The Mc Grath Racing Club Dog Show and Race Day, Sunday 25th August 24 Representing the Great Game Fairs of Ireland ( By kind permission of Mr AJ Titterington )

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The Mc Grath  Racing Club Dog Show and Race Day, Sunday 25^th August 24 in Carlow

Representing the Great Game Fairs of Ireland  ( By kind permission of Mr AJ Titterington )

In the beautiful Irish midlands lies the County of Carlow, with its many scenic landscapes, villages and townlands. Ballinabrannagh is one of those traditional rural spots now made famous for the annual Mc Grath Racing Club Dog Show and Race Day.

It was here in the late summer weather sporting enthusiasts from north and south of the border came to view the challenges of the sporting elite, and to partake in the Country sports events listed on the day.

This dog show and race day is a great sporting day out for all like minded people before the shades of winter fall down and the work in the field begins. 

As usual the Canine world was well catered for, with a full programme of showing and  racing, burger van, country sports stands, toilet facilities and a child handling class for the wee people with lots of goodies on the day. Some great wee lads in that class and some craic with them .

With the now famous 5 Nations showing Championships, the Master Mc Grath  , Mick The Miller finals and the All Ireland showing and Racing Championships all happening at this show by kind permission of The Great Game Fairs of Ireland( Aj Titterington ) in one day, this was an action packed schedule and all went without a hitch.

As the morning progressed the excitement was building up in the air as the time for the highlight of the year, the Master Mc Grath and Mick the Millar was fast approaching.  

This show was full of memories for me. As I am old enough, myself and my husband being part of the Canine scene for 25-30 years, we  have seen so many good friends pass away and no longer with us. So my heart was filled with pride and tinged with a little sadness when Ged Donagh announced and sponsored the Ross Rice racing cup. It was lovely to see all Rosses mates there to support Ged and honour and keep the memory of their treasured friend alive. Congratulations to Jamie O Connor and his winning dog for winning this race in Rosses memory

Going forward with another new attraction from Mc Grath Racing club, was the under 10 racing class. Well you talk about excitement. The field echoed the cheers, clapping, and roars from these young people when their canine friends were running this race. What a great idea and hopefully will be showcased by shows in the future.

The day kicked off when Fran Kennys dog Rose pipped the post in the Master Mc Grath final followed by Errol Gardiners winning dog Chase winning the Mick the Miller Trophy for 2 consecutive years running. Last 2023 and now in 2024. What an achievement Errol. It was well worth the journey to see the joy on the faces of these two Sporting people.

Time passes quickly and very soon it was time for the very popular 5 Nations Championships and All Ireland Showing Championship 2024.

Here are the Showing Results Courtesy of Biddy Mc Grath and Leigh Thompson.

