Ireland The North West Working And Gun Dog Fair, Temple House Demense, Sligo, Sunday 27Th September 15

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The North West Working and Gun Dog Fair, Temple House Demense , Sligo, Sunday 27^th September 15.

 

Started off from home early Sunday morning just as dawn was breaking, and very soon joined the rest of the Canine folk of the North Of Ireland on the motorway at Dungannon, stopping off in Belcoo, Co Fermanagh, at the Customs House Couuntry Inn for some much appreciated breakfast.

 

 

When a hearty breakfast was consumed, we continued on our journey. Two hours later Mrs Sat Nav informed us we were coming to the end of the motorway, and our destination. There, bordered by the OX Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean lay in front of us, the beautiful Temple House Demense. Sligo is blessed with its mountains, lakes, beeches, lush green fields. boglands and some of the kindest, friendliest people in the world.

 

 

As we drove the half a mile of avenue that wandered through parkland, leading into 1000 acres of land with its green grass maintained in perfect order. Lakeside woodland can be found here with lichen-covered trees, which provides a forever home for wild life, and magical winding footpaths to wander and listen to the bird song from that free as bird life.

 

 

This little piece of heaven has been in the Perceval family since 1665. What a venue for The North West Working and Gun Dog Fair Sunday 27^th September 15.

 

 

God blessed us with beautiful weather.The sun shone all day, and very soon the fair was full to capacity with cars ,trailers, dogs, and families. The organisation was impeccable. There were some beautiful Wolfhounds/

Lurchers/Whippets/Terriers/Irish Terriers and Plummer Terriers and a big turnout also in the pet ring. We visited the many stands and enjoyed some retail theraphy away from home. Charlie Keenan was there in full swing with some great bargains on the day. The PA System was second to none , loud and clear and kept everyone well informed.

 

 

It was nice to meet old friends, but it was also nice to make so many new ones. I met up with Jenny O Meara from Tipperary, with her wolfhounds and a squad of terriers. Sam White from Belfast was there with his winning plummer terrier, and Hagan Mc Quaid from Sligo was there keeping an eye on the large turnout of plummers on the day.

 

 

There were many outstanding moments at this Fair on Sunday, but the highlight of the day for me was the Terrier Maze. Well really this was hilarious and full of excitement. I never laughed as much in a long time, watching them we terriers so eager to get down the tunnel after the lure. Well done Niall O Cloghan for the craic and sportmanship, and also congratulations to Jed Donagh and his Maze winning terrier Kara, and runner ups Gene Gallagher and Gary Logan. All great sportsmen.

 

 

The showing commenced at 1.30, followed by the racing.

 

Here are the Overall Showing Results ;

 

**Overall Champion Whippet

Janet Duke with Ash

 

 

**Reserve Overall Champion Whippet

Charlene Rafferty with Timber

 

**Overall Champion Terrier

Terence Mc Laughlin with Rusty

**Reserve Overall Champion Terrier

Sam White with Merlin

 

**Overall Champion Lurcher

Peter Cummins with Harry

 

 

**Reserve Overall Champion Lurcher

Glen Doherty with Diesel

 

**Overall Champion Puppy

Chontelle Mc Meekin with Blue

 

 

**Reserve Overall Champion Puppy

Adam Cummins with Ben

 

*Overall Champion and Best in Show went to :

***Terence Mc Laughlin with Rusty

 

 

Overall Reserve Champion and Best in Show went to :

***Janet Duke with Ash

 

 

A big congratulations to Terence and Janet, and all the rest of the worthy winners.

 

***Overall Champion in Family Pet Show went to:

Shannon Kelly with Guinness

 

 

***Overall Reserve Family Pet Champion

Frank Garbey with Fraiser

 

 

Congratulations to all involved.

 

Racing Results :

 

Under 21”

Deirdre Mc Coy with Taylor

 

Under 23”

Peter Cummins with Angel

 

Over 23”

Ned Kane with Coco

 

Hairy Dog

Ray Kane with Rose

 

Bull Cross

Kirsty Harpur with Regal

 

Whippet Race

Charlene Rafferty with Solo

 

Terrier Race

Willie O Meara with Chieftain

 

And Finally, many thanks to the judges on the day for a job well done. John Mc Stay Whippets/ Lurchers Jason Mc Morrow /Terriers Wesley Scott/ and Family Pet Judge Gerard Fleming. Not always an easy job with so many top quality dogs, but a job well done.

 

Gene Gallagher and Patsy Mc Coy managed the racing to perfection and without a hitch, with all dogs home safe and sound. Deirdre Mc Coy and myself took some great photographs of all the happenings on the day, and all of these are up on the sites at the moment.

 

 

And Finally, Finally, None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication behind the scenes of a lovely couple Patricia and Ritchie Verden. Along with your brilliant committee and helpers you have worked tirelessly to make this fair such an overwhelming success. What a finally to the end of the summer racing and showing season.

 

Patricia and Ritchie when we are out in the field in the snow with our faithful Canine companions, we will look back with fond memories at the day in September we spent back there in Sligo at the North West Working and Gun Dog Fair in the beautiful Temple House Demense. Thanks Patricia and Ritchie for the memory.

 

 

A very memorable day was had by all, and I am already looking forward to next years Fair. Well done Patricia, Ritchie and committe.

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

 

 

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Edited September 30, 2015 by appleblossom