Terrier, Lurcher, & Whippet Show Roundup - By Margaret McStay

After a year of complete lockdown and relentless promises on the road back to normality, and not a chance of a dog show on the horizon, finally in 2021 there was light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

With Covid 19 leaving a trail of sadness and destruction behind in our homes, it was a real treat to hear the dog shows were on the way back albeit a little short circuited. So it was fitting to come in on a high with the annual DWTC dog show Sunday 30th May 21.

Overall Show Champion and Best in Show: Aimee Agnew with Toby

In the shadow of the beautiful Mountains of Mourne lay the venue for the County Down Hounds and Working Terrier Dog Show Saturday 26th June 2021. The sun shone brilliantly, the craic was good and the showing and racing was top class.

For a first time show, the organisation was good with a big turnout of Terriers, Lurchers, Whippets, and Strong Dogs. The rings were well spaced out and social distancing was adhered to at all times.

Overall Champion and Best in Show: Stewart Graham with Ace

The quiet village of Kells, in Co Meath woke up bright and early on Saturday morning 12th June 21 to the sound of barking dogs, rattling trailers, all on their way to the Meath Foxhounds Dog Show. After losing our way a few times and negotiating our way back out again with the help of our excellent Sat Nav guide, Linzi Gardiner Magill, we finally reached the show venue around noon.

As this was the first show in the South of Ireland since the dreaded Covid came on the scene the atmosphere was amazing for all concerned.

Overall Champion Lurcher Jed Donagh with Jess, handled by Jonathan Kirwan Reserve Champion JP O Hagan with Clay

I woke up Sunday morning with the dawn chorus, bright eyed and bushy tailed. Yes, the day had finally arrived for the West Wexford Harriers Hound & Working Dog Show at Cassagh, New Ross, Co Wexford.

As our good friend Linzi Gardiner Magill and her famous doggy father Earl Gardiner had invited John and myself to travel with them, very soon we were on our way down the motorway to this beautiful part of the country. As we drove through Slaney Valley enroute to our destination I have never witnessed scenery so beautiful.

We arrived at the venue at approximately 12.30 and were very lucky to get a parking place. The field was filled to capacity with dogs, trailers, families, burger stand, and stalls, and all glad to be out of the dark dreary days of winter to get back to the summer sport we all love.

The town of Duleek, is situated in the quiet valley of the Nanny River in the beautiful County Meath countryside. Nestling alongside the rippling waters of the historic River Boyne, this was the fantastic venue for last Sundays outstanding Working Dog Charity Show in aid of suicide awareness.

The good Canine folk of Ireland, both north and south of the border made this a dream come true and came out in force last Sunday to support this very special cause. I have said it before and I will say it again, the generosity of our Country Sports fraternity knows no bounds when it comes to Charity events.