The Burren Charity Working Dog Show and Raceday Saturday 26th July 25

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The Burren Charity Working Dog Show and Raceday Saturday 26th July 25

 

From the Pen of Margaret Mc Stay

 

As the clock on the wall jingled out its usual dulcet tones on Saturday morning, it signalled the start of a new day for us and another great sporting event on our country sports calendar.

With Mrs Sat Nav being our guiding light along the way, and the beautiful Mourne Mountains following us enroute, very soon The Burren came into view and the dog show venue for the day.

And what a venue that was. It was evident the amount of hard work the Burren Team had put into this show ground. It was in tiptop condition with six toilets on site, rings well spaced out and a superb racetrack with a very steep hill. And what a tester for our dogs this track was.

With the sun shining down all day in abundance and a very large gathering of canine folk from North and South of the border, the atmosphere was electric. I can honestly say this was the biggest show I have been at this year and all for a great charity.

As the day progressed I took a stroll around the many stands dotted around the field. I stopped of at Mick Mc Cormacks stand. Mick and Lorna are always so welcoming and have a stand full of everything for the hunting fraternity.

Next door was flight & bite Outdoor Clothing & Footwear. I had a great we chat with owner Richard Caddell. Richard and I go back a very long time from our times at The Great Games Fairs of Ireland at Shanes Castle. I think most of our outdoor gear for dog shows were bought of this man over the years.

You would not go hungry at this show. Burgers/Drinks/ Snacks/Teas and coffee were all available on site.

The children had a field day with a child handling class. Every child got a medal and a bag full of goodies. With their barking and crooning canine friends by their sides, these little people were in their happy place and full of winning spirit

As the day progressed into evening, it was raffle time and then the excitement began. It is unbelievable the buzz of excitement the raffle generates to the people around the ring. There were some great items in the raffle, and some very happy campers going home with great prizes

The Racing started at approximately 12 noon followed by Showing.

Here are the Racing and Showing Results:

***Racing Results***

Pups

Kieran with Jimmy

Kirsty with Sika

Whippet

James Mullen with Junior

James Mullen with Toby

Under 21s

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Bill

Rose Mc Coy with Arlo

Under 22s

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Venus

Rose Mc Coy with Texas

Under 23 elite

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Lady

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Cody

Under 23s traditional lurcher

Mj with Lila

Under 24 smooth

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Jack

Rose Mc Coy with Prada

Under 24 hairy

Harry Roche with Sula

Joyce Scott with Susan

Master McGrath

Jake with Storm

Joyce Scott with Guss

Mick the Miller

Jed Donagh with Chaz

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Sugar

Light bull

Yapper Hayes with Lady

Leigh Thompson with Roxy

Heavy bull

Joyce Scott with Mable

Leigh Thompson with King

Terrier

Matthew Wisdom with Rocco

Elaine with Ruby

Greyhounds

Barry Holland with Hunter

***Showing Results***

Overall Champion Pup

Clodagh Gentle with Dash

Overall Champion Whippet

James Mullen with Toby

Overall Champion Lurcher

Shane Burns with Buster

Overall Champion Terrier

Marty Mc Donald with Rebel

Overall Champion Strong Dog

Chris Mc Court with Sandy

Overall Champion Hound

Iveaghs Grapevine

Overall Champion and Best in Show

Marty Mc Donald with Rebel

Overall Champion Reserve

Chris Mc Court with Sandy

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.The Judging was delivered with accuracy and integrity, and a job was well done by all.

A special word of thanks to these legends in the Doggie world yes The Mc Grath Dog Racing Club Carlow. Again this year Biddy, you and the boys, and you as a team excelled yourselves in everything you done on the day for the Burren Working Dog Charity Show and Club and many thanks for that. You have been so helpful to so many clubs North and South of the border over the years and long may it last.

Finally, Finally this top show would not of been possible without this now well experienced and brilliant show organiser.

Yes, I would like to thank the coordinator of this spectacular charity event Stephen Mc Nally and his family, Dad Louis, mother Margaret, brothers Martin and Noel, sister Theresa, Philip Mackin, and a most willing, helpful and friendly back up team and helpers for another top charity show and race day.

A light went out in the Mc Nally household, when Stephen and his family lost a son and a beloved brother to cancer.

This is total heart break for any family, but Stephens reason and inspiration behind the Burren Charity Working Dog Shows is to keep the memory of his brother alive through giving back to the charities, through his dog shows to the people who helped the family in their hour of need.

This years chosen charity “Daisy Lodge Cancer Fund For Children “ is a charity that makes a real difference in the lives of families affected by cancer. Their mission is to empower and connect families, giving them the support they need to cope with the emotional and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. They also stand beside bereaved families, offering care and guidance to those grieving the loss of a child or parent.

This is where your gate, racing, ring and raffle contribution to The Burren Charity Working Dog Show will go to, and what a very worthy cause. For that we truly thank you for your contribution.

Thanks to Stephen and the Burren Team for a most enjoyable day, for the kindness you have shown to John and myself on the day. A brilliant venue and a brilliant day full of lovely memories, and I am already looking forward to more of the same god willing in 2026.

To we meet again God Bless.

Margaret Mc Stay

Edited July 31 by appleblossom