**Five Nations Champions 2024 **

Five Nations Champion Whippet

James Mullen with Max

Reserve

Sian Krysten Webb with Loca

Five Nations Champion Lurcher

Ged Donagh with Jake

Reserve

Ged Donagh with Kev

Five Nations Champion Terrier

Kyle Quinn with Star

Reserve

Richard O Callaghan with Hunter

**All Ireland Champion Showing**

All Ireland Champion Whippet

Sian Krysten Webb with Loca

Reserve

Sian Krysten Webb with Tikka

All Ireland Champion Lurcher

Ged Donagh with Seamus

Reserve 

Fran Kenny with Precious

All Ireland Champion Terrier

Kyle Quinn with Star

Reserve

Richard O Callaghan with Hunter

All Ireland Champion Strong Dog

Ricky B with Juice

Reserve

Andy Spence with Snake

**Overall All Ireland Show Champion

Sian Krysten Webb with Loca

Reserve

Ged Donagh with Seamus

**Pups **

All Ireland Champion Whippet Pup

James Mullen with Toby

All Ireland Champion Lurcher Pup

Rebecca Saunderson with Susan

All Ireland Champion Terrier Pup

Kyle Quinn with Nancy

All Ireland Champion Strong Dog Pup

Marty Black with Panda

***Overall Champion All Ireland Pup

Marty Black with Nancy handled by Kyle Quinn

Reserve

Marty Black with Panda

Racing Results From the pen of Biddy Mc Grath

Master Mc Grath Champion

Fran Kenny with Rose

Reserve

Paul Owens with King

Mick The Miller Champion

Errol Gardiner with Chase

Reserve

Edward Kane with Ginger

ALL IRELAND RACING CHAMPIONS AND RESERVE CHAMPION  

TERRIER CHAMPION 
Robert with Copper
Reserve 
Robert with Tess

Whippet Champion 
Willy Carthy with Molly May
Reserve 
James Mullen with Junior 

Under 21 Champion 
Lynzi Gardner Maill with Venison
Reserve 
Lynzi Gardiner Magill with River

Under 22s Champion 

Leanne Hawthorne with Casey 

Reserve 

Billy Harpur with Dash 

Under 23 Non Elite 

MJ with Ruby

Reserve 

Thomas with Speedy 

Under 23s Elite 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with lady 

Reserve

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Codi 

Under 24 Champion 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill with Jack 

Reserve 

Billy Harpur with Chucky 

Under 24 Hairy Champion 

Jed with Tess

Reserve 

Mason Thompson with Jess

Heavy Bull Champion

Joyce Scott with Mabel

Reserve 

Luke with Blue

Light Bull Champion

Joyce Scott with Axel 

Reserve 

Leigh Thompson with Roxy

Big Dogs (MMcG Qualifier for 2025) Champion 

Lynzi Gardiner Magill  with Aneka

Reserve 

Cliona Owens with Miley 

Puppy Champion

Jamie O Connor with Penny 

Reserve 

Liverne Townsend with Zara 

Under 10s Best Slipper Champion

Ronaldo with Jack 

Reserve 

AJ with Zara 

Congratulations to all above winners

And Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank the judges on the day

Five Nations Judges

Whippets

Leigh Thompson 

Margaret Mc Stay

Lurchers

Paddy Mc Grath

Maurice Thomas Mc Dowell

Terriers

Hanna Heinenon

Eamon Mc Erlain

All Ireland Judges

Whippets

Kirsty Harpur

Lurchers

Fiona Devlin

Terriers

Hanna Heinonen/Eamon McErlain

Strong Dogs

Gary Griffen

Judging is not an easy task. Thank you all for doing an excellent job.

Personally, I would like to thank Leigh Thompson for all her help and professionalism at the show, but especially when we were judging together in the 5 Nations. You are a star Leigh and thank you. Also to Stephanie OConnor /Chantelle O Connor and Biddy Mc Grath for taking photographs while I was in the ring. I could not of done it without you.

And Finally, Finally, this show was run under the guidance of people who are passionate about Country Sports and a great window for the showing and racing tradition. 

Yes it’s the McGrath Racing team I am speaking about. Biddy, Michael, Jack, Terry, and Anthony, and your brilliant back up team. You set the place a light with your professionalism at every stage in the showing and racing and everything ran so effective and efficiently this year. A lot of hard work went in but it all paid off in the end, and was a credit to you all and your team. Mary Mc Grath you should be so proud of your family.

My Final word goes to Albertj Titterington and his wife Irene. After 69 Great Games Fairs of Ireland, you have left a legacy in Country Sports that will live on long after we have gone to the great throne beyond the sky. Our lives have been enriched with the excellent work and enjoyment you give to many families across the country and down through the years, through your Game Fairs. 

Over the years you have brought a creative marketing flair, vast event organisation, a wealth of experience, and a lifetime's commitment to the promotion and enjoyment of all Country Sports. 

Albert, I know you could not be in Carlow because of health issues, but you donated some beautiful Cups, Trophies and prizes which was so much appreciated. 

Albert and Irene, It is an honour to be your friend, and on behalf of the whole canine community and especially the Mc Grath Racing Club, we wish you a speedy recovery back to health, and look forward to seeing you in Carlow in 2025.

Again thank you to the Mc Grath Racing Club for another great show. A great day was had by all in Carlow. 

To we meet again, God Bless

 Margaret Mc Stay

Edited August 28 by appleblossom