Irish Country Sports and Country Life - Spring/Summer 2023

Irish

Volume 22 Number 1 Spring/Summer edition 2023. £7.50/€7.50 (incl P&P)

COUNTRY SPORTS and COUNTRY LIFE

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Irish

COUNTRY SPORTS and COUNTRY LIFE

Contents 4 Editorial Comment

47 Terrier, Lurcher, & Whippet

5 Countryside News

Show Review By Margaret McStay

6 News from NARGC 10 News from Country Sports Ireland

12 News from Countryside Alliance Ireland

14 Bowhill Partridges in Selkirkshire, Scotland

20 Inland Fisheries Ireland -

Front Cover: A smart retrieve at The IGL Championship (Photo: courtesy of Jan Evans)

‘Watch and Learn’ with IFI’s YouTube Channel

22 Trout in the Twilight Make Midsummer Magic - By Michael Martin, Six Mile Water Trust

26 The Real Story of the Klinkhåmer Fly By Hans van Klinken

30 FISSTA’s News & Views 34 The Way I See It! - The Culprits for Change Examined By John Toal

36 *SPECIAL FEATURE* Lorrha/Rathcabbin Gun Club’s Duck Conservation

50 *EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW* SEAN KEARNEY, WINNER OF THE IKC RETRIEVER CHAMPIONSHIP

53 The RED MILLS Gundog Interview - With LOUIS RICE

56 Review of Trials 2022 for Setters and Pointers By Hugh Brady

60 The IGL Championship at Holkham - By Peter Smith

65 The Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship - Report

68 The Irish Kennel Club’s Championship for A.V. Spaniels

71 Kieran Fox for Ireland at the KC’s HPR Championship

73 IKC Cocker Championship Special Report By Ronan Gorman & Mark Stewart

77 The 2022 IKC Irish Retriever Championship - Report by Paul O’Brien/ Photography Jan Evans

40 Bore Sighting a Hunting Rifle By Frank Brophy

42 Tracking Dogs for Wounded Deer - By Larry Taaffe

44 The Future of Hunting in Ireland - By Tom Fulton

Managing Editor: Albert Titterington, Editor: Paul Pringle, Associate Editor: Irene Titterington Publishers: (Editorial, Ordering & Advertising) Country Lifestyle Exhibitions Ltd. Cranley Hill, 5b Woodgrange Road, Hollymount, Downpatrick BT30 8JE Tel: (028) (from ROI 048) 44839167 Email: Email: irishgamefair@btinternet.com Web: www.countrysportsandcountrylife.com Available by ORDER/SUBSCRIPTION or FREE to READ at www.countrysportsandcountryife.com and our ARCHIVE of 12 years of magazines https://issuu.com/bluegator/docs/The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or the publishers. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that information published is accurate and reliable, the publishers cannot be held responsible or accept liability for any errors or omissions in this publication. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of the owner. No liability is accepted for the safe custody of unsolicited materials and manuscripts. Publication of accepted articles is not always guaranteed and the publishers will not be held liable for any manuscripts, photographs or other materials lost or damaged while in their possession, although every care will be taken. The editor reserves the right to amend any such articles as necessary.

IRISH COUNTRY SPORTS & COUNTRY LIFE - THE VOICE of IRISH HUNTING, SHOOTING & FISHING since 1985

Country Sports and Country Life Editorial Comment

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here is so much good work happening in our country sports.

Young people are involved in raising much needed funds for charity, clubs are busy educating and facilitating best practice in conservation. Habitat is improved by clubs or enthusiasts with wildlife the beneficiary. Lasting legacies follow enthusiastic trimming, building, and replenishing of natural resources. Rivers and lakes are monitored by clubs for early warnings of pollution. Young people are educated in nature and best practice to sustain improvements in ecosystems throughout the country. One only has to look at this to see that this will have a ripple effect outwards, a chain reaction of good work done locally that can bring benefits elsewhere.

In this edition of Irish Country Sports & Country Life magazine, we highlight good practice by a the Lorrha/Rathcabbin Gun Club, a game and conservation club in North Tipperary, close to Lough Derg which is enhancing the mallard population.

This in turn helps to develop young enthusiasts along the way as they demonstrate their conservation work in local schools. After all the youth of today are the sportsmen and women of tomorrow.

Membership organisations such as the NARGC are involved in much good conservation on grouse, grey partridge and wildfowl work through their schemes for gun and game & conservation clubs throughout Ireland and we try where possible to report that in our pages as well.

John Toal, former PRO of NARGC also highlights this work in his column.

So please keep on sending us the details of YOUR activities for publication. We have an unrivalled readership through both traditional hard copy magazine and our worldwide penetration on the internet with c 250,000 visits per year. If you want to get your news out to a huge audience all you have to do is send us the details and the photos and we’ll do the rest.

Singing off the same hymn sheet on Woodcock?

Wild Justice have been very effective in presenting their arguments, getting public support through petitions and fundraising to support their efforts. It even seems that some of the statements made by ‘our side,’ are rather easily used for their purposes at a later date.

For example, having got over 100,000 signatures in a petition, Wild Justice managed to get a parliamentary debate on changing the woodcock season to starting 4

on the 1st December and they cleverly presented this as a 'non contentious issue' using some of the comment that shooters offered up in a call to postpone woodcock shooting until later in the season.

Wild Justice said: "As we told Mr Gullis, (the MP taking the Petition forward) this is not a contentious matter. The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (a proshooting organisation) calls on its members not to shoot Woodcock before 1 December.

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation suggest: “Refrain from shooting woodcock until the migrant population arrives to reduce the chance of a resident bird being taken. As a guide, don’t shoot woodcock until late November. Do allow migrant birds at least a week of good weather to recover from their journey before shooting.” They add: “Refrain from over-shooting in areas where there are no local breeding birds. It is known that many migrant woodcock remain faithful to the same wintering sites year on year. Overshooting can break this link, resulting in fewer birds returning to that area in the future.” The only difference is that ‘we’ (Wild Justice talking) are asking for the official shooting season to stipulate that shooting should not take place in September (in Scotland) October and November (all UK nations) whereas GWCT and BASC want to leave it up to the goodwill of shooters to show restraint.

By that implied logic, all Wild Justice were doing was asking for something that the shooting side were already happy with as a voluntary measure. However, once legislation would be in place to restrict the season it could well lead to even further restrictions and possibly even woodcock being removed as a legitimate quarry species.

Thankfully, MPs such as our own Jim Shannon and Sir Bill Wiggin put up excellent arguments for voluntary restraint rather than legislation, while factors adversely impacting on domestic woodcock, other than very limited shooting, could be scientifically investigated.

However, once again Wild Justice drove the agenda and largely won the PR battle.

General Licences Again, on General Licences in Northern Ireland, Wild Justice were quickly off their marks when it came to publicity. Fresh from being seen sitting in the debate on restricting the woodcock season (which they had achieved through a 107,000 signature petition) they have reported their ‘success’ on General Licences in NI as

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

follows: “As a result of Wild Justice legal action and campaigning over the past 18 months, the general licence permitting the killing of birds related to public health & safety has been reduced (from 12) to just two species (Jackdaw and Feral Pigeon); the general licence permitting the killing of birds to combat agricultural damage has been reduced (from 12) to 6 species (Hooded Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Rook, Feral Pigeon, and Woodpigeon); and the general licence permitting the killing of birds for conservation reasons has been reduced to just two species (Hooded Crow and Magpie).”

Another opportunity seized to highlight their activities and claim credit. I look forward to seeing hard hitting, timely, proshooting PR campaigns in the coming months.

Lead Shot News came recently that the GB Health and Safety Executive postponed its response to proposals to restrict the use of lead by six months. (The HSE launched its consultation in May last year, proposing banning lead shot within18 months.) This was a simply unsustainable timetable, especially in view of the lack of proper alternatives in terms of real effectiveness and cost. (I have already written regarding the phasing out of lead joint announcement by organisations which seemed at the time to come as something of a shock to some shot manufacturers).

Apparently, the decision to delay was brought about by the HSE receiving a mountain of responses which it seems they did not expect, and so the delay gives it time to consider fully the many points made.

So while we may have secured a delay, it seems inevitable that lead shot is on the way out for much of our shooting. I have not yet tried steel as an alternative too lead but will do so this coming season, but will we ever get a ‘real’ alternative at a price comparable to lead? I’ll not hold my breath!

The Firearms Expert Committee of the ROI’s Dept of Justice We know that reports of discussions within this committee have been the cause of some concern in the shooting community and have dealt with this elsewhere. Suffice to say that we are delighted to hear that there has been proactive activity amongst our shooting/sporting organisations to keep a precautionary ‘watching brief’ on any threats to our sports which could emanate from this committee.

Paul Pringle

Countryside News

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T

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A linear horse print brings together the combination of these majestic animals and Barbour’s authentic equestrian heritage. It’s a collection fit for purpose Barbour Beaconsfield Jacket RRP £369.00 for the women of today.

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JOIN FISSTA TO SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGNS AND LOBBYING FOR IMPROVED SALMONID STOCKS AND HABITAT – COMMITED TO CONSERVATION

Federation of Irish Salmon & Sea Trout Anglers Conaidhm na Slat Iascairí Bradáin agus Breac Geal

Secretary: NOEL CARR, Teelin Rd, Carrick, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9730300. Email: fissta2017@gmail.com Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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Countryside News

NARGC NEWS Courtesy of Keith Foran, PRO n Saturday 4th March 2023, L ASSOCIA The Diamond Coast Hotel, NA T O Enniscrone in Co Sligo played host to the NARGC Annual General Meeting. The event went off smoothly with the following Officers elected for the year.

• Chairman – John Butler (Carlow) • Vice Chairman- Dan Curley (Monaghan) • Secretary- Seamus O’ Brien (North Tipperary) • Treasurer- Paul Doran (Wexford) • National Safety Officer- John Flannery (North Tipperary) • Public Relations Officer- Keith Foran (Cavan) • Game Development Officer – Padraig Breen (Wexford) • Deputy Fund Administrator- Shane O’ Connor (Wexford) • Predator Control Officer – Kevin Sadler (Offaly) • Youth Development Officer – Mervyn Briscoe (Offaly) • Executive Officer- Richie Coghlan (Galway) • Executive Officer- Paul Fahy (Dublin) • Executive Officer- Tomas Og O' Curraoin (Waterford) • Executive Officer- Kevin Murphy (Cork) • Executive Officer- Pat Nolan (Carlow) As with every NARGC AGM the Club of the year prizes were given out. The club of the year competition is open to any club within the Association, and it is a credit to all clubs that enter. It recognises the work of affiliated clubs and covers topics as diverse as: • Club Structure • Habitat Development • Predator Control • Game release • Public Relations • Participation in Surveys The aim of the competition is to get clubs of all levels and abilities active and recognise the work that the clubs are doing at local level and is pitched at Senior/Intermediate and Junior categories. We would strongly urge clubs at all levels submit an application for 2023. These can be obtained through your RGC and directly through the office of the game development officer Padraig Breen • Overall Club of the Year: Bagnalstown (Co. Carlow) • Intermediate: Mountmellick (Co. Laois) • Junior : Lorrha/Rathcabbin (Tipperary North) (see conservation focus article on duck tubes elsewhere in the magazine)

NA TI

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Pictured at the AGM

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Mervyn Briscoe & Shane O’Connor

The Cork boys

Enhancing the duck population by each Game Council Of note was the resolution on Duck tubes that was passed by a unanimous decision which will now see duck tubes subsidised by the Association through the Regional Game Council Structure 6

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Countrysports and Country Life

Soon to be Dr James O Neill & Chris Gavican

Countryside News

The Galway contingent

Irish Grey Partridge Project (Carlow) and NPWS Boora Breeding Exchange Project received European recognition We are delighted to announce that Irish Grey Partridge Project (Carlow) and NPWS Boora Breeding Exchange Project received European recognition by being entered onto FACE Europe’ Biodiversity Manifesto. The Biodiversity Manifesto is a substantial database of hunting-related conservation projects which support FACE’s advocacy work in Brussels, it shows that hunters make a crucial contribution to habitats restoration, protected areas, species monitoring and much more.

‘Firearms Users Representative Group’ (FURG) responds to Ministers lack of Stakeholder consultation.

As the magazine goes to print, two issues that need everyone’s attention is arising, the first is the imminent release by the Minister for Justice of the report from the so called “Firearms Expert Committee” There was no proper stakeholder engagement by the Minister around this matter and calls to engage with the representative bodies fell on deaf ears. As a response Ireland’s leading shooting and countryside organisations came together under the Umbrella of the ‘Firearms Users Representative Group’ (FURG). It was established to address the widespread concern and direction of the “Firearms Expert Committee” (FEC) was taking, and its continued lack of consultation with firearms users and their representatives. The chief complaint being, that while the makeup of the FEC has changed on several occasions and different individuals, not appointed to the original FEC, have attended its meetings none of the firearms user groups or representative organisations of the almost 250,000 firearms licensees in Ireland have to date been consulted, directly or indirectly, on the matters under consideration by the FEC. We are encouraging all our members to actively engage with Politicians and voice their concern.

The NARGC Seminar on the Open Seasons order February 2023 On February 10th 2023, The NARGC hosted a seminar on best practices around the management of huntable game species with guest speakers from FACE, Finland and Denmark. The seminar was in response to Minister Malcolm Noonans

announcement last year that a review of the open season was in the offing. The NARGC in relation to the review are strongly of the view that “Science over sentiment” must prevail and that science must be built on strong evidence.

