UK QUALIFIERS AVAILABLE FOR IRELAND'S GREATEST WORKING DOG WEEKEND

[AlbertJ 569]

IN 2018, for one year only,  the GREAT GAME FAIRS of Ireland team have combined their ROI event ( Previously at BIRR CASTLE) and the NI events into one very special 40th ANNIVERSARY ALL IRELAND Game Fair to take place at Shanes Castle, Antrim on the 23rd & 24th June.   All facets of the event have been extended and enhanced including the competitions with specially 'ruby enhanced' trophies to be won outright.  The ROI Game Fair will return to a new larger venue in the Irish Midlands on the 24/25 August 2019. 

In order that the  2018 ALL IRELAND EVENT  at Shanes Castle, Antrim attract the largest possible audience from all over Ireland and the UK and recognising the cost of travelling the organisers are offering discounted admission  of just €5 to members of the sporting organisations in the ROI ( NARGC & CAI members show their card at the gate to get this rate/anglers have a special licence voucher)  and GB residents get FREE admission and discounted ferry rates through our Irish Countrysports Diaspora https://www.(!64.56:886/groups/179089859337654/     Accommodation s available in the area from £25 pn. 

All of our competitions and especially our working dog competitions have fabulous trophies and prizes.   The fair will host the largest working dog weekend in Ireland including huge international gundog events and the 30th Annual All Ireland Lurcher, Terrier and Whippet Racing & Showing Championships ( these are open to all with entry on the days - Racing Saturday 23rd June and Showing 24th June 2018).  There are also  Ferret Showing & Racing Championships on the Sunday. 

There are FIVE pre qualified INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS where competitors can qualify at shows throughout the UK and Ireland and SHOW ORGANISERS are invited to apply for these qualifiers:  EMAIL irishgamefair@btinternet.com for details.

SATURDAY 23 June 2018

The Master Mc Grath Challenge for Elite Lurchers : Winner £200, Special Trophy, Barbour Coat and winners Coat  Runner Up : £50, Special Trophy and Runner Up Coat. Two qualifiers at each show ( the over and under 23" dogs). See Trophy below - still to be mounted.

The Mick the Miller Challenge for Traditional lurchers Winner £200, Special Trophy, Barbour Coat and winners Coat  Runner Up : £50, Special Trophy and Runner Up Coat. (Two qualifiers at each qualifying show ) 

SUNDAY 24th JUNE

FIVE NATIONS  Championships starting at 5.00pm Sunday 24^th June in the Main Arena under a THREE JUDGE SYSTEM ( different judges to the breed judges at the All Ireland Championships over the weekend)

RED MILLS Five Nations Terrier Championship : Champion wins £200, Special Trophy, a Barbour Coat & A Winners Coat Runner Up wins £50, A Watch and a Res Champion Coat.

FEEDWELL Five Nations Whippet  Championship : Champion wins £200, Special Trophy, a Barbour Coat & A Winners Coat Runner Up wins £50, A Watch and a Res Champion Coat

RED MILLS Five Nations Lurcher  Championship : Champion wins £200, Special Trophy, a Barbour Coat & A Winners Coat Runner Up wins £50, A Watch and a Res Champion Coat.

For this year the top two dogs at each qualifying show qualify plus the Champion and Reserve ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS from the ALL Ireland Show at Shanes Castle. 

And a special Directors Challenge:  top two  Whippets  v top two under Under 21" lurchers. Whippets get Five Metres. Challenge winner £50 and Special Trophy Best other Breed £25 and Special Trophy

To get a flavour of this very special event see  our video 'Forty Years of Irish Game Fairs'  https://player.vimeo.com/video/258116515

Come to Shanes Castle to help demonstrate the support for country sports in Ireland and be part of Irish fieldsports history!

Edited March 15, 2018 by AlbertJ