Ireland Mourne Race Day, Saturday 3rd November 12

[appleblossom 691]

Mourne Race Day Saturday 3rd November 12

 

 

 

Saturday 3^rd of November 2012 was Mourne Race Day, in aid of MacMillan Cancer Care. I jumped out of bed bleary eyed, opened the blinds, and to my horror, it was pitch black outside. My mind was still fixated in the zone of beautiful summer mornings, when I would awaken to the sound of the dawn chorus outside my window and the daylight and sun beaming in through the pane. Yes, it was time to load up the dogs in the trailer, and set out on our journey to the beautiful Mourne countryside, and the Mourne Race Day. We stopped off at “Gilberry Fayre” outside Gilford, where we met up with Deidre, Patsy and Rose Mc Coy, and here a most enjoyable breakfast was had by all.

 

 

 

We arrived at the Mourne Race Day venue around 11am. The weather was good, but the air was icy cold. It was a day to be well wrapped up against the icy winds coming in over the very calm sea flowing quietly beside us. The beauty of Mourne countryside is awesome, with its high mountains, Fishermen, sheep, wildlife including ravens, red grouse, peregrine falcons and of course the Irish hare. It was in the lap of this magnificent scenery “The Mourne Race Day” took place.

 

 

 

There was a large crowd of canine men and women in attendance, both from North and South of the country. I met up with quite a few old friends and also made some new one. Young Man, Liam Toner was there in his glory, such a pleasant young fellow and always willing to give a helping hand. As was young Kieron Mc Kinley . Kieron was Flag waver at the starting line and done a superb job. Another up and coming young sportsman to watch out for. I had a chat with Furittus , Polecat and Ged Donagh, all on “ The Hunting Life” , Michele and Charlene Rafferty , and John Humphries. Lovely interesting people and all enjoying a good days racing and a chat. It was a pleasure speaking to you all and all the other people to many to mention.

 

 

 

This event was run under the rules of the NILRC, thus setting the standards for racing in 2013. Registration and height measurements were taken of all dogs taking part, after which racing commenced at approximately 1pm. There was a very high calibre of dogs racing on Saturday, and the competition was good and filled with fun and excitement.

 

 

 

Here are the Overall Racing Results :

 

 

 

Whippets -------- Patsy Mc Coy with RIO

Under 21 ------------ Rose Mc Coy with Zola

Under Elite --------- Rose Mc Coy Diego

Over Elite ---------- John Humphries with Rebel

Under lurcher ------- Paddy Mc Carthy with PIP

Over lurcher -------- Jed Donagh with Scamp

 

 

 

All winners received £50, Trophy Plate, and a Bag of Food. A massive thanks to all the sponsers. Without your help these days would not happen for the charities. A Big Congratulations to all the winners.

 

 

 

 

And Finally, may I take this opportunity of thanking Tango, Tom Barry, and Nigel Greer, for running such a successful and trouble free Race day, and for a wonderful cause. Tango, the late Eddie Mc Kinistry would be very proud of you, whos designated charity this Race Day was run for. Tango, you are a very true and reliable friend and an increditable sportsman. I cannot forget the man of the day Graham Meek and lady Joanne Young , who both give up all of their time on Saturday to help the club out, and make things run smoothly. Graham and Joanne you both done a wonderful job. We could not off done without you, and thank you both for that. The same accolade goes to Patsy Mc Coy who also worked tirelessly on the line . Many thanks Patsy.

 

Deidre Mc Coy and Billy Harpur were there, snapping away with their camera, and recording all our moments of glory. Many thanks to both people for that. Hopefully we will see the photographs all up shortly on the Hunting Life and Facebook. It was very evident the team spirit there on Saturday, everybody working together to achieve the same goal, to run a very successful Race Day, and to make it a most enjoyable day for young and old. I am really looking forward to more of the same next year.

 

On behalf of all clubs around the country , A very happy Christmas to all our Canine friends and Show goers in Ireland, England , Scotland, and Wales, and please God we will all meet up again in 2013.

 

 

Margaret Mc Stay

Edited November 9, 2012 by appleblossom

[Furittus 35]

Many thanks to both yourself and the McCoys for making myself and the Polecat most welcome, and to Tango for a great and memorable day out .

[tomq 30]

great write up and well done to all it was a great day