The seminar was opened by the NARGC Chairman, Mr. John Butler who welcomed everybody to the event followed by Minister, Malcolm Noonan T.D. delivering an address setting out his department’s priorities to work with stakeholders to ensure sustainable hunting and conservation of birds in Ireland. The NARGC welcomed this approach and looked forward to working with NPWS and the Minister as Irelands largest conservation body.

At the seminar Dr. David Scallan, FACE Secretary General, set the scene in Europe explaining the work of the recently established EU Task Force on Recovery of Birds and the important work taking place in the context of the African Eurasian Migratory Agreement (AEWA). Dr. Scallan went on to explain that, for most of the Irish huntable species, hunting does not play a critical role on survival, or survival is not critical to the population dynamics, that hunting is contributing less than 1% (0.66%) in relation to the decline of bird species.

With those statistics you can imagine our disappointment at the launch of the survey and press statement before any consultation even occurred coupled with the lack of discussion and no mention of the only science-based data.

• The EU Task Force for the Recovery of Birds.

• African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) We will update you on the matter in due course in the meantime please monitor social media for updates as they become live.

Public Consultation on Amending the Open Seasons Order for Birds On the 22nd March 2023 Minister Malcolm Noonan opened the above consultation process by means of a questionnaire that can be completed on line. The responses to the questionnaires will be analysed, and presented in a report and will inform recommendations to the Minister. While we welcome stakeholder consultation, we have serious reservations about the direction of the questions and we note the sentiment on social media and calls received that it is extremely biased and has all the hall marks of “banning by opinion” and playing to an audience. We have consistently said that we want science over sentiment around this topic and demonstrated how the seasons are managed in Europe at our Open season’s seminar back in February.

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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Obituary

Pat Mulholland

A

ll those in the fly-fishing community in Ireland will be saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Mulholland, who died at home in Belfast on 26th February.

Pat was one of Ireland’s foremost flyfishing Instructors and, alongside the late Peter O’Reilly, was a driving force in the foundation of the Association of Professional Angling Instructors (APGAI Ireland) some twenty years ago. He served on its Committee for many years and was delighted to accept the post of President of the Association some years ago, which he described as a great honour. From our viewpoint, it was an even greater honour to have someone of Pat’s stature as the figurehead of our group.

Pat loved to pass on his immense wealth and depth of angling knowledge and was a superb teacher and demonstrator in all forms of fly-casting and fly-tying, both privately and at Shows and Fairs throughout Ireland. He was responsible for introducing hundreds of men, women and children to our great sport. Pat ran a series of fly-tying night classes for beginners in and around Belfast for many winters and he was a familiar sight delivering casting instruction around one of his favourite venues at Shaw’s Bridge on the River Lagan.

The late Pat Mulholland was a superb teacher and demonstrator in all forms of flycasting and fly-tying

No mean angler himself, Pat was a regular on Lough Owel where he kept a boat and caravan for more than thirty years, visiting most weekends during the season. He also loved the West of Ireland and fished the Owenmore River for salmon and seatrout as a member of the Bangor Erris Club. Closer to home, Pat was a member of various angling clubs including Dundonald AC, Downpatrick

Anglers Association, Iveagh Anglers, Maguiresbridge and District Anglers and Banbridge Angling Club amongst others.

Pat was a great supporter of The Irish Game Fair and with Eddie Hopkins and World Champion Caster Jack Martin demonstrated at the very first event at Clandeboye Estate in 1979, attending on almost every subsequent occasion right up to Shanes Castle in 2022. He always said that he enjoyed ‘the craic’ at this event and really looked forward to it each year.

Sadly, we will no longer have the pleasure of his company and on behalf of fly-fishers everywhere, we extend our sincere condolences to Pat’s family circle.

Arthur Greenwood Chairman, APGAI Ireland

APGAI Ireland’s original members 8

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

Smyth Country Sports, 1 Park Street, Coleraine BT52 1BD N. Ireland (+44) 02870343970 +RPHÀHOG 6WUHDP &KXUFK 6WUHHW (QQLVNLOOHQ %7 (- 1 ,UHODQG (+44) 02866322114 Sportsden, Trimgate Street, Navan, Co. Meath Ireland (+353) 0469021130

Countryside News

Country Sports Ireland Deer Stalking Training Course 4th & 5th February The Country Sports Ireland team successfully delivered our first Deer Stalking Training Course of 2023 on 4th & 5th February in the ideal surroundings of the Midlands National Shooting Centre of Ireland, Tullamore.

Learners enjoyed detailed presentations and practical demonstrations covering all relevant aspects of deer hunting and management - delivered in a learner friendly way by a knowledgeable and experienced team of instructors.

A new addition to the course was an outstanding presentation on all key aspects of firearms safety developed and delivered by Country Sports Ireland Firearms Safety Advisor, Ricky Kent.

Feedback from learners was hugely complimentary on this new aspect of training and we believe it is a further improvement to the Country Sports Ireland Deer Stalking Training Course.

The Country Sports Ireland Deer Stalking Training Course is approved by National Parks and Wildlife Service as meeting the requirements for mandatory training and certification and is acceptable to Coillte for any person hunting deer under licence on Coillte lands.

Country Sports Ireland Firearms Safety Advisor, Ricky Kent delivering a new firearms safety presentation at our Deer Stalking Training Course on 4th & 5th February.

Feedback from learners who attended the course was extremely positive and this will now be a permanent part of the Country Sports Ireland Deer Stalking Training Course.

February at Creggagh Field Target Club, Co. Derry.

The Country Sports Ireland NI Deer Stalking Training Course is unique. It has been developed specifically to meet the needs of local deer hunters and is delivered by a team of local experts.

It is approved by the PSNI and the Food Standards Agency NI which means that learners who achieve the award may successfully apply for a firearms certificate for a deer legal calibre rifle. A Trained Hunter Large Wild Game meat hygiene award is included in the course and this is unique to the Country Sports Ireland NI Deer Stalking Training Course.

Trained Hunter Course Large Wild Game 26th February The next event in our busy training calendar was the extremely popular Trained Hunter - Large Wild Game (Deer) meat hygiene course, on 26th February in Kilbehenny Community Centre, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. This event includes a unique practical session on gralloching and carcass inspection on freshly shot deer carcasses hosted by in nearby Premier Game Ltd. The Country Sports Ireland Large Wild Game (Deer) meat hygiene course enables learners to substantially develop their knowledge and confidence in areas such as gralloching, carcass handling & inspection, parasites, disease recognition, food safety and all relevant legislation. The practical session on freshly shot deer carcasses is always greatly appreciated by learners and is a very effective form of training.

The Country Sports Ireland Large Wild Game (Deer) meat hygiene course is recognised by all appropriate Competent Authorities throughout Ireland (Food Safety Authority if Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine and Local Authority Veterinary Service). This means that successful learners will be approved to sell deer carcasses to Approved Game Handling Establishments.

NI Deer Stalking Training Course 18th & 19th February The Country Sports Ireland team delivered another instalment of our very popular NI Deer Stalking Training Course on 18th & 19th

Martin McPeake, who is a leading member of the Country Sports Ireland NI Deer Stalking Training Course delivery team, discussing deer ecology with learners on 18th February.

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Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Countrysports and Country Life

The Country Sports Ireland Trained Hunter Large Wild Game (Deer) game meat hygiene course is always very popular and well attended. The course on 26th February was no exception.

Thanks to all those learners who attended any of our training courses. We greatly enjoyed spending time with them, and their feedback has been fantastic. Thanks also to the entire Country Sports Ireland team and our partners at the Midlands National Shooting Centre and Creggagh Field Target Club for much valued help and hard work during a very busy period.

Further information and/or booking on Country Sports Ireland’s leading programme of training courses is available via the ‘Training Section’ of Country Sports Ireland website using the link: https://countrysportsireland.org

Firearms Expert Committee

R

onan Gorman of Country Sports Ireland writes to say that his organisation, and indeed many other shooting and countryside organisations, have been receiving a large volume of recent enquiries from members regarding the work of “Firearms Expert Committee” (FEC). The FEC was formed by the Department of Justice in June 2022 to carry out a comprehensive review of firearms licensing and make recommendations to the Minister of State at the Dept of Justice, James Browne TD. The terms of reference for the Committee were stated as: • To carry out an assessment of all types of firearms which are currently licensed in the State.

• To determine their use under the existing licensing system.

• To make recommendations based on this assessment on which types of firearms should be licensable in the State and for what purposes.

• To consider whether firearms certificates should be conditioned to specify the locations where the firearm may be used.

• To consider whether firearms certificates should be conditioned to limit the use of the firearm to the purpose for which the firearms certificate was sought.

• To consider whether there should be a limit

on the number and type of firearms a person may hold.

• To make recommendation on other matters that might be examined in the future.

• To provide a report or reports containing recommendations on these matters to the Minister.

• To examine any other firearms licensing matters or carry out any other relevant task the Minister considers appropriate during the Committee’s term.

Minutes of FEC meetings have been published (in limited detail) on the Department of Justice website and circulated widely on social media. This has caused considerable and justifiable concern amongst the shooting community and their representative organisations, particularly given the number of significant issues FEC has discussed and the potentially far-reaching consequences of any changes in these areas. Concern with the work of FEC has been further fuelled by the absence of any meaningful stakeholder engagement and given rise to the perception of an apparent bias as regards outcomes.

The Firearms Users Representative Group (FURG) In response to these widespread and genuinely held concerns, Ireland’s leading

shooting and countryside organisations have now come together to challenge the direction of the FEC and its continued lack of consultation with firearms users and their representatives. Working together as an umbrella organisation, the Firearms Users Representative Group (FURG) will engage in high level campaigning to achieve genuine and comprehensive engagement with firearms users during the entire review process and to strongly oppose any attempt to unfairly restrict shooting sports. FURG will also campaign for a more consistent and informed application of our firearms laws by licensing authorities.

Plans are currently being formulated to involve members in these campaigns, and this work is likely to have begun by the time this article is in print.

Firearms Users Representative Group member organisations include: Country Sports Ireland, National Association of Regional Game Councils, FACE Ireland, Irish Deer Society, Irish Deer Commission, Wild Deer Association of Ireland, Deer Alliance HCAP, Countryside Alliance (Ireland), Irish Firearms Dealers’ Association, Irish Clay Target Shooting Association, National Association of Sporting Rifle & Pistol Clubs, Irish Country Sports Association, Precision Rifles Ireland.

Benefits of Membership of Country Sports Ireland include: • Outstanding insurance cover for members whilst participating in insured country sports activities.

• Subsidised access to a leading programme of training courses and events.

• FREE expert advice and support on a broad range of country sports matters.

• Representation at the very highest levels of government decision-making.

• Exclusive member discount schemes.

• Exceptional value for money.

For more information or to join visit:

www.countrysportsireland.org Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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Countryside News

The Countryside Alliance Ireland Awards are coming back to Northern Ireland!

The Countryside Alliance Ireland Awards, or the ‘Rural Oscars’, are coming back so please start thinking of your nominations for businesses across Northern Ireland! Rewarding the very best of our produce, enterprise, heritage, and communities, the Awards recognise and honour those who go the extra mile for their community.

There are 5 categories in which businesses can be nominated: • Local Food/Drink - Have they put the community on the map due to the quality and diversity of local produce being sold?

• Village Shop/ Post Office – Are they the cornerstone of the village, breathing life into the community and local economy?

• Butcher - Is traditional butchery at the heart of the enterprise with high regard for animal welfare and/or have they brought a modern twist to this ancient skill?

• Rural Enterprise - Is this business a growing asset to its community and making a real contribution to the local economy?

• Pub - Would winning this competition reward a special enterprise and tell a positive story about rural life while championing local food and drink?

We are working towards opening the nominations around September/October and the regional finalists will be announced before the end of the year. Our regional winners will then go forward to a public vote, letting you choose your favourite. Those voted as the regional winners will then go forward to the grand final, with the Champions Reception.

The Countryside Alliance Awards have been going on for over 16 years and have told the stories of some amazing rural businesses. The alumni read like a who’s who trade directory of outstanding rural enterprises. From the Chatsworth Estate and Mr Filberts, to Black Cow Vodka and Two Farmers Crisps, we have been recognising excellence and entrepreneurship whilst connecting with rural businesses and communities to ensure that only the best of the best are crowned Countryside Alliance Awards Champions.

Make sure your firearms and ammunition are stored safely security of their firearms for the sake of themselves and their family.

This incident was not an opportunistic attempt to take firearms but may have been a more planned and calculated attack that resulted in a very traumatic event for the person involved. Sadly, as we have seen recently a rise in criminal activity, with some wishing to take Northern Ireland back to dark days and these people will take any opportunity to acquire firearms to help their cause.

To ensure this does not happen to you please consider taking the following steps.

1. Ensure keys to gun cabinets are kept in a secure location.�� Criminals are aware of the habit of “hiding” keys in a drawer so put the keys into a small combination safe or consider changing your hiding place from time to time.

2. Do not highlight the fact that you are a FAC holder or that firearms are kept at your address i.e on social media or show your firearms to friends who do not shoot.

3. Ensure neighbours or other prying eyes cannot see you bring firearms from your house to your vehicle.

4. Surrender your firearms to a firearms dealer or alternate authorised secure storage for safe keeping when away from your premises for periods in excess of one week.

