Man O War Dog Show and Race Day Saturday 21st July 18

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Man O War Dog Show and Race Day Saturday 21st July 18

 

With the jingling of the alarm clock loud and clear in my ears, and the Dog chorus howling from the dog pens, our canine companions had issued a reminder that the day had arrived for the Man O War Dog Show and Race day.

As we drove through Keady,  beautiful Clea Lake came into view. A tributary of the river Callan, Clea lake ripples radiantly, and runs parallel with winding country roads through South Armagh. Onward bound, our scenic drive guided us through this stunning part of Northern Ireland, and to the venue for a superb Dog Show and family day out.

A  large crowd in attendance at this now very popular show. The show rings were well situated, with a brilliant mix of Lurcher,Terriers ,Whippets, Pups and Strong Dogs on the day. The racecourse was in mint condition, and what an up hill gallop that was. A great challenge for any good racing dog, and no doubt we were not disappointed. 

As usual the whole show from start to finish was run with impeccable taste and organisation. The gods of sun shone all day, with not a hint of rain in sight. The craic was good with plenty of banter, and above all your friendship.

It was nice to see so many children in the childrens handling class.  These young people are our show organisers of tomorrow, so it is heart warming to see them starting early on the  Country Sports scene, and following in our footsteps. Some tired little people on Saturday night.

As usual the raffle generated a flurry of excitement, with some fantastic prizes to be won. Mickey Quinn went home a happy bunny, after winning a hamper of beauty products for his wife Paula. Guess who will be in the good books this week.

The raffle was followed by an auction, with auctioneer for the day Maurice Mc Dowell selling off some treasured items. Niall O Cloghan went home to Sligo with two lovely pictures, while lamps and hunting gear went in a matter of minutes. Well done Maurice, and for a brilliant cause.

 

The racing commenced at approximately 12.00 noon, followed by the showing immediately afterwards.   

Here are the Racing  Results :

Whippets 

Gladys and Alex Savage with Murphy 

Under 21" Joe Leonard with Rosin 

Under 23" Lurcher Neil Pinkerton with Dipper

Over 23" Lurcher Lee brooks with Bobby Under 23" Elite Joe Leonard with Not Scared 

Over 23" Elite Michelle Rafferty with Sally/Joe Leonard Blue ( Joint 1st )

Bull Cross 

Mickey Quinn with Haus 

Rough Coated 

Neil Pinkerton with Gunner 

Pups 

Alison Gamble with Ziro 

Greyhounds

Michelle Rafferty with Sky

Showing Results

Champion Whippet

Mairead Fearon with Jill

Reserve Champion

John Mc Stay with Jack

 

Champion Lurcher

Maurice Mc Dowell with Poacher

Reserve Champion

Maurice Mc Dowell with Blue (Handled by Neil Pinkerton )

 

Champion Terrier

Conor Quinn with BOB

Reserve Champion

Declan Owens with Mink

 

Champion Strong Dogs

Tom Barry with Shamgar

Reserve Champion

Ethan Barry with Nancy

 

Champion Bull Cross

Neil Pinkerton with Ben

Reserve Champion

Cathal Farrell with Turbo

 

Champion Pup

Conor Quinn with Midge

Reserve Champion

Michael Quinn with Elvis

 

Overall Show Champion and Best in Show

Mairead Fearon with Jill

Reserve Champion 

Tom Barry with Shamgar

 

Congratulations to Mairead and Tom and above winners, and well done to all.

And Finally may I take this opportunity to thank the Judges 

Childrens Handling Class : Joyce Anderson

Whippets : Jonter Campbell

Lurchers :  Mark Gorman

Terriers   : Patrick Wilson

Strong Dogs : Paddy Burns

 Judging is a difficult job, but a job well done by all. 

A big thank you to Plunkett Rafferty and his good wife Ann for the show venue. Without you the show could not take place. Also Charlene the flowers were much appreciated. I do not deserve them. I do this job as a labour of love. Again many thanks.

Loads of photographs on face book at the moment.

Finally, Finally, I felt a sense of pride and admiration  for this young women and her back up team on  Saturday. Charlene, together with your beautiful children Brooke and Chelsea and your troops on the ground, you produced a very enjoyable show and race day to be proud of. It was very evident a lot of hard work was carried out behind the scenes to make this day possible, and so successful. Your show is a credit to you and long may it continue. 

 

Lets not forget, this show was run for the Charity "Cash for Kids," a charity very close to all our hearts. This charity responds to the needs of children in our communities, so they can live life to the full and realise their full potential.  Children supported are disabled, disadvantaged or suffering from abuse or neglect. This Charity is always standing in the wings to reach out to the community in our hour of need. We never know when difficult times will knock on our doors and we will have to reach out for help. A very worthy Charity.

 

But remember, you the good Canine folk of Northern Ireland and further afield, it was your generosity and kindness that made all of this happen by coming and supporting the show.

Charlene , you run a top class show on Saturday, and many thanks for a really enjoyable day out amongst like minded people. Look forward to more of the same next year.

 

Margaret Mc Stay

 

[paddy1234 0]

Well done Charlean great show