Ireland Tommy Cullens Dog Show And Race Day, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow Sunday 2Rd April 17.

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Tommy Cullens Dog Show and Race Day, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow Sunday 2nd April 17.

 

At the dawning of a fine Spring morning, with dogs in tow, we headed

South of the Border down Wicklow way, to the town of Baltinglass, and to the 4^th annual Gain Irish Open Dog Show and Raceday.

 

As we crawled out of bed at an ungodly hour with no breakfast, hunger had taken its toll on us, not to far down the road. We stopped off at the Applegreen Service Station, just north of Dublin and enjoyed a full Ulster fry. O boy did that go down well. This was the beginning of another very enjoyable Dog show and Race day.

 

 

As the sun came out to play all day, this brought another record crowd this year.

By midday the field was full to capacity.

 

It was evident a lot of hard work and muscle went into this show and show ground, as the field was in mint condition. New all weather entrance paths were laid since last year, show rings well spaced out, and the race track was in immaculate condition.

 

Various stands were on site with all kind of Country Sports items, including dog leads, dog dishes, country clothing and a burger and Ice cream stand. Some little people gave these two areas some trade on the day.

 

As I moved around the field, taking various photographs with my mobile phone along the way, I had some very interesting conversations with various doggie men and women, about their dogs and dog breeds. I never stop learning. All a lovely bunch of true Country Sportsmen and women, and all gathered together for a good days sportsmanship amongst like minded people.

 

In the show ring there were 20 to 25 dogs in each class. This year I noticed a great mix of top quality dogs in all categories. It was nice to see the strong dogs included this year, and hopefully next year they might have a ring of their own.

 

Time passes so quickly when you are having fun, and very soon it was show time. Here are some results.

 

**Childrens Handling Class – Judge Margaret Mc Stay

 

Overall winner

Chloe Crosby with Tipsy

 

Congratulations Chloe, and to all the other children that took part. You were all winners on the day.

 

*Ferretts --- Judge --- Bradley Crosbie

 

Overall Winner

 

Michael Quinn with Fred

Reserve

Michael Quinn with Sandy

 

Congratulations Michael and well done.

 

Overall Showing Results.

 

Whippets – Judge -- Jim Dalton

 

***Gain Irish Open Overall Show Champion Whippet

 

Karen Cummins with Maisie

Reserve Champion Whippet

John Shaw with Bugsy

3^rd

Barry Chambers with Ruby

 

Lurchers - Judges Sean O Keeffe – Mark Delaney

 

***Gain Irish Open Overall Show Champion Lurcher

 

Lisa Beggs with Joker

Reserve Champion Lurcher

Tracy Crosbie with Poacher

 

3^rd

Maurice Mc Dowell

 

Terriers - Judge – Keith Murphy

 

***Gain Irish Open Overall Show Champion Terrier

 

Gary Healy with Bart

Reserve

Dessie Mackin

3^rd

Gerry Maxwell

 

***Overall Strong Dog Champion

 

Paddy Elliman with Toro

 

***Overall Show Champion and Best in Show ***

 

Gary Healy with Bart

Reserve best in Show

Lisa Beggs with Joker

3^rd

Karen Cummins with Maisie

 

 

 

Congratulations Gary, and all above winners, and well done to all.

 

Racing Results

Bull Cross

 

1/ Peter Jones – Zara

2/ Sean Mc Gee – Razor

3/ Chris Mc Cabe – Bow

 

Under 23 Working

1/ Charlene Rafferty –Pixie

2/ Johnny Connors - Merle

3/ Shane Ennis - Sam

 

Under 23 Elite

1/ Steven Mc Grath – Meg

2/ Corey Byrne - Lexy

3/ Jamie Moore – Cissy

 

Hairy Lurcher

1/ Eddie Kane – Scooter

2/ Fran Kenny – Cooers Light

3/ Fran Kenny - Puncture

 

Over 23 Elite

1/ Michael Mc Grath - Tucker

2/ Nicole Smith – Prince

3/ David Nolan – Missy

 

Under 21

1/ Deirdre Mc Coy – Taylor

2/ John O Connor – Jess

3/ Brian Grady - Socks

 

Whippet Racing

1/ Gladys and Alec Savage with Billy BOB

2/ Charlene Rafferty – Zio

3/ Charlene Rafferty – Roxy

 

Congratulations to all the above worthy winners.

 

And Finally, may I take this opportunity on behalf of Tommy Cullen to thank the judges on the day.

 

Ferretts - Bradley Crosby

Childrens Handling Class - Margaret Mc Stay

Lurchers - Sean O Keefe and Mark Delaney

Terriers and Strong Dogs – Keith Murphy

Whippets – Jim Dalton

 

Judging is not an easy task, but you all carried out your duties with fairness and efficiency. Many thanks for that.

 

I took some photographs at the show and these are on my timeline at the moment.

 

And Finally, Finally, I always leave the best to last. I must not forget the man at the helm of this brilliant show day.

 

Tommy Cullen, you and your family made everybody so welcome with your hospitality, excellent show, your brilliant band of helpers, and your friendship on the day. Your show brightened up our lives, and brought everyone away from the trials and tribulations of life, if only for a day.

 

Tommy, you must have the best mother and father in this world. Billy and Noreen Cullen worked tirelessly all day, along side your fiancée Katie and your Aunt Fiona, and other people whose names I do not know, resulting in your 4th annual Dog show being a continual roaring success again in 2017. I am already looking forward to more of the same, god willing in 2018.

 

 

Margaret Mc Stay

Edited April 6, 2017 by appleblossom