5. Ensure your premises have sufficient security i.e. sensor lights, alarm, locks on doors to prevent unauthorised access.

6. If you regularly attend a gun club vary your routine as to when you leave and return home from your days shooting and the route you take. This will reduce the risk of being hijacked. Most car doors automatically lock as we set off but if not lock your doors while in transit.

7. Secure any firearms you have to the fabric of your vehicle. i.e. a padlocked chain or wire rope from a loading point in your

One of the previous winners of a Countryside Alliance Award The Awards have been acknowledged as ‘the rural business awards to win’ by those involved, recognising and understanding the value of them and what winning has meant for their business.

Firearms Security Following a serious incident just before Christmas CAI would remind Firearm holders to take every precaution to ensure the 12

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Countrysports and Country Life

Vehicle security is vital

Countryside News (who are part of the PAW NI badger group) the opportunity to potentially alarm the public with unsubstantiated figures of between 3,500 and 14,000 incidents of badger baiting a year.

The official PSNI figures do not even remotely support the claims cited in the Spotlight Programme, something CAI raised at a PAW NI meeting in December.

The fact the report bypassed and is not endorsed by the partner organisations of PAW NI appears ‘to speak volumes’ and could impact negatively, not only on the badger subgroup’s aims and objectives, but also working relationships within PAW NI itself.

Any questionable claims would also reinforce the growing view that concern around badger welfare could be used as a convenient means to force the return of Mr Blair’s divisive, failed, Bill to ban hunting with dogs. It could also appear to be an unfair attack on the PSNI, implying they are not doing enough, by pushing for a special task force to be set up.

Through a recent Freedom of Information request, we can see that in 2019 there were 49 incidents; in 2020, 20 incidents; and in 2021, 51 incidents. A total of 120 incidents involving badgers were logged by the PSNI over a three year period, which is a far cry from what some have claimed. These figures are further broken down into subcategories. The main groups called Injured no suspicion (INS) this does not constitute wildlife crime, Sett Disturbance (SD), Suspected Badger Baiting (SBB) and Traps/Snares (TS).

Looking at the period covered in the FOI request from 20192021 it shows that out of the 120 cases, suspected badger baiting accounted for 30 reports. Looking back to the previous PAW NI badger subgroup report 2016-2018 there were 263 badger related incidents reported with suspected badger baiting accounting for 80 of these. In 2022 there were 7 cases of suspected badger baiting reported.

Therefore, while even one case of wildlife crime is one too many, the evidence would suggest that crimes against badgers are on the decrease since 2015 in Northern Ireland.

The PSNI take wildlife crime very seriously and receive thousands of calls each year from the public in 2019 – 6492, 2020 – 5137, 2021 – 5534, 2022 - 5443 each call covering a wide range of suspected wildlife crimes from deer poaching, animal welfare issues, use of drones near wildlife and bat disturbance, to name but a few.

CAI would continue to request the public, who suspect they have witnessed a wildlife crime to report the matter to the PSNI on 101 and obtain an incident number. If you are in any doubt, please consult the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland website that is packed full of useful information.

vehicle through the transport case of your firearm / ammo box, invest in a vehicle mounted gun safe and ensure bolts are removed from rifles and stored separately in transit.

8. If you are in a vehicle and need to stop and leave it with guns or ammunition in it for any reason, make sure nothing shows which might indicate that there might be guns in it.

9. Ensure you comply with the security conditions on page 1 of your Firearm Certificate at all times.

Any incident where firearms are stolen will trigger a police investigation and any other firearms left in your procession will also likely be removed by the PSNI. Until the PSNI investigation is concluded, followed by the incident report being passed to Firearms and Explosives Branch to conduct a review of your file, none of your firearms will be returned. With current timescales within PSNI and FEB this could be a lengthy process.

Badger myths must not go unchallenged

On Tuesday 7th March 2023 John Blair MLA hosted the launch of the USPCA’s Badger Report in the Long Room at Stormont, which is quite surprising given the fact the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland badger subgroup normally produce their own report, the last being 2016-2018.

The report was an attempt to pull together data on badger incidents across Northern Ireland, to define the geographical and temporal spread, and any hotspots of badger persecution within the jurisdiction.

Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI) are clear that deliberate cruelty is completely unacceptable and is entirely supportive of legislation that protects the welfare of wild and domestic animals, whilst maintaining support for effective wildlife management.

These two positions are not mutually exclusive.

Any report relating to badgers or other wildlife should be based on official PSNI data that is open to scrutiny, to avoid what was seen in the recent BBC Spotlight programme that allowed USPCA

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Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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By Simon K. Barr

Bowhill partridges in Selkirkshire, Scotland

T

he Scottish Borders look stunning in most if not all weather conditions - but on an early October morning on the Bowhill Estate they turned out in their autumnal finest. Early frost, clear skies and a gentle westerly breeze greeted the Guns that assembled at Kershope Farm, just outside Selkirk, home to Stuart Riddell, who under the banner of Hawthorn Sporting has been shooting tenant over Bowhill’s 25,000 acres for the past nine years. The shoot is commercially run by Riddell family members: son Robert is Head Keeper and Stuart’s wife Kay looks after the administration, finances and all catering.

This spectacular and special place is steeped in history. The Bowhill estate has been owned by the Buccleuch family for more than seven centuries. A vast area of woodland once covered all of the hills, valleys and rivers, known as the Ettrick Forest. In 1322, Robert the Bruce gave it to the Scott clan, the ancestors of today’s Buccleuch family, in recognition of their loyalty. The name Buccleuch 14

originates, as legend has it, from the 10th century when King Kenneth III, who whilst hunting in a deep ravine (or cleugh) in the heart of the forest, came upon a cornered buck who charged the unarmed King. A young John Scott managed to seize the buck by the antlers, wrestle it to the ground and hence spare the Monarch’s life. From that day, the Scotts were referred to as Buccleuch (‘the beast from the ravine’) and rewarded for their bravery.

As a fifth generation gamekeeper Stuart worked initially at Chipchase Castle in Northumberland, where he went self-employed (something he is keen to encourage all keepers to consider) to run the shoot, supported by his family, for over 10 years, before moving to Beaufront Castle for a further nine, then settling at the prestigious and well established Bowhill in 2012.

Robert cut his teeth at Gunnerside and Raby Castle, and has been working with his father since the age of five. “At Bowhill we offer pheasants and partridges over 40-50 let days with bags

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

typically 150-250 birds. At the beginning of September, we also lay on 20 or so dog training days for Labradors, usually for six handlers and six Guns, which attract interest from all over the UK,” explains Stuart, adding: “We have also successfully staged gundog trials for a couple of two-day open stakes for the past four years.” It is obvious to any Bowhill visitor that the stunning landscape, with its blend of hill bracken, heather and steep gullies, lends itself perfectly for training days such as these.

And so to the day in question. The team, gathered by Peter Mulholland, consisted of P.J. Darling, Mark Gilbert, Simon K. Barr, Johnny Brydie, Wallace Menzies, Patrick Chamberlain and the father and son duet of George and Andrew Deans. All either lived locally or had a strong association with the Borders. The first of two morning drives - both in the Ettrick valley - took place against the stunning backdrop of Kirkhope Tower, a 16th century Pele in the classic Scottish style, sitting at the bottom of a cleft in Kirkhope Hill.

Guns making their way to the first drive

(Below) The testing birds would curl and glide over the Guns

A steady flow of birds, where each one is memorable and all are shootable Birds came thick and fast, in singles and flushes, and provided excellent sport up and down the line. “Having this kind of topography to play with,” smiles Stuart, “is just so satisfying - it makes all the hard work that much more worthwhile. We like to mix and match drives to provide our shooting guests with maximum variety both in terms of target and setting. We try not to flood the Guns with partridges, and to the contrary we strive to create a steady flow of birds, where each one is memorable and all are shootable.” With 25 drives to choose from, one can see that for Stuart and his support team of three keepers, four pickersup, and 10 beaters, this objective is well within his Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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The Guns were to see testing sport right along the line

grasp, and on this occasion is perfectly executed.

Lunch is taken back at Kershope, a delicious and sustaining affair provided

by Kay Riddell. The Guns need a break to regroup ahead of the afternoon drives, Watties and Watties Revenge, which provide seriously challenging partridges in the more forbidding Yarrow Valley terrain, in contrast to the morning’s more gentle Ettrick Valley bluffs and gullies. Here the birds are

flushed from the edge of the heather and bracken high up on the hill and set their wings to glide and curl over the Guns positioned some 40 to 50 yards below, as the flankers are called into frenetic action.

There was more cloud cover after lunch, but it was still warm enough for shirtsleeves, and as proceedings drew to a close, the sun re-emerged to bathe the bracken in autumnal gold, whilst far below in the valley a patchwork of

yellow stubbles, green pasture and dry ‘stane’ dykes snaking up to the moorland beyond unfolded as far as the eye could see.

“174 partridges at the final count, and you could see the pheasants were pretty much ready to go today,” said Stuart who buys 80,000 day olds from Bettws Hall, to whom he has remained a loyal customer for 25 years. Of these half are sold on locally, and further afield in Scotland. In terms of shot

A steady flow of birds was key to the day’s shooting

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Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

The magnificent topography provided a splendid setting for the shoot

game, most stays in the Borders, some to a dealer in East Kilbride. “Guns are taking more these days” notes Stuart, “and hotels in particular like partridges.”

Lunch is taken back at Kershope

Biodiversity gains are maximised and conservation is front and centre of the shoot’s ethos Stuart went on to explain that as with

every well established and highly regarded shoot, there is much endeavour behind the scenes to ensure that biodiversity gains are maximised and conservation is front and centre of the shoot’s ethos. “The ground here is mainly hill, so we have a lot of sheep. In the middle of it all is an 8,000-acre grouse moor surrounded by low ground, so it is a haven for wildlife. I am especially pleased to have several pairs of nesting barn owls around my house,” observes Stuart. The moor, which attracts no grouse from elsewhere, has remained unshot for decades.

In further validation of their hard work, the Riddells are able to boast an exemplary audit from the British Game Alliance, of which they are huge supporters. Stuart elaborates: “The BGA spent a full day with us recently. They asked to see one of our larger release pens so we showed them one with a 3,000 capacity. They were particularly impressed with the level of grass and leaves, noting in their report that there was little obvious sign of pheasant release.”

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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There is much to be positive about, then, for the future. Stuart reports plenty of repeat business at Bowhill and shoot bookings are extremely healthy.

Indeed, one syndicate team has been hosted by Stuart and his family for 17 straight years. “It seems they just want to keep coming back,” he says, adding: “They probably cost me as they fire an awful lot of cartridges, but over the years I have learned to stop counting.” Loyalty, it appears, is everything. In terms of succession planning, son Robert is well placed to take it on (“I’m 63 now, and not getting any younger,” says Stuart) and their latest addition to the keepering team has four sons “so there will be no shortage of manpower around the place.”

A glorious visit enjoyed by this team, who departed brim-full of happy memories for a day at the grouse on the Saturday, not a million miles from Bowhill, which in the most curious event was the wettest recorded in British history. How the weather worm can turn in the Scottish Borders. Carpe diem.

Always.

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A Labrador making light of the jump as a final partridge comes to hand prior to Guns moving off One of the excellent team of four pickers up at Bowhill takes a well earned break

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

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‘Watch and Learn’ with Inland Fisheries Ireland’s YouTube channel From documentaries and ‘How to’ guides to educational webinars we have something to offer everyone

A

t over 1k subscribers Inland Fisheries YouTube channel hosts a wide variety of videos that may be of interest to anglers and the public alike.

Our most watched video is our original in-house produced Galway Fishery Documentary. We also produced a host of ‘how to’ fishing guides such as How to rig a sand eel for sea trout and bass, How to make a flying C, How to unhook and safely release a flounder, How to make a float fishing rig and many more.

To see all the videos our channel has to offer hover your phone camera over the QR code and click on the link that appears on the screen to view the video. Make sure to like, subscribe and follow if you’re interested in seeing more of our videos.

Galway Fishery Documentary In this documentary we go on a journey to the Galway Fishery in the heart of the ancient tribal city of Galway.

Based on the river Corrib we learn all about the renowned Salmon fishery its history and heritage

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Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

and how it has been managed from the past to present day.

Join us as we talk to Fishery Manager Seamus Hartigan, Research Scientist Dr Paddy Gargan, Fishery Officer James Quinn and Hatchery Manager Matt Varley about their work on the fishery. We also talk to some of the many anglers who come from all corners of the world to fish here and investigate just exactly what the fishery means to them.

Inland Fisheries Ireland ‘Lunch & Learn’ Webinars Anglers will be interested to hear that Inland Fisheries Ireland has published its winter 2023 series of lunchtime seminars online. These webinars were streamed live at the time and are now available on YouTube to be viewed at your convenience.

Climate Change Monitoring The first lunch-time webinar is about catchmentwide environmental monitoring with Inland Fisheries Ireland's John Coyne. If you'd like to find out more about catchment-wide environmental monitoring, then join John as he explains how we monitor climate impacts on freshwater fish.

Hydropmorphology- it’s importance in a changing climate

make brown trout a fascinating species.

In this webinar, Inland Fisheries Ireland's Karen Delanty takes a closer look at brown trout genetics.

Karen talks about recent studies to examine the patterns and levels of population structuring and genetic diversity amongst brown trout populations in Ireland.

In the second instalment of the new series of webinars Rossa O’Briain talks Hydromorphologythe study of river landforms and the processes that create these forms!

