The Tally Ho Dog Show and Raceday Saturday 3rd May 2025

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The Tally Ho Dog Show and Raceday Saturday 3rd May 2025

As 7am on Saturday morning 3^rd May 2025 rang out loud and clear in our house, I crawled out of bed and thanked god for allowing me another day on this beautiful landscape of ours called the Emerald Isle. With the joys of spring in my heart, Mr Fox away on his summer holidays, the work in the field completed for another season, it was show time again on this side of our Island. 

Suddenly the seasons were telling me it was Tally Ho show time of the year again and time to get our Canine friends in the show ring and on the race course, for the start of the summer Dog show and Race Days schedule. 

Some of us have had joyous occasions in our families since the last showing season, and some of us may have had great sadness, as fate can throw all sorts of problems in the pathway of life. As we dusted ourselves down after our winter woes, Saturday was a day to leave all our cares of yesterday behind and head to Crumlin for  the Tally Ho  annual dog show and race day.  And what a days enjoyment with our loyal Canine friends that was.

The weather was beautiful, but tinged with an east wind that would cut you in two. As we approached the field, we could see very clearly there was very little parking space left. Each year this show grows bigger and better. Peter Morgan being the caring gentleman he is made sure he kept a parking space for the now 2 senior citizens and of which we were very grateful. 

By midday the field was full to capacity.  In the show rings there was a big turnout and a great mix of top quality dogs in all categories. 22 races and 28 children in child handling class.

As I moved around the rings, I met up with some old friends and some new ones too. Michael Reilly travelled up all the way from Tipperary. Yapper Hayes came up from Kilkenny and Stephanie O Connor and family and Mc Grath Family travelled up from Carlow.  All great doggie people and support every show and race day North and South of the border.

Stands were situated around the show ground. Paul Boyd with loads of canine supplies/ Alannah Harpur and her sister with some beautiful Tea Shirts and Mugs and Mary Kate Quinn was there with her amazing art work . What an interesting and talented lady to speak to. There was a burger stand on site and 4 toilets dotted all around the field.

Our children as usual were well cared for by the Tally Ho show organiser Peter Morgan, both in the ring and outside it. Two bouncy castles were on site and inside the ring were trophys, medals and big bags of sweets for every child. A real childrens paradise. Some sleepy we people on Saturday night.

Time waits for nobody. The moment had arrived after the long cold winter to get our Canine friends out of the field and into the show ring and on the Race course. 

Here are the Showing Results

Ladies Handling Class

Beverley Quinn with Billy

Gents Handling Class

John Williams with Lightening

Overall Show Champion Puppy

Sophie Leonard with Junior

Overall Champion Whippet

James Mullen with Max

Reserve

Vanessa Lynn with Louis

Overall Champion Lurcher

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Milo

Reserve

Ged Donagh with Jess

Overall Champion Terrier

Ged Donagh with Spike

Reserve 

Abigail Mc Neil with Jax

Overall Champion Bully

Clive Mc Mullan with Rei, Rei

Overall Champion Working Strong Dog

Paula Beggs with Paco

*** All Ireland Champion Border Terrier

Anthony Harper with Buster

***Overall Champion and Best in Show

 Ged Donagh with Spike

 ***Reserve Overall Show Champion

Paula Beggs with Paco

****Also there was Peters Choice prize in each Ring

 Racing Results from the Pen of Joanna Relf Lee

Lurcher Pups – Robert Dunne with Spring

Whippet Pups – Sophie Leonard with  Junior

Whippet Dog – James Mullan with Toby

Whippet Bitch – Fred Gentle with Suzie

Under 21 – Rose McCoy with Arlo

Under 23 – Kirby Mc Kibben with Sheeba

Under 24 – Colin Tucker with Fletcher

Over 24 – Joyce Scott with Gus

Hairy Under – Rebecca Saunderson with Susan

Hairy over 24 (Mick the Miller) Errol Gardiner with Chase

Smooth over 24 (Master McGrath) Cliona Owens with King

Reserve

John Williams with Sass

Bull X Heavy – Joyce Scott with Mabel

Bull X light – Mason Thompson with Roxy

Terriers – Stephen Maxwell with Stig

And Finally, on behalf of the Tally Ho show may I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day.

Childrens Handling Class : 

Margaret Mc Stay

Ladies and Gents Handling Class :

Susan Mc Cann 

Lurchers

Maurice Mc Dowell 

Terriers:

Matthew Lee

Whippets:

John Shaw

Working Strong Dogs :

Ryan O Neill

Bullies :

Liam Clinton

A special word of thanks to the Lee family, Matt, Matthew and Joanna for the most efficient way you carried out the racing schedule at the Tally Ho Show. Without you on Saturday the racing could not of proceeded. 

And finally to the helpers on the day, Conor Creagh, Ash Coyle, Kodi Coyle and Anthony Mc Dowell your contribution to the success of the show was invaluable and many thanks.

And Finally, Finally, I always leave the best to last. I must not forget the man at the helm of this top show day. Peter Morgan your hospitality, excellent show and race day, magnificent trophies and prizes, your generosity  knows no bounds. I can honestly say our lives have been enriched with the excellent work and enjoyment you give to many families North and South of the border through your dog show on the day. 

Peter we all look forward to your shows as they brighten up our darkest days and brings us away from the trials and tribulations of life, if only for a day. Your show is a credit to you for a one man band, along with all the time and energy you put into them to give us all a great days enjoyment.

Thank you for your friendship over the years and please do not stop running your shows. Yours in Country Sports to we meet again, God Bless.

Margaret Mc Stay

 

 

Edited May 8 by appleblossom