The Mc Grath Racing Club Dog Show and Race Day, Sunday 31st August 25 **(Representing Mr Aj Titterington of The 5 Nations and The Great Game Fairs of Ireland)**

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The Mc Grath  Racing Club Dog Show and Race Day, Sunday 31st August 25

**(Representing Mr Aj Titterington of The 5 Nations  and The Great Game Fairs of Ireland)**

It has been said Carlow is one of the oldest counties in Ireland. Within this beautiful County traditionally rural and near the M9 motorway lies the village of Ballinabrannagh. This was the venue for The Mc Grath Racing Club Dog Show and Race Day Sunday 31st^TH August 25.

As it was 5 Nations day,Ballinabrannagh was buzzing with excitement. It was here in the late summer weather sporting enthusiasts from north and south of the border came to view the challenges of the sporting elite, and to partake in the Country sports events listed on the day.

As we approached the venue, it was very evident the popularity of this now annual show and the footfall far bigger than last year, all parking places were  filling up fast. On entering the field, I met so many patrons who I would have met at the Great Game Fairs of Ireland  in Shanes Castle. At this point  the memories came flooding back and what happy memories they were, probably never to return. The weather was very windy all day with some heavy showers in between.  

The show rings were well spaced out and the racetrack was in immaculate condition despite the heavy rain during the week.  

The entire McGrath family was out in strength on Sunday. I would guess all 15 children of the household and all helping out in every way they could.

It was nice to see all our little boys and girls in the childrens handling class showing off their faithful Canine breeds. We must not forget that these little people are our Country Sportsmen and women and show organisers of to morrow. 

Ged Donagh paid a lovely tribute to  5 young sports girls and boys that have attended and showed their dogs at our shows in the summer months in 2025 and previous. These 5 young people  are now our  Young Sports Personalities of the year. They are Clodagh Gentle/Ian McGrath /Ivy Roche/Charlie Mc Caughey and TJ Duggan. Each young person in the group received a nice trophy sponsored by Ged himself for all their hard work in the ring. Ged does this now annually.What a lovely thought and accolade to these Young Sports People. 

Next on the schedule was the Ross Rice racing cup in memory of Ross who passed away after an accident a few years ago. It was lovely to see all Rosses mates there to support and honour and keep the memory of their treasured friend alive. There were cheers all around the field when Jaimie O Connors winning dog romped home to victory for the 2^nd time around. He was last years winner also. Many thanks to Ged Donagh for keeping this young mans memory alive through this race and sponsoring this event.

Time passes so quickly, very soon it was Race and Show time. 

Racing Results, Curtesy of Biddy Mc Grath

Master McGrath Final 

Winner

Adam McGrath with Johnny 

Reserve 

Joyce Scott with Guss 

Mick the Miller Final

Ged Donagh with Tess

Reserve 

Ned Kane with Gunner 

All Ireland Racing 

Whippet

James Mullen with Junior 

James Mullen with Toby

KC Whippet 

Susan with Miss Money Penny 

Fred Gentle with Snake 

Under 21s 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Bill

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Ollie 

Under 22s 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Venus 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Ruby

Under 23's Traditional Lurcher 

Ricky with Lady 

MJ with Ruby

Under 23 elite 

Vanessa Lynn with Arthur 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Lady 

Under 24 smooth 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Jack

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Fletcher 

Under 24 Hairy 

Rebecca Saunderson with Susan 

Bull Cross Heavy 

Joyce Scott with Mabel

Glen with Nova 

Bull Cross Light 

Yapper Hayes with Lady 

Like with Myla 

Greyhound 

Barry Holland with Hot Hunter 

Stephanie O Connor with Holly 

Ross Rice Cup

Jamie O Connor with Penny 

Puppy 

Ricky with Big Girl 

Kirsty Smyth with Sika 

Over Hairy 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Sugar 

Ged Donagh with Shea

Fastest Young Slipper

John Reilly

5 Nations Showing Results

5 Nations Champion Whippets

Fred Gentle with Susie

Reserve 

Sophie Leonard with Junior

5 Nations Champion Lurcher

Lynzi Gardiner Magill  with Sugar

Reserve

Ged Donagh with Shea

5 Nations Champion Terrier

Rocco Cairns with Paddy

Reserve

Paddy Gilmore with Hanns

ALL IRELAND SHOWING 

ALL Ireland Champion Lurcher

Jed Donagh with Stig

Reserve

Lisa Beggs with Rossa

ALL Ireland Champion Whippet

Sophie Leonard with Junior

Reserve 

Clodagh Gentle with Nala

ALL Ireland Champion Terrier

David O Brien with Grip

ALL Ireland Champion Strong Dog

Johnny with Winnie

Reserve

Ged Donagh with Brock

Overall All Ireland Champion and Best in Show

David O Brien with Grip

Reserve

Sophie Leonard with Junior

Overall All Ireland Champion Puppy

Harry Roche with Reba

Reserve

Joyce Scott with Ernie

Finally, On Behalf of the Mc Grath Racing Club many thanks to the brilliant Judges on the day 

Child Handling : Karla Wilson

**All Ireland Showing Judges **

*Whippets: 

Karla Wilson

*Lurchers :  

Paddy Gibson

*Terriers    : 

Niall O Cloghan

*Strong Dogs : 

Franky Corrigan  

**5 Nations Judges

*Whippets : 

Margaret Mc Stay

Chontelle McMeekin

*Lurchers:

Maurice McDowell

Paddy McGrath

*Terriers

Marty Black

Jack McGrath

Your judging skills were honest, efficient and impeccable, and many thanks for that. 

And Finally, Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the Mc Grath Family for another brilliant show and race day on Sunday. The saying is that behind every good man is a good woman and Biddy Mc Grath you definately fit that picture. Biddy, we would have been lost without you. Along with Michael and Jack, you put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes to make this day most enjoyable for everyone. 

Your whole family was so welcoming, and made us all feel at ease in your native Co Carlow. Thank you so much for the lovely presentation to us on Sunday, it was so unexpected and very much appreciated.

As the end of the day was approaching, it was time to say good bye to Balinabrannagh for another year and be on the road again to Co Armagh and the place we call home. 

Many thanks Mc Grath Racing Club for the memories, and God willing, we will all be back again in 2026 for another great window in Country Sports.

To we meet again God Bless.

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

 

Edited September 4 by appleblossom