If you'd like to find out more about Hydromorphology, you can watch back the video as Rossa explains its importance in a changing climate.

Float tube fishing Watch back the final webinar in this series and Angling Advisor Shane O’Reilly talks about why fishing on a float tube in Irish waters has many benefits and may be easier than you think. Shane shares all the tips and tricks you’ll need to safely get started in this exciting way of fishing that makes every nook and cranny of your local waters fishable.

Brown Trout Genetics- Recent research in Ireland Did you know? Brown trout can camouflage themselves by making their skin either lighter or darker in colour to match their surroundings.

Rich variation in the biology of brown trout, its adaptability to different niches and its ability to pursue alternative strategies

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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By Michael Martin, Six Mile Water Trust

Trout in the Twilight – a Midsummer adventure Midsummer night at Paradise Way, Templepatrick

N

ow that the shooting season is over, thoughts turn to a new fishing season. The rods packed away for the winter will soon be dusted down as the year turns, the days grow longer and a new springtime throws off the shackles of frost, sleet and snow from the countryside.

I thought it might be good to revisit an angling experience which lingers long in the memory. In these still chilly days and changing seasons, this particular evening’s sport seems like a world away but that’s what gives angling in Ireland it’s richness and diversity, an experience denied to those who are unfamiliar with the countryside.

This angling experience was a prelude to an amazing season on the Six Mile Water, when those nomads of Lough Neagh, the Dollaghan trout, surged through the little stream in huge numbers, populating every run and pool, 22

and providing great sport through the season. Possibly, this is the culmination of ten years of habitat enhancement and conservation, and anglers respecting their quarry and protect the fish and their habitats.

Now the winter rains have cleansed the spawning gravels, the redds are cut, fish have spawned and the cycle starts again, in the meantime let me lead you down through Templepatrick village to an ancient stone bridge spanning the river at Paradise Way on a hot summer’s evening.

The longest day is an important part my angling calendar, although the mayfly has passed, the long summer nights produce great conditions for buzzers and caenis on the stillwaters and blue winged olives and sedges on the river. I always try to be by the river on the summer solstice, there is a special atmosphere, an air of anticipation, an awareness that after this

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

evening the cycle of the earth is turning and the nights will be getting shorter.

In astronomy, the June Solstice (which is defined by a point in the Earth’s orbit around the Sun) signifies the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Astronomical seasons are precisely defined, summer starts with the Summer Solstice and lasts until the Autumn Equinox (when the hours of daylight and night are equal). Astronomically, summer started at the June Solstice, which in 2022 was 21st June, this is the beginning of the astronomical summer that has been celebrated since ancient times as the longest day of the year, whereas Midsummer now refers to numerous celebrations that are held over the solstice period, between June 19 and June 24, with both Pagan and Christian origins.

The Celts celebrated Litha with hilltop bonfires, feasting and dancing,

the summer refers to how the sunlight is cast as wide as it will ever be.

Egg laying sedge flies are irresistible to feeding trout

Beautiful specimens can be caught on dry flies and nymph

the ashes were mixed with seeds for fertility as they were planted. It was customary for lovers to clasp hands and jump over bonfires, which was thought to bring luck to their relationship. The full moon was known as the Honey Moon, when sweet mead was distributed at the weddings. Pagan Irish would also pray to the Sun Goddess, who the Irish Celts knew as Gráinne.

She was both the Winter Queen and Solar Sun Goddess, who was thought to protect seeds during the winter and nurture them during the summer months.

A fine ‘dollie’ graces the net

Pagan tradition dictates the legend of the Oak King and the Holly King were told to explain the Summer and Winter Solstices. On the 21st of June, the Oak King is reputedly at his strongest.

Gradually his power weakens, until the Winter Solstice in the depths of Winter.

This is when the Holly King regains power. The Druidic name for the Summer Solstice is Alban Hefin, which means the 'The Light of the Shore' or 'Light of Summer'. The shore refers to the coast, an area where the worlds of water, land, and sky meet. Druids valued in-between worlds. The light of

Reflecting back on the longest day this year, I had a pleasant surprise when I visited the little Six Mile Water at Antrim. At 9pm the high summer sun was just starting to dip, having blazed down relentlessly all day and raised temperatures to almost twenty degrees.

Now, as the shadows started to lengthen, the atmosphere became more bearable. Peering over the old stone buttress of the bridge at the big holding pool below revealed a constant procession of rises from the little trout and salmon parr, the pink light of the setting sun illuminating the wings of myriad insects – midge, blue winged olives and most exciting of all, the moth-like sedge flies. The egg laying sedge flies are irresistible to feeding trout as they caper across the water’s surface scattering their eggs, provoking dramatic, splashy rises in the still dark pools. Setting up my trusty nine-foot 4 weight Guideline Fario rod, I knotted on a tippet of 5lb, heavy enough to withstand a violent wrench from a good trout.

Choice of fly was easy, a Bert Atkins (of ‘Tightlines on the Agivey’ fame) pattern, the Bann Boatwing Sedge, divulged a few years ago by a friend, Stephen Richardson who fished with the great character at Carnroe. When another colleague, Richard Semple mentioned the same pattern, I had to take notice and tie a few up. Stephen and Richard are both well informed anglers but they don’t usually divulge their secrets, so if they both rate the pattern then there must be something special to it! A little Mucillin gel applied to the end of the fly line and leader butt, some Fuller’s Earth mixture to degrease the tippet and I was off over the wooden stile and across the meadow to the river.

The banks were overgrown, a jungle would be more appropriate - no one had been here for a while. I crouched down on my knees and parted the long grass,

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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One on the Boatwing sedge

this pool lay in the shade of the pink evening sun with high clay bank on the opposite side, a shelving gravel beach on this side. A constant stream of small flies disappeared in little dimples and whorls where the shallow stream emptied into the pool and it wasn’t until an unfortunate sedge fell off the overhanging grasses on the far side and skittered across that the serenity was broken by the dark form of a nice dollaghan as it slashed the surface engulfing the fly.

Pulse rate rising, I unhooked the fly from its keeper ring June is early for the Lough Neagh nomads to enter the river, but there had been rumours of a few seen in the lower reaches. But I was miles upriver and 24

there hadn’t been significant rain for some weeks so this was a surprise! Pulse rate rising a bit, I unhooked the fly from its keeper ring and extended the line, finally dropping the sedge on a slack line a yard or so above the fish. The fly alighted gently, drifting down, bobbing on its hackles for a few long seconds before a dark nose showed and the fly disappeared with a noisy slurp into the dark waters. A solid strike and the pool surface erupted as the dollaghan took the air. The fish bolted for the ledge on the far side and the wee rod strained as I held tight to stop him reaching the willow tree roots, but the leader held and in a few minutes I was able to lead him over the net to remove the hook.

Well over two pounds weight and resplendent in his big black spots, red

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

speckles and pewter sides, I admired my first dollaghan of the year as I removed him from the folds of the net and slipped him back to the pool. This pool had been disturbed but by now the sun was dropping and my favourite part of the river would be shaded so I made my way below the bridge, sweating in the chest waders, to have a look.

As I approached the bridge a familiar sound caught my attention and peering down an otter and her two cubs played and gambolled in the stream below, whistling in the still night air. Swallows and bats hawked under the arches, sweeping up the flies. The dropping sun sent long shadows across the river.

Skirting around the pool, I made my way downstream to a smooth run where the current flows to this side of the river, a stunted hawthorne tree overhangs the head of the run making it impossible to fish from above. The only way to fish this is to drop down into the river behind a bed of water crowfoot, waders sink into the soft mud but eventually, just as you think you’re going to go over the top of the waders, a firm bottom meets you.

During the day every trout in the pool would be spooked but, in the half-light of this mid-summer night, the fish were so preoccupied with blue-winged olives and sedges that they took no notice of me, rising a rod length away on the other side of the bed of water crowfoot.

Perched behind the bed of weed I lit a cigar and watched the run at the head of the pool. Clouds of sedges swept up and down the river close to my bank.

Every now and again they would mate and fall to the water inducing a rise from below. The bigger fish held prime position, just off the main current where an eddy carried the flies in, I had to throw plenty of slack to get a reasonable drift in this tricky spot. The Boatwing sedge was gone in a flash as soon as it hit the water, I tightened and the rod tip hooped over as a nice butter-bellied trout bolted downstream for deeper water, the old Hardy Marquis reel singing as line peeled off. This trout shot out of the shallows and into the

deep pool where he sulked for a bit but the side-strain pulled him off balance eventually and I was able to coax him gently up and into the net, almost three pounds of pristine wild brown trout, a dry fly anglers dream!

The sights and smells of the river in high summer are overpowering All across the water meadow the summer migrants were in full song warblers, pipits, chiff chaffs, the heron drifted up on broad outstretched wings, swallows and sand martins swooped along the streams enjoying the insect bounty and little pipistrelle bats emerged early to join the banquet. A mallard led her brood of downy chicks into the bed of rushes to rest for the night as the moorhen flitted about the overhanging willow tree. The sights and smells of the river in high summer enveloped the senses and the countryside lay resplendent in the soft pink and orange glow; nature was there in all her vibrancy on this warm summer

solstice, Alban Hefin, the druidic ‘Light of summer.’

The trout and dollaghan continued to bulge and swirl in the run and from my position below the high bank I could remain undetected, a simple roll cast could reach the furthermost fish and a well presented fly inevitably resulted in a subtle take, the trout would bolt for the deeper water leaving the run undisturbed.

The sun dipped behind the hills and the sedges and olives began egg laying in earnest, the trout became frenzied by the mat of flies littering the surface, it seemed as though every fish in the river was feeding and from my vantage point I watched everything from fingerlings to hefty dollaghan bulging and slashing at the struggling flies. If my sedge fly was’t taken on the dead drift I would throw a mend and let it skate across the current to create a wake, sometimes it’s hard to connect with the chasing fish but it can also attract some larger specimens.

As the evening drew on I landed several nice dollaghan and beautiful

brown trout. Calling it a day, I decided to leave the fish to their feast and I stumbled up through the clay and long grasses to the bank top. A pink moon was rising above the water meadow as I paused to sit on the high bank to drink in the atmosphere, lighting a cigar. A warm breeze coursed up the river bringing the scents of wild mint, cress, marsh marigold. The sound of the otters’ whistle carried in the warm air and the cry of the heron on his way to roost in the canopy. A fine evening’s sport and a privilege to be by the river on a night like this, as madness and greed grip the world, there are still places of refuge where an angler can retreat to take his pleasure in peace and tranquility, the perfect relaxation of the Irish countryside!

Another specimen about to be scale sampled, weighed, measured and released. Ongoing research from tracking and tagging tell us more about these fascinating fish

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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From Simon Cooper, Fishing Breaks Founder and Managing Director

Hans van Klinken Reveals The Real Story Behind The Klinkhåmer Fly

T

he results of a poll to nominate the greatest fly of all time and the results make interesting if not unexpected reading in our recent Fishing Breaks 'Life on a Chalkstream.’

The Greatest Fly of all time - the Klinkhåmer Special (39.8%) Pheasant Tail Nymph (21.6%) Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear (15.9%) Adams (15.6%) Greenwell’s Glory (7.1%) Here is an abridged version of an article written by Hans van Klinken himself - the fascinating truth behind the development the Klinkhåmer fly which was published in full on 17th February 2023 by Simon Cooper https://fishingbreaks.co.uk Hans van Klinken: I discovered that flies that floated deep in the surface produced more fish than patterns that drifted high on the surface. I started tying flies in 1974, failed 3 times but finally took it up again in 1976 and succeeded. Since 1981 I have designed and improved quite a few patterns; it is handy to have good sources of correct information about these flies.

Setting the Record Straight I see exact copies of my Klink and no credit ever was given and the writer even changed the name totally. In the past, I was furious, but now I don’t even react anymore at all. I just ignore it.

I like it when fly tiers are innovative and creative, but this doesn't mean we should change the real stories behind our patterns. I have experienced these changes with my own flies a lot. When l read something about one of my 26

Hans van Klinken with examples of his renowned fly

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

patterns written by somebody else and put on the Internet, I am often no longer able to recognise my own flies anymore. In the past, I was furious but now I not even react anymore at all. I just ignore it.

My first Klinkhåmer Special landed in the surface film of Norway’s mighty Glomma River on June 27, 1984. A lot has been happened to this fly over the past four decades. During the last 30 years, I have read a lot of stories about the Klinkhåmer; some were really good, but most exhibited misunderstandings about my thoughts behind the fly.

Some stories about the Klinkhåmer described clever improvements and different colour variations, but unless they affect the fly’s durability and floatability, I don’t see them as real improvements..

Before I will take all the credit for the Klinkhåmer Special, you should know that I wasn’t the only one who struck on the idea of designing surfacehanging, parachute-style flies.

Unknown to me at that time, Tomas Olsen, a famous Swedish fly tier, had created a similar pattern just one year before I did. And in the United States, Roy Richardson developed a similar emerger in 1986 without knowing about our flies. Mike Monroe, also from the United States, tied a similar fly even four years before any of our patterns existed; at a time, that we hardly knew what was happening at the American fly-tying scene. Mike called his fly the Paratilt, and he published an article about his new design in the summer of 1979. All these other tiers deserve as much credit for their creations as I have received for my Klinkhåmer Special.

What’s In a Name?

The original name for the fly was the L.T. Caddis; it was just one fly from my large L.T. series of patterns that I developed in Scandinavia between 1980 and 1990. Hans de Groot, Franklin Moquette and Ton Lindhout changed it to the Klinkhåmer Special, probably after some drinks, when they

edited my first fishing stories that I wrote for the Dutch Fly Fishing Magazine.

It was Kenneth Boström’s fly called the Rackelhanen that set me free from old tying traditions. Although my first variations of the Rackelhanen did extremely well, I wasn’t really satisfied with them. I made some essential mistakes when tying his fly. My errors prevented the pattern from floating properly, and my copies did not always land correctly. I did some research many years later and discovered the problem: I tied them with a single and much longer wing so they sometimes floated incorrectly and lost most of their effectiveness. I also used too much floatant and in a wrong way. Fish rose to my flies like crazy, but I missed too many takes; I probably landed only three out of 10 fish. I only got into my problem when I had lost all Rackehanen given to me and tied my own copies. To solve the problem, I added a hackle around the wing as I had seen in a book written by Eric Leiser in his chapter about Parachute flies. That’s how my first parachute pattern was developed and created. After this improvement, the fly floated as I wanted, but this wasn’t the only reason why I stayed with parachutes; around this time, I also discovered that flies that floated deep in the surface produced more fish than patterns that drifted high on the surface.

Learning from the fish - the iceberg shape of the fly solved the problem The Lady of the Stream—the grayling—brought another problem to my attention. At that time, I still used hackle-collared flies a lot, and I tied many with nice strong tails and solid hackles. I liked the way they floated on the surface, and I could see them very well. I noticed that aggressively striking fish often pushed the flies up and to the side.

Most of the time these fish feed on the bottom; their mouths are built for it.

This is the reason I missed so many

grayling using my collar-hackled dry flies. Grayling can rise at very high speeds to take flies from the surface, but because of her protruding upper lips, they are perfect bottom feeders.

Those lips are ideal for picking up snails and larvae from the bottom, but grayling have found a beautiful way of rising to floating and emerging insects; sometimes they even jump out of the water and take their prey from above.

But I believe that it is a combination of the shape of the mouth, the speed of the rise, and way of taking the fly that causes a grayling to push away a regular floating pattern. That’s probably also why very light dressing often works a lot better for Grayling too. A parachute-style dry fly reduces this problem, and an emerger that hangs deep in the surface works even better. I proved this theory many times after I had designed my Klinkhåmer Special.

The iceberg shape of the fly solved the problem, and I solidly hook eight or even 10 out of 10 fish, mostly in their upper lips; typically, I hardly miss a fish with my Klink.

Tying Problems and Misunderstandings We are now coming to the main reason for this little update. I have seen too many mistakes in other articles about the Klinkhåmer Special, and I want to clarify how to tie this pattern.

Not everyone will accept my explanations, but I will try to show why I still use the same materials as I did 40 years ago, and why I prefer them above all the others. I have tried to make dozens of improvements, but only a handful of material changes was able to improve the original design.

The Hackle A proper parachute hackle also requires more than just two or three wraps. Use a long feather so you can make a lot of wraps. Depending upon the size of the fly, you might make seven, eight, and even more wraps.

Placing a fly in a dish of water will tell you if you are doing it correctly. Even

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

27

after tying thousands of parachute flies, I still use a dish of water because I want to see the results and how long my flies will remain afloat.

And finally, use oversized hackle for your parachute dry flies now and then. I have tied a lot of Klinkhåmers with what seemed like oversized hackles, and I can assure you that they worked well. I don’t know why they work so well, but when compared to other parachute patterns, mine always seem a lot larger.

The Wing When I started using the Klinkhåmer Special, the visible wing created an unbelievable benefit for catching grayling that suck the flies from the surface without leaving a trace. The same happened with Atlantic salmon, and some trout and char. As soon the big white wing disappeared, I knew a fish took the fly. I landed hundreds of fish this way. The fish I call suckers.

The wing must be lighter than water, not slippery, and allow you to pull the hackle wraps far into the material.

When you tie a lot of parachute flies, you will quickly notice that the wing, hackle, and tying thread must cooperate in perfect harmony. If the thread or hackle slips off the wing easily, the parachute won’t last long. The biggest mistake people make when copying the Klinkhåmer Special is not using the correct yarn for the wing. I have seen huge Klinkhåmers tied using wing material that sinks almost directly to the bottom. If you use big hooks like me, you can’t float the fly when the wing and dubbing aren’t lighter than water, and when not using a good floatant.

I have seen wings of various lengths.

Most examples in the articles had rather short wings, but I work the other way around. A wing that turns out to be too long can be easily shortened, so I tie longer wings.

Poorly Floating Klinkhåmers Some people will discover problems in keeping their Klinkhåmers floating.

The main reason is because the original 28

polypropylene yarn absorbs water.

Polypropylene yarn is indeed much lighter than water, but after it absorbs moisture, the hook easily pulls the fly down. When fishing, always apply floatant to your polypropylene wings to keep the flies afloat, and also apply floatant to the hackles of your slim and normal-sized Klinkhåmers. One word of caution: Do not use floatant on the bodies (especially on small sizes) because it can prevent them from breaking through the surface of the water. This is extremely important to the success of this unique pattern.

The Body Material I usually use two kinds of dubbing material for my parachute dry flies. For normal and large flies, I have found nothing better than extra-fine Fly Rite Poly Dubbing and Kapok sold by Semperfli. The solid and perfect mixtures of blended colours from Fly Rite will help you imitate any insect body on the globe. With Kapok you can blend your own colours as well, and the material is lighter than water so you can easily use heavier hooks.

Just a few months after tying the first Klinkhåmer Special, I discovered that a peacock herl thorax makes the fly a lot more effective. Proven it by got much more caches. At first the herl seemed very fragile, but I found a good solution to improve its durability. Some people twist the peacock before winding, and this increases the durability. I prefer pressing a drop of thin varnish into the base of the wing to secure the yarn, thread, and thorax at the same time when I finish the fly. A mixture of cellulose lacquer diluted with acetate (a 50/50 mixture) is perfect for making the most durable fly. The best substitute for natural peacock is Semperfli’s black Straggle string.

Hooks My preference is a hook with a wide gap and fine wire. My first Klinkhåmer Special was tied on the Partridge K2b, better known as the Yorkshire Caddis Hook, and at that time it was available

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

in a much finer wire. However, when Partridge changed that hook—they started using heavier wire and added a turned-up eye—I changed hooks. I wanted straight-eye hooks, especially when tying parachutes. I also wanted fine wire hooks. I wasn’t able to find the hooks that I needed, so I designed what was called the Partridge Klinkhåmer GRS15ST, later renamed and redesigned as the 15BN and 15BNX. Sadly, the 15BN and 15BNX were also changed quite a bit from the original shape and wire.

I eventually worked with Anglers Sport Group, who distributes Daiichi hooks. When we set up our new partnership, we agree that the Daiichi Klinkhåmer hooks would follow my exact design from the 1980’s. In amazing short order, the first prototypes of the new Klinkhåmer hook passed all my field tests and were an exact copy of the original design from the 1980’s.

They are on the market in sizes 20 to 8 in two versions: bronze (Daiichi 1160) and nickel (Daiichi 1167). The new hook is most suitable for tying Klinkhåmers, emergers, and special nymph patterns. Many companies have copied this exact size again and also made them barbless.

Spiderweb Thread and the Tie-off Technique The greatest problem with my first parachute flies was that I was not satisfied with the durability of the hackles. Although I fished intensively for grayling, I hooked trout. Those trout often destroyed the parachutes, and from that moment my interest in making more durable parachute hackles became my highest priority. It took me a whole winter season to find a technique that protected the hackle against sharp teeth.

First, Danville’s Spider Web is the best thread for securing and tying off the parachute. I use Spider Web to prevent trout teeth from damaging the hackle quill or thread windings.

I looked for an easier way to tie off a parachute hackle. Most people tie off

the hackle at the eye of the hook. Using this method, you have to first pull away the hackle fibres, which makes tying off the feather more difficult. I also tried adding extra windings through the thorax before securing the hackle; this makes the hackle more durable, but it makes tying the fly more complicated.

My idea for using Danville's Spider Web to secure the hackle is probably new. This method makes winding a parachute a simple operation while forming an effective, durable fly without damaging any of the hackle fibres; you’ll never get the same results using regular threads.

After 40 years, I still tie the Klinkhåmer Special. I have used this pattern around the world with great success. I am pleased to show you the correct way for making this terrific pattern.

For more on Fishing Breaks please visit www.fishingbreaks.co.uk

A Klinkhåmer Special as tied by its inventor Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

29

News and Views From FISSTA

O

ur newly elected National Executive Council look forward to a successful 2023 season. Thankfully, the past 2022 season has been about bringing normality back to our rivers after a hard couple of years in which we could only meet online, due to Covid -19. Eventually, our first in person since 2019 AGM took place, in Clare, Galway and some good business was done, with our hard work now paying dividends. So, we now embrace the returning of our fish with the optimism of our members once again.

THIS COMING YEAR WILL BRING MORE CHANGES It is vital that we all play our part together in improving the lot of the angler and wild Atlantic salmon. We

must register our members and put the necessary insurance cover in place from now onwards so that our officers and members are protected against claims.

We have lobbied IFI annually to substantially reduce the cost of our rod license as per our submission in their public consultation last year. We will pursue these issues as endorsed at our AGM and at the coming NIFF NATIONAL INLAND FISHERIES FORUM meetings which we succeeded in getting re-established in 2022.

BEST INSURANCE PACKAGE ONCE AGAIN: For details email: fissta2017@gmail.com

WE WILL LOBBY HARD FOR OUR FISHERIES AND OUR RIGHTS FISSTA will continue to campaign

Fresh spring flood on the river Glen Donegal 30

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

for the opening of these rivers once again, if only to confront the upsurge in poaching, which we still see evidence of despite the last two years of increased patrolling by IFI. Along with these major issues, the protection of our stocks has taken a huge hit in their migration out of our sea lice infested bays, in the feeding grounds and on their return to our natal rivers. We ask your club to support us in our legal action to protect our marine environment at Shot Head in Bantry Bay, against salmon farmers MOWI who attempted to put salmon cages there in September 2021.

Our actions to defend the habitat has clearly influenced others to support the conservation of our wild Atlantic salmon and we will continue to use every legal weapon to do so. On all three areas of the habitat there was only hand wringing by the state until now, citing climatic problems that were outside our territorial limits to take any action.

We will continue to campaign for some of our rod licence revenue to finance the protection of our salmon in the feeding grounds, as this buyout in the North Atlantic has proven in the last two seasons that greater numbers of salmon in good condition are returning.

This is due to the 2018 private buyout agreement kicking in between the Greenland and Faroese nets men and the formidable (NASF) North Atlantic Salmon Fund programme, of which

FISSTA are a founding member.

If we are to see this progress continue, we must continue to attend the international meetings of the nineteen wild Atlantic salmon countries and to intensify our lobbying work at NASCO to convince our Minister to support this scheme, as previous ministers have sadly refused to in the past.

Thankfully, we are now benefiting from a good contract that was agreed on our behalf by ASF and NASF in 2018, so we must acknowledge the generosity of NASF in paying Ireland’s share in the meantime, until we get our Minister on board. We will continue to lobby the IFI to conclude their legal challenges against our anglers on the Gweebarra River which IFI use our rod license funds to pursue. We will keep fighting to protect our angling rights and fishing as long as your valued support is forthcoming.

APPEAL TO THE MINISTER It is now some time since our Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Communications (and salmon) published a notice telling us that his Department (or DECC) were focused on developing a comprehensive and modern policy framework for inland fisheries in Ireland. It went on to state the many objectives, all laudable, such as realising the true economic potential of the sector which incidentally they had done through IFI back in 2014. At that time the value on angling to the economy was over €750m and may well be almost double by now had anyone in the Department believed or planned to consolidate or develop the sector further.

There are many reasons for why this has yet to happen and one very clear piece of evidence was printed in the Connaught Tribune some time ago, that stated the wild salmon resource would be extinct due to global warming, suggesting that it was not worth investing in despite the policy by the Department saying otherwise.

We have yet to get a response from

anyone, as the then Minister Sean Canney refused to confirm or deny perhaps in the hope it would go away.

We are still awaiting the response of Minister Ryan TD to clarify whether the policy of his Department has changed.

PROGRESS REPORT TO FISSTA LOBBYING PLAN The following is the list and progress to date since the last quarter: 1. Reject salmon farming as a coastal employment and economic Atlantic development policy and publish your letter to Minister Mc Conalogue of DAFM that states your reasons for such a change of government policy. Inland Fisheries Ireland has done this in their application to the High Court for a Judicial Review which we in FISSTA commend.

Progress: Minister Ryan eventually published his letter reflecting our long held arguments to change policy that has become the subject of a conflict between both Departments which were debated in the national press last summer. This is the time to draft a new plan for the future without salmon cages in our bays. We still await Minister Mc Conologue’s response to this letter.

2. Publish the High Management Level Plan to IFI for our salmonid waters which will inform on the future application of bye-laws 806 and 809 of 2006 to the western lakes especially.

Progress: This has been done and the public consultation completed with the Minister signing off for IFI to implement in April 2023.

3. Reconvene National Inland Fisheries Forum which your predecessors and Department staff allowed to fall into a lapsed state avoiding transparency and accountability reporting to the members.

Progress: This has been done and the third meeting convened in Galway in March with reasonable progress made.

