cross 

Paul with Milo 

Pups 

David with Poacher

Congratulations to all above winners

And Finally, May I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day for a job well done. Judging is not an easy task, but you carried out your remit well on the day.

Again Peter Morgans giving hand never ends. Peter helped out Glenshane Dog show by giving them his PA System for the day and many thanks for that. It was so much appreciated.

The Raceing at this show was run and organised by the McGrath Lurcher Racing Club and as usual everything went like clockwork. Michael/Jack/ Terry /Anthony and Biddy your efficency was beyond reproach and thank you for that.
 

And Finally, Finally on this occasion it is very hard to put into words what the show organisers Joanne and Paul Owens have come through over this last 9 years and the reason this show happened in the first place.

Cathan, their little son was born on Boxing Day 9 years ago. Cathan was born with a rare liver disease called Biliary Atresia and was only diagnosed when he was 6 weeks old. He had surgery at 6.5 weeks and then 7 years later Cathan received his gift of life from Birmingham Childrens hospital, a liver transplant 2 years ago. 

It would take a tear from a stone listing to these parents briefly telling me the heartache and trauma they came through to try to keep Cathan alive and to get him to where he is to day, a fine healthy child. 

In Cathans case this story had a happy ending, but down the line the story is also tinged with sadness, because  another family which I will not discuss lost their loved one to give the gift of life to Cathan. Some family broken hearted some where.

This is where the The Glenshane Working Dog Show and the good Sporting men and and women North and South of the border of the Canine world who came out and supported this show on Sunday comes in to play. 

Joanne and Paul Owens decided, because of all the help, hope and encouragement they received from The Royal Victoria Liver Support Group in their darkest hours, they wanted to give back something to them in gratitude. 

So all proceeds from this show will go to this wonderful charity.

Cathan is one of the nicest and healthiest we boys you could meet, and he stole a place in my heart and in my prayers on Sunday.

Joanne and Paul Owens your show was a credit to you and a roaring success. It was evident on the day a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and organisation went on behind the scenes to make this show such a success.

Thank you for the memories .To we meet again God Bless

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

Edited August 23, 2023 by appleblossom

[Kenna Crook 0]

Congratulations to all the winners of The Glenshane Working Dog Show and Race Day! It sounds like it was a fantastic event in a beautiful venue.
The organizers deserve credit for their hard work and for supporting such a worthy cause. It's great to hear that Barry Kelly's canine athletics show was a hit, and the raffle added excitement to the day. Joanne Owens did an excellent job as the announcer, keeping everyone informed. Overall, it seems like a memorable and successful event.
Well done to all involved!

 

Best regard,
Kenna Crook
mcdvoice