4. Publish a policy document on the evaluation of Hydro Power Plants in

view of the promise of ‘so called’ green energy that causes massive mortality of migrating smolts – can we afford such salmonid and eel losses? We await the evidence which will clarify if this government is serious about confronting the ESB dominance of power generation at the expense of the fishery potential of not just the Erne, but also the Deel, Clady, Liffey, Shannon and Lee. Progress: No apparent progress as yet and we urge Inland Fisheries Ireland to enforce the law that is being flouted by the ESB for many years.

5. Review and increase investment in IFI Protection and water quality policies in view of the recent changes in management where mobile support units have resulted in increased seizures of poaching equipment and prosecutions arising out of poaching reports from FISSTA. Approve an increase in investment to IFI on staff expansion into habitat and water quality development which has long been campaigned for by FISSTA and our colleagues in salmonid fisheries.

Progress: Fishery protection has been improved to a small extent that there has been an increase in Mobile Support Units which is a step in the right direction, but water quality must be progressed as outlined in the final Eco Eye RTE programme in February 2023.

6. Approve an increase in investment to IFI on staff expansion into habitat and water quality development which has long been campaigned for by FISSTA and our colleagues in salmonid fisheries.

Progress: This is a campaign for which FISSTA lobby all Oireachtas members and will be a budgetary issue for decision in October ’23.

7. Convene a workshop to review the follow up to the public consultation on the tagging and licenses charges which has impeded development potential of our angling tourism for many years.

Progress: This is an issue which needs to be processed through the NIFF as there are many salmon anglers who

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

31

will no longer keep paying the piper, so they are seeking progress urgently.

8. In the wake of the Derrybrien judgement last month in which over 70 turbines erected in 2003 may have to be removed now, we ask you as Minister to announce a new policy that bans the erection of any turbines on upland areas causing mudslides such as the Meenbog one has done in Donegal Tyrone and Kerry.

Progress: Our FISSTA/ FASTA campaign to oppose the continuance of this development has succeeded.

However, further restoration costs will have to be paid later after evidence was given by the Loughs Agency, Donegal County Council, EPA and Northern Ireland Environment Agency in the Letterkenny District Court last in June. The bog-slide in November 2020 saw hundreds of cubic metres of peat and debris entering a stream and on to the Mournebeg River. This should clear the way now for the Minister to devise a new policy that prohibits such developments on upland peat areas in the future. A cross-border investigation into the impact of the landslide continues.

9. While the Gweebarra River issue remains tied up in the courts at the pace of a snail, since 2006, many anglers are asking the same question, time and time again as to what the Minister is doing as distinct from his DECC staff who have managed to keep the legal advisers

engaged in such a futile exercise that deprives the fishery of development and badly needed revenue to the local and organised clubs of Fintown and Rosses Anglers who will assume the management of this great river eventually.

Progress: We await the outcome on this court case.

PROTECTION PLAN FOR OUR WILD ATLANTIC SALMON STOCKS The buyout of commercial net licences was a poorly named plan when the “Salmon Hardship Scheme” was established back in November 2006. FISSTA among other NGOs lobbied hard to convince that Government to do the decent thing and implement a €5m buyout plan as proposed by the North Atlantic Salmon Fund under the chairmanship of Icelander Orri Vigfusson, but instead they opted for the much more expensive plan in which anglers had to pay double the rod license of €60 raised to €120 to finance the scheme for the 2007 season onwards. That increase called a conservation stamp has been levied on anglers ever since without any sign of it being removed.

The numbers of salmon anglers decreased from 30,000 to 14,000 in 2008 onwards as the international salmon angling tourist market moved to licence free Scotland and Norway never

to return. Sadly, many recipients of this €40m buyout scheme went back to fishing illegally to the detriment of the stocks despite them knowing full well that netting of migrating salmon would wipe out an entire year-class of stock in rivers with already declining populations.

IFA AQUACULTURE STILL CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE TO WILD FISH STOCKS FISSTA continue to lobby all state and political people to end the awarding of open sea net-cage licenses to farmed salmon operators along the west coast of Ireland. While our Minister Eamonn Ryan TD has yet to receive a reply to his eight page letter of February 2022 from his Cabinet colleague Minister Charlie Mc Conalogue TD, there appears to be no change in policy as the industry drives on by ignoring the lobbying to cease all production.

FISSTA met recently with the President of the Irish Farmers Association in Donegal, when he visited for an IFA AGM in Letterkenny.

This was the fifth meeting with an IFA President and Tim Cullinane and appeared no different to others in defending their salmon farming sector as if it were beef or lamb practices we were asking to change. He was courteous and business like in his tone and manner and agreed to consider our strongly put arguments to him as the representative of the largest food producer representative body in the country.

A few weeks later, he showed no change in his policy when, at the IFA Aquaculture Annual Conference in Limerick, he called for immediate action to implement a functioning aquaculture licensing system. He appeared not to recognise our argument that Irish salmon farming is worth about €50m compared to angling which generates over €1 billion in 2022.

The Galway Salmon Weir on the River Corrib 32

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

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By John Toal

The Way I See It

S

o who or what can we blame for the changes that have affected our sport over the last half century?

Most if not all of those that have answered my question have strong opinions. They believe that the quality and number of most huntable species has declined but there is wide divergence on the reasons.

Not all of my hunting friends have seen a fall off in numbers though.

Stalkers have seen a steady rise in deer and my insomnia afflicted friends the fox shooters, yes there are some who specialise in foxing have never known it so good.

Generally though the decline in bird numbers is horrific and hares are now scarce to the point that I seldom see them anymore. Rabbit populations, that were once the mainstay of the pot shooter, have virtually disappeared down the east coast region of this island. Myxomatosis and the dreaded haemorrhaging virus have put paid to them.

Back then to our opening question then, where did it all go wrong? Having followed the gun since my childhood I will venture my own humble opinion in these august pages.

The way I see it then is: environment, population growth and shifts of location combined with the industrialisation of farming seem to me to be the main

culprits. Joining the Common Market ( now the EU) in the early 1970s, some half a century ago, tolled the death knell for the landscape and land use that we knew. The common agricultural policy, the production of food primarily for export to world markets has meant that the shooting world I knew growing up has disappeared in these passing fifty years.

Increasing use of pesticides and weedkillers The small fields surrounded by stone walls or thick hedges, havens for wildlife all ploughed away resulting in electro fenced prairies. Crop fields on a par with the Ukraine to handle the massive harvesting machines resulting in a monoculture that is not nature friendly. Land reclamation that turned wonderful boggy bottoms into poor pasture, in the process destroying the breeding grounds for frogs and dragonfly and the feeding grounds for snipe. Silage cutting put paid to the partridge.

Increasing use of pesticides and weedkillers has starved birdlife of food in their early lifecycle. All birdlife has suffered. Our friends in Birdwatch record this decline. They then propose restrictions in open season orders instead of lobbying to tackle the root problem. Various raptor loving groups have reintroduced predators into this

A local gun club’s pheasant pen takes shape 34

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

John Toal

reducing wildlife reservoir.

Yes, the environment has changed for the worse and yet I cannot blame the farmer. He had to make ends meet in an increasingly consumer society.

Television and that eye on the world that had all the mod conveniences in the home, coupled with the American dream of a car in every garage and a chicken on the Sunday table, all cost money. The simple country kitchens of my youth, the home made wheaten bread with country butter and gooseberry jam would be replaced by space aged computer controlled cooking appliances that seldom saw use as the exotic takeaways became the order of the day and the ubiquitous microwave oven produced almost instant ready meals for busy people.

There has been a flight from the land as the country industrialised to meet the

Real progress is made with young and old helping

new societal needs. Urbanised people lost the link with the land and food production to the point where they probably don’t even make the connection between a carton of milk and the cow.

Getting back to our theme then, what about our waterways? In these last few years I have become involved with ORCCA (Oriel Rivers catchments and Costal Association) Sadly the story is no better than the lands. Nutrient enrichment, Nitrates and Phosphates have wreaked havoc in our river plant life. Drainage along with the straightening of courses and the removal of bank side vegetation and trees has destroyed the biodiversity in many of our streams resulting in the loss of natural gravel beds where our wild fish spawn.

Is there no end to the bad news?

Well, given the spread of invasive species, both plant life and animal variants, the future looks grim. Well meaning fools released the north American mink into our waterways since the 1970s and this voracious predator now inhabits virtually all our water ways laying waste all manner of native bird life and fishes. Green driven over protection of Seals, cormorants and

Straw bales ready for spreading

Gulls has contributed to the decline of fish stocks in our estuaries and lakes..

Shooting and fishing clubs stage a practical ecological fight back Is our situation hopeless then? Are we staring down the barrels of the ecological gun?

Hopefully not! The fight back has been lead by the shooting and fishing clubs across this island.

I recently attended the conference of the Rivers Trusts. My eyes were delightfully opened to the work being done in monitoring water quality via citizen science, projects building leaky dams to slow flood waters, the removal of barriers and efforts being pursued in Hydro morphology. Livestock fencing and riparian strips to absorb runoff and effluent spillages. Careful planting along the banks to create the right conditions of light and shade encourages rivers and streams to repair to their natural state.

On land, the shooting movement often lead by the NARGC has established many bird and game friendly projects. Grouse reintroduction in Ballydangan for instance and more than twelve native Grey partridge

projects across the country. Working with farmers in the Glass scheme and the provision of subsidised game crop to gun clubs. Duck (mallard) release and wild breeding programmes. Subsidies for pheasant releases all are testament to the organisation putting its money where its mouth is. A national vermin/predator control competition and the club of the year competition maintain the focus on protection and habitat conservation.

The changing nature of Board Na Mona and Coilte (the Irish forest company) in re-wetting bogs and making forests into amenity projects, may go some way to redress the balance.

From the farming perspective the ever increasing cost of fertilisers and the genuine love for the environment has led to moves to establish clovers and other nitrogen retaining plants. The EU is finally waking up to the environmental challenges posed by industrial intensity food production.

I won’t hold my breath though on the prospect of again walking on stubbles on November 1st and feeling the frosty crunch beneath my boots as I hunt the longtails. Where have all the stubbles gone? Long time passing. Or is that cue for a song?

The end result is a safe haven for pheasants until release in due course Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

35

A report by Club Secretary Diarmuid O’Crowley

Lorrha/Rathcabbin Gun Club Install Duck Nesting Tubes on Upper Lough Derg Tubes are relatively easy to make.

L

orrha/Rathcabbin Gun Club is based in the parish of Lorrha/Dorrha which is situated in North Tipperary, bordering Portumna in Co. Galway, which is in close proximity to Lough Derg. The club was formed in 1966 and presently consists of 47 members. Club members take part in all forms of shooting but mainly Game shooting and Vermin control. The club chairman is Robert Harding, the treasurer is James Heenan and myself as secretary.

In 2021, during a club meeting, a discussion came up about the mallard population in the area.

During this meeting we decided to try and play our part in increasing the numbers of breeding mallard in the vicinity.

After some research into how we could achieve this, we agreed on a method which was tried and tested by ‘Duck’s Unlimited’ in the USA. They had great success with the 36

introduction of duck nesting tubes along the shores of lakes and ponds.

Later that year, we started with seventeen nesting tubes and we also released sixty adult Mallard in the area, the idea being that they would use the tubes more readily than a wild bird. In that breeding season

we found four of the seventeen tubes had evidence of nesting mallard in them, such as feathers and eggshells, and we also observed Mallard sitting on nests from a distance.

The season the release, we found that another seven tubes had been used for nesting and we observed a

The tubes themselves are relatively easy to make

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

Spread hay all over it to cover the mesh

This is then rolled up forming a tube with hay sandwiched into it

Hay is then added inside to allow the mallard to make a nest.

mallard rearing a clutch of two ducklings in another tube.

All you have to do is simply take 7-foot (2.2M) length of 16-gauge 25mm holed wire mesh and roll it over into a tube at 36inch width, this will make the inner tube where the mallard will nest.

Following the success of our initial efforts, we decided to embark on some fund raising so that we could increase the number of tubes to thirty. More duck tubes will hopefully mean more nesting mallard, which would increase the number of clutches around the lake.

This year we are also organising a small incubator, so the kids can hatch some pheasant eggs and they can learn how to candle eggs and see the eggs hatching.

Looking to the future, along with predator control, we aim to release more mallard to help increase the use of the nesting tubes.

Even with the release of mallard around the duck tubes it may take several years for them to be fully used. The wild mallard population can take a bit of time to become accustomed to the tubes. It would be a great conservation method if every club were to put up a couple of duck tubes in their areas. It is an excellent way to assist the mallard population to continue to thrive.

While the school visit provided a lot of fun for the children (hay everywhere!), we also hoped it would give them an understanding of what we as a gun club do for conservation. We also bring pheasants to the school to allow them ring and release the birds and the kids love to take part and they will tag the clubs facebook page (or get their parents to) when they see a pheasant.

Last year we collected egg shells from under a Grey (hooded) crows nest and made a presentation for the kids to see both what various birds eggs look like and what damage a grey crow can do.

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This year members also visited one of the local schools to show the pupils how to fabricate the duck tubes Right: Eggs shells collected from below a Grey(hooded) crows nest and made into a presentation for the local school

It is then erected on a bracket between 3 to 5 feet from the water level in an area with low flowing water such as a lake or a pond

Mallard were released as these will use the tubes quicker than the wild birds 38

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

The reason we do it - a Mallard duckling in one of our duck tubes.

David Harris putting up tubes

Diarmuid helping locate the tubes

From left to right. Richie Delaney, Jimmy Dwyer, Pat O’Meara, Diarmuid O’Crowley and National Chairman NARGC John Butler

For more information please contact Diarmuid O’Crowley, Secretary Lorrha/Rathcabbin Gun Club Follow us at www.facebook.com/Lorrha/RathcabbinGame&Conservationclub Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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By Frank Brophy

Bore Sighting a Hunting Rifle

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ore sighting a rifle is something we probably seldom think about. It’s quite a convenient system for quickly setting up a telescopic sight to place shots reasonably close to point of aim on a target, saving lots of range time and ammunition. It’s particularly useful if something goes wrong in the field. I discovered this the hard way some years ago when my riflescope was unexpectedly way off zero.

On arrival in a South African hunting camp the main priority was always a quick range check on the rifle’s 100 metre point of impact. Usually a click or two sorted out any minor discrepancies but on this occasion the first bullet didn’t even hit the paper target. Two further shots didn’t print either and this created a major problem through not having sufficient ammunition on site to sort it. With 17 rounds remaining in the box of 20, the nearest gun-shop that possibly might stock that brand and calibre was several hours drive away.

The only option was to bore sight the rifle and despite knowing the theory I didn’t have any experience - neither did anyone else there. In the final analysis it required ten minutes and thirty clicks left to correct the sight.

To put that in context, at four clicks per inch at 100 metres, thirty clicks represents movement of seven and a half inches and there could only be one explanation for that level of discrepancy - somewhere along the journey from Ireland the rifle case had received a severe impact. Further confirmation of harsh treatment emerged when a colleague discovered that his rifle’s stock was cracked, rendering it unsafe to use. Both gun cases had clearly received rough handling en route from persons unknown.

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Test firing a 50 calibre black powder rifle from the marble topped bench rest

The camp’s range bench-rest comprised a heavy slab of marble mounted on concrete blocks, providing the steadiest support possible. Enquiring how this suitable piece of marble ended up in such a remote location may have provided an intriguing response, but with daylight rapidly running out resetting the sight had to take priority.

The rifle was placed on sandbags with the bolt removed and a mop run through to clean the barrel for visual purposes. It took only a minute’s

manoeuvring to get it into position facing the 100m target. Kneeling behind and moving the rifle around while peering through the barrel finally brought the round bulls-eye into the bore’s dead centre.

Keeping rock steady and carefully maintaining the bore’s sight picture, it took 30 clicks left to bring the upright cross-hair onto the bullseye, leaving just the elevation to check. However in this instance the impact to the gun-case didn’t appear to have pushed the

The rifle should be mounted and supported on a steady bench-rest

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

Peering through a clean bore from the kneeling position (without touching the rifle), centre the target before adjusting the 'scope

elevation cross-hair upwards. The light was fading; the rifle was well secured on the bench, so I gambled, firing a single shot. Incredibly the bullet-hole appeared dead centre on target.

Job done with fifteen rounds left The general consensus was to try a second shot and it too struck close to centre, enlarging the first hole. As luck would have it the severe impact the case received didn’t affect the ‘scope’s 100m elevation setting, eliminating the necessity for adjustment. There had to be a rub of the green about that and using only five rounds to achieve a satisfactory result - job done with fifteen rounds left. Just about enough for the planned hunt!

Bore sighting is a handy but basic method when setting up a ‘scope on a new rifle or a new ‘scope on a current rifle. The scope mounts and/or rings must be correctly mounted ensuring the sight will be parallel to the rifle’s bore.

Set-up can be carried out in the back garden or a convenient location with 25m of space available; it won’t require a visit to a shooting range until later.

The system is suitable for bolt-action rifles but not lever-actions or semiautomatics. Position a 10m air pistol target or similar at 25m, place the rifle on a steady base with the bolt withdrawn and ensure the bore is clean.

Manoeuvre the rifle while looking

through the bore until the target is visible at dead centre. Then check the position of ‘scope’s cross-hairs relative to the bulls-eye. Make any necessary adjustments turning the turrets in the opposite direction i.e. left to go right and down to go up; the exact reverse of adjusting a bullet’s point of impact on the target.

Given that ‘scopes sit above the rifles bore any shots taken will automatically be lower than the point of aim. To counter this, the elevation cross-hair should be positioned slightly higher because setting it exactly dead-centre at 25m will result in a shot being quite low on-range, bullet drop on exiting the muzzle included. This is only a rough rule-of-thumb to position the point of impact within reach of dead centre at 100m. Invariably a few shots will be required to centre the point of impact at that distance prior to using the firearm for hunting.

target (or exact copies) can then be used in advance of future hunting trips to check that the sight is true. Firing at 25m, the point of impact should correspond to the recorded higher shothole.

A number of commercial boresighting gadgets are available to record/reset this but their rocket science-like instructions can be an obstacle. One I purchased about 20 years ago is still in the box – could never figure it out! Perhaps later models are easier to operate? The above handy method of getting a rifle on target is based on using a fixed power ‘scope.

The experts recommend that variable ‘scopes should be zeroed on maximum power, then re-checked at the lowest power setting where it’s claimed that the bullet’s point of impact will not have altered. Don’t bet a month’s salary on it!

That evening in the African bush was the first time I had found it necessary to bore-sight a rifle. I’ll treatment of firearms in transit was unknown to us up to that time, although in later months we became aware of similar incidents.

Unfortunately the cracked stock had gone unnoticed at the police office in Johannesburg. Having left the airport environs without being aware of, or reporting any damage, we had no comeback. Later comparisons with other hunters indicated that one particular airport abroad appeared to be a common denominator. Future problems were eliminated by altering the routes we travelled.

Carefully fire a shot at dead centre of the 25m target Once the ‘scope is set for 100m – or further distance, a “sighting” card can be made for future reference specifically using the same brand of ammunition in a safe (and legal) 25m area. With the ‘scope set at the chosen distance carefully fire a shot at dead centre of the 25m target. The point of impact will be higher at the shorter range. Fire a second one to confirm the first. This

"Master" card for a .270 Win hunting rifle. A test shot at the target's centre from 25m should strike the higher dot, verifying the 100m scope setting

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By Larry Taaffe

Tracking Dogs for wounded deer

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s a hunter /stalker of deer and other game, we are obliged to have at our disposal a dog which is capable of locating a wounded animal which has been shot but has run off. Modern firearms and ultra modern optics would suggest that missing you target is now in the smallest percentages, therefore a bullet strike on the target is highly lightly. Where your bullet has entered and exited will indicate where the animal has been hit, as will the reaction to the bullet strike on the body. Learning lessons form these two indications will greatly assist your dog, or a dog called in to locate the animal but more on that later.

The question is often asked, what is the best dog for tracking wounded animals? In our case on the island of Ireland, the answer is simple. It’s the dog that finds you deer. All dogs are capable of being trained to track but some have generations of breeding which predisposes them to be masters of this game.

The Hanoverian and the Bavarian tracking dogs are the breeds that top this list. In the late 1700s and early 1800s saw the beginning of the establishment of these two breeds as the prime tracking dogs. So their history and breeding as dogs bred specially to track wounded game, places them above other dogs used for this purpose.

Used extensively across Europe and further afield, the Bavarian tracking dog has become the most popular, a medium sized dog, in the 22-26 kg weight, with a red/tan coat and a black head and ears.

Built with strong bone and well covered with muscle, this breed is easy to look at and because it is predisposed to be a natural tracking dog it is reasonably easy to train for its job.

The developing bond between dog and owner is vital They will tend to be a one person dog, preferring to be with that person over all others. Training, in the initial

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a fine tracking dog 42

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stages is like all other breeds, obedience training first but also introduction to its future work as a tracking can begin at an early age. Developing an understanding and a level of confidence between the dog and owner will result in a confident dog when it begins its tracking training in earnest.

Of great importance in the training of all dogs is success on the task they have been given, and this is no different for tracking dogs. If you as the trainer give your dog a task, to track on an artificial track, it is of great importance that the dog completed this task even if you have to guide it to the track end. At the track end there should be a reward, a deer skin, a deer hoof or, best of all a food item. Raw is always best, mince beef, a piece of chicken, or indeed I have used black blood pudding And always praise the dog at the track end, no matter how it got there. And remember to make haste slowly. Once they realise the connection between the track and a reward at the track end, you may extend the distance on each outing.

If I can go back to the beginning of the article, where I suggested that when an animal is shot it will give indications on which part of the body it has been hit. These indications are visible to the stalker who has fired the bullet, but not necessarily to the dog handler who may be asked to come at a later time to locate the missing animal. This where the dog handler takes over, his ability to understand what has happened at the shot site, will determine what happens next.

What he find there, blood of different colours, hair of different colours and length, tissue, bone, etc will tell him where the animal was hit. This will also determine if the animal can indeed be located. For example, if the bullet has

grazed the body and has left a plume of hair and no other indication, if the shot was low and clipped the brisket, leaving hair and small tiny pieces of fat attached. In these cases it is worthless to attempt to locate the animal as no vital organ has been hit and the animal will recover without any ill effects.

Putting a young dog on such tracks will not help its confidence, much better as I suggested a simple track on a mortally wounded animal, where the distance is up to 100 meters. This short track, when successful, will set the confidence in both for future success.

Learning to read the dog’s body language as it is actually tracking, as against just looking for a track, will come in time. Give Plenty of praise at the location site, allow the dog to interact with the dead deer and be happy that you are on the road to success.

As the dog progresses in its ability and gains in experience, it will eventually be asked to find a mortally wounded animal that has left no indication at the shot site. The hunter was confident of the shot placement, there may be nothing to go on at the shot site - but there actually is! Deer have inter-digital glands which excrete scent at different levels at different times and this is one of those times. It will leave scent as it runs away, invisible to the naked eye, but not to the nose of your tracking dog. This is the ultimate ability of your tracking dog its ability to track and find a mortally wounded deer which has left no indication at the shot site.

This has been a brief introduction but for those wishing to read up on the training of tracking dogs, the following books are probably the best: “Tracking Dogs, Understanding, Training and Handling” and “Tracking Dogs For Finding Wounded Game.”

This trained and experienced dog found the deer quickly Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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By Tom Fulton

A personal view on the future of hunting in Ireland

Louth Foxhounds Joint Masters Gerry Boyland and Eamon McGinn with some of the mounted field at Dromisken

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unting has faced many difficulties and much opposition throughout its history, particularly in recent times, but many feel that it has never been in more danger than it is now.

Whilst the governance and administration of hunting are on an all Ireland basis the two countries, naturally, fall under two different political and legislative systems.

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I am not the only person in Northern Ireland to envy the fact that, in the Republic, politicians seem much more interested in and supportive of their rural roots and communities. A much more urban, even metropolitan, ethos seems to now exist here meaning there is less opportunity for hunting people, or others among us, to allow us any great confidence in many of our elected representatives.

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Indeed, I have heard it said that if there is one subject on which sufficient numbers of our representatives could find themselves united it would be to ban hunting.

A much more recent addition to the list of things which could, potentially, threaten hunting is the, so far still unresolved, insurance question. Initially, this could also have threatened point to points and other racing and was much

more of a threat to hunting in the Republic but, with the help of the very important racing and bloodstock industries this threat seems to have lessened.

If we look back into history, as it applies to hunting, the sport has always faced the “next big threat” be it loss of hunting land, railways, motorways, wire, plough, agricultural practices, alternative sports or interests or whatever else has been thrown at it but hunting has adapted and survived.

How, then, do we combat the threats?

There seems little point in saying that there are many, many much more important issues as many of our most implacable opponents can be considered single issue fanatics and are, therefore, beyond any reasoning on the subject.

The vast majority of the population has no interest in the subject and has, quite literally, got so much more to be interested in or worried about and could not begin to appreciate how important hunting is to those of us who do hunt.

However, I remain convinced that sufficient numbers of them could, if only in the interests of fair play, be persuaded of our cause not least that hunting is something which should be left to the individual to pursue or not

pursue.

Country sports people in total are in a minority, albeit a sizeable one, so hunting people must agree among themselves and present a united front at all times. They must also remind other country sports people that their sport is “next” and indeed a wider campaign against farming, horse racing, other equestrian sports and the food industry could become “next” as the sort of groups who want to ban hunting will see doing so as a “success” and they will be similarly implacable in their efforts to achieve whatever aims they set themselves.

The need for a united front As numbers of voters is the main factor with which politicians concern themselves it is therefore incumbent on hunting people to present a united front, not only to politicians but also to everyone involved in other country sports or in trades or businesses reliant on hunting. Thus anyone who is engaged in farming, horse breaking or dealing, or anyone who is worried about the curtailment of freedoms of minorities just because a highly motivated, if narrowly focused, group who happen not to agree with them or their pursuits, should also be seen as potential supporters.

In purely economic and employment terms hunting brings jobs and a degree of security, even prosperity, to rural areas and that is something which should be constantly underlined to those who are in a position to effect a ban on the sport and also to the wider public.

Hunting people themselves sometimes seem to be unaware of the extent to which their sport is under threat and this lack of awareness can often be mistaken for indifference or even arrogance, but neither is the case.

I think that to pen an article on the future of hunting in Ireland must necessarily reflect the reality of the two jurisdictions as the campaign in those two jurisdictions is at a different stage.

In the Republic, the horse is a much more important factor in everyday life due to the racing and bloodstock interests, agriculture is similarly important to more people because they relate to it more than do people here and the anti hunting campaign remains nascent whereas, with us it has taken some forward steps. Some Hunts near Belfast, for example, have a constant complement of protesters at their every meet and sometimes on other occasions which is not something which I think would be accepted in the Republic.

After prolonged consideration I have to say that hunting has, up to now, managed to survive, perhaps by muddling through but I would have to add that the factors which exist today are more varied and also more serious than hitherto. This includes the all important question of insurance which will, eventually, extend into Northern Ireland and could have an absolutely lethal effect on the sport on both sides of the Border.

I am fully aware that it seems that I am electing to ‘sit on the fence,’ but the truth is that I really do not know what the future holds for hunting and the unfortunate thing is this is not a view I hold in isolation as no one knows the answer.

Oliver Little, MFH, brings the Tynan and Armagh Foxhounds to the first draw at Tullysarrow

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East Down Foxhounds Huntsman blowing for the hounds at Rademon

East Down Joint Masters Pat Turley and Donna Quael at Raleigh outside Ballynahinch

Ellie McCann adds a ‘touch of class’ to the Tynan and Armagh foxhounds at Tullysarrow

Huntsman Robbie Hodge showing hounds at the East Antrim Puppy Show to judges Joe Harrison and Declan Feeney

Huntsman Lloyd Parr with the Louth Foxhounds at Dromisken near Dundalk

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Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

By Margaret McStay

Terrier, Lurcher & Whippet Show Review of the Year

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s the long dark days of Covid came to an end after 2020/21, it was a dream come true to see our Working Dog Shows coming back to full fruition once again. This made way for the many highs and lows along the way from January to December 22.

Many lasting memories and friendships were formed and old ones renewed, and lots of trophies picked up along the way, with many worthy charities and causes benefiting North and South of the border.

Clubs that impressed with their charity fund raising The New Year kicked off with Brea Rooney’s Charity Dog show in aid of Autism. What a success this show was with this young lady raising £2,800 for her Autism Charity.

This was followed by Carlow Working Terrier & Lurcher Club in March raising 3285 Euro for Cancer Research; DWTC £920 for Newry Hospice; Burren Working Dog Show £4000 for Newry Hospice; Tally Ho Working Dog Show £4000 for Air Ambulance, and Field Of Dreams, Maghera £3296 for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

There were many more charity dog shows during the year, in fact too many to mention but I can honestly say without fear of contradiction, that over £20k has been raised through our Dog Shows and given to various charities in 2022. What an accolade to our canine enthusiasts and what a shop window for country sports through our dog shows and race days.

and on the racecourse. Here are a few of the 2022 Champions that stick out in my memory.

Champion Lurchers J P O Hagan and Cayce Coyles' lurcher Tyson; Stewarty Graham and Ace; and Maurice McDowell and Bear.

Champion Whippets Susan McCann with Bella; Suzanne Addis with Jax; Colin Tucker with Cooper; and Cayce Coyle with Prince.

Champion Terriers Gerald Mc Keown with Mick; and Stephen Maxwell with Stig Strong Dog Harry John Digging with Stormy Racing Champions Rose Mc Coy with Texas U 22 and Linzi Gardiner McGill with Briar U24 Other Nigel & Jo-Anne Smith with their winning Great Dane Gibson There are many other dogs that ‘caught my eye’ from 2022, but I would not have the space to mention them all.

The highlight of 2022 for me was the 69th Irish Game Fair and Fine Food

Festival at Shanes Castle in June. I looked forward so much to this event and I was not disappointed. There was something for every age and the wee people had a ball.

On the other side of the fence there were some very low times in 2022 with the loss of some of our very good canine friends and great country ports people.

Condolences go out to the Hurley Family, at the Field of Dreams Schooling Track with the passing of Joe Hurley Junior. Also to Stephanie O Connor on the passing of her dear sister Helen Smith. Also Wesley Scott, a top terrier man and just lately the passing of Charlene Martin ( Staffeon Char ) all gone and left this world far too soon.

Time waits for nobody, so let us all go forward to 2023 and come out and support all these great shows in the summer months. Our Dog Shows, Race days and Game Fair give back so much to the community and this country we call home. I hope to see you all shortly.

J P O Hagan & Caycee Coyle with Champion Lurcher Tyson

Some dogs that made a big impression in 2022 Walking around the rings on show day, and also judging in the ring I get to see the best of both worlds. I get to see most of our top dogs in the show ring Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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Left: Rose McCoy with her Champion racing Lurcher Texas

Right: Colin Tucker and his daughter Megan with Champion Whippet Cooper

Left: Cayce Coyle with her Champion Whippet Prince

Right: Gerald McKeown with his Champion Terrier

Left: Harry John Digging with his Champion Dog Storm 48

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

Left: Nigel and Jo-Anne Smith with their winning Great Dane Gibson

Right: Suzanne Addis with her Champion Whippet Jax

Left: Linzi Gardiner Magill with Peter Morgan and her winning Champion Racing lurcher

Right: Stewarty Graham with Champion Lurcher Ace

Left: Susan McCann and Rae Wilson with Bella

Right: Maurice Thomas McDowell with Bear Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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An interview with Sean Kearney – winner of the IKC Retriever Championship

Sean with FT Ch. Kelmarsky Ash, the 2022 Irish Retriever Championship Winner

e asked Sean to tell us what it meant for him and to give us an idea of the amount of work and planning it took to achieve this ambition.

“Winning the 2022 Irish Retriever Championship was an acknowledgement of the breeding, time and effort put in and the timeless hours training, travelling around England, Scotland etc for the selective breeding of my line.

FTCh Kelmarsky Ash and Kelmarsky Crow took years of planning and advice from good friends. The bitch line FTW

W

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Astraglen Pearl of Kelmarsky x FTCh Kelmarsky Crow produced two champions, Ash and FTCh Kelmarsky Arkle of Astraglen.

To win the Championship in the company of so many sporting greats, people who I have the utmost respect for, meant a very proud moment and I felt a great empathy with them. The kind messages from so many people and genuine heartfelt congratulations from fellow handlers and helpers was uplifting: true sportsmen and women I thank you all!

Ash was born on 12/4/18, 12 hours

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

later than his siblings. I named him ‘The Special One’ and little did I know then just how ‘special’ he would be. He qualified on 9/10/22 at the Working Retriever Club of Ireland’s 16 dog Open at Pettigo gaining 2nd place.

The Host, Guns, Committee and Judges pulled out all the stops to keep the trial going with the Guns shooting superbly in the most horrendous conditions I had ever witnessed’; truly remarkable sportsmen and women. I am very indebted to the Club, Committee, Guns, Host and helpers who made it all possible.

FTCh Kelmarsky Ash 12/4/18 his trial results 22/9/19 Working Retriever Club of Ireland (Com) Novice (17 months) 29/9/19 Clones Retriever Club 16 dog Novice 2nd 19/10/19 Fermanagh GC 2 day Open 4th (18 months) 26/10/19 Ulster Gundog League 2 Day Open 3rd 21/1/20 Labrador Retriever Club of Ireland 16 dog Open 1st (21 months) 5/9/21 Broadmeadows GC 16 dog Open 1st 16/10/21 Broadmeadows GC 16 dog Open 1st (Champion) 12/12/21 The Irish Retriever Championship 3rd 19/3/22 IKC Celtic Winners International Show 1st 9/10/22 Working Retriever Club of Ireland 2nd 18/12/22 The Irish Retriever Championship 1st After making up FTCh Kelmarsky Crow & FTCh Kelmarsky Ash I had a backlog of work to attend to. My business was key to me running dogs. I spent the summer re-structuring it to facilitate future security and just exercised the dogs - no training. “Where you are working at one thing you are neglecting another.”

The start of the season was a car crash for me and I felt I had let the dogs down and I needed to get both dogs back up to speed as my season was slipping away.”

Sean’s impression of The Championship, Ballinatray, Youghal, Cork Day 1 There was a heavy frost on the ground and the low numbered dogs got the cream. I was sent for a no bird, Ash worked well but not the start I’d expected. Next was a 300 yard retrieve to the rear of a 200 year old ash tree. I looked at the undulating ground to read the contours and pointed him slightly to the left of it. He got to the tree with ease, one pip and a left hand back and in seconds he was returning with his retrieve. Next up was FTCh Kelmarsky

Crow who was also putting in an outstanding run. He picked with ease.

Over to the other two judges and I sat through two drives and an anxious wait for Ash’s second retrieve. We were standing on high ground and overlooking a long meadow with a lane and broad stone wall to our left hand side. Birds were flying everywhere and a wounded cock came down tight to the wall with a few back flips some 200 yards to my left. The judge was about to send me when another bird fell slightly further back. Then a flurry of birds were shot and peppered the ground.

The designated bird was as I feared tight against the wall making it very difficult. Ash went down the hill, flat out, and I thought he would hit the wall and run along it. He went over it like a stag, I pipped and luckily for me he stopped in his tracks as there were birds in front.

Recalled over the wall, he scented it and returned at speed. The control had saved the day.

Next up and further down to the other side the line I was sent over the stone wall into a marshy drain with a swamp backing onto it. I watched the previous dog hunt this drain and then pick another bird out of it close to the wall.

I was concerned: the wall, the drain, the swamp - and no bird? But out he went, on the angled retrieve, over the wall, across the lane and not the marshy, deep drain. He disappeared into it.

Several minutes slowly passed - no sign of him. The gallery all watching with apprehension, my mind working overtime scouring the ground up and down. Then he had it, a hen pheasant which he retrieved with ease - tidy work I thought!.

Day 2 I was through with both dogs and a clean sheet. Fourteen dogs and a lot of nice dog work being produced from competent, experienced handlers.

Conditions had improved slightly with a few showers. I had made my mind up if I was going to stand a chance of winning I had to stand out as the competition was intense. The dog work was phenomenal

and to a very high standard. No one was blinking.

A very long drive occurred and the ground and woods were covered with birds, some very close together in front of two woods. The judges were very precise as to which bird was required, there was no room for error.

We were brought to the edge of the opposite wood, to be sent across the meadow to the edge of the far wood, not a great distance but birds were in clear view either side of the nominated bird.

Dogs were being sent straight out of the wood to the left over a slight rise in the ground. Ash had watched dog after dog pick in front and to the right. He took the cast, went over the rise and straight to the cock bird, head dipping and back. `one blip and it would have been game over.

The judges conferred on all retrieves. I had a dog leg retrieve with Crow and took a small knocks enough to put me out of the placings. But I knew that Ash was flying.

The judges decided to up the ante and changed direction into a very dense wood, fronted by briars and rhododendrons. This proved pivotal to the trial as some dogs struggled and few entered the dense cover without handling.

This was it - all or nothing, under the unforgiving watchful eyes of four of Ireland’s most experienced judges, Mr Joseph McGivern, Mr Nigel Carville, Paul O’Brien and Mr Keith Mathews, and the entire entourage of handlers, markers, helpers, committee members etc - so no press there lol!

I was given my mark, well into the wall of cover fronting the woods. As one competitor said, ‘he went into the wall of cover like a stag, picked for fun and returned like an express train’! It was truly an exceptional retrieve.

The judges conferred, deep in conversation. Anthony Reilly and Michael Corr had a run off, then we headed to the lake for the obligatory water retrieve.

The stewards and judges broke through the thick ice and took some time to get an area big enough for all dogs to complete the required water retrieve.

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Into the icy water they all went and I duly completed a memorable championship for Ash and Crow.

The results were given (see Paul O’Brian’s report) and Ash had won with Crow receiving a Diploma of Honour.

FTCH Kelmarsky Ash was awarded: Red Mills Perpetual Trophy The Winners Trophy sponsored by Irish Country Sports & Country Life The Knight Frank Ganly Walters Perpetual Cup The Barbara Eustace Duckett Memorial Trophy The Maude Perpetual Challenge Cup The Sam Jennet Laughlin Trophy for the breeder the winner of the Irish Championship The Ballyfrema Cup presented to the breeder of the highest placed Irish dog in the Championship The Cromlix Perpetual Trophy for the

best Labrador retriever in the championship The Winston Kelly Glenloch Perpetual Trophy for the most stylish dog Irish Country Sports & Country Life magazine Perpetual Trophy for Guns’ Choice FTCh Kelmarsky Ash is an exceptional Labrador retriever as witnessed by all during both championships and past trials. I am really looking forward to representing Ireland with Ash in the 2023 International Gundog League at Bowhill in Scotland.

My affix is Kelmarsky and is an abbreviation of Kelvin, Martin, Sean Kearney. I have a nice big red dog Watergreen Nelson of Kelmarsky. His hips are 4/6, elbows 0/0, eyes clear, Pra, Cnm, Sd2, Eic clear.

FTCh Kelmarsky Crow produced the 2022 Irish Retriever Champion Kelmarsky Ash, FTCh Arkle of Astraglen and up and coming trial dogs, open

Sean is pictured with Ash and Watergreen Nelson of Kelmarsky 52

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winners and FTWs. He is 100% clean health and prodigy throughout the world.

I would personally like to thanks our host My Henry Gwen Jones , Mr Willie Forde, Mr Joseph McGivern, Mr Nigel Carville, Mr Paul O’Brien, Mr Keith Mathews, Mr Keith McNamara, Mr Tommy Murphy, Mr David Boyce, Mr Sean Moore, The Irish Retriever Committee, The Irish kennel Club, All Field trail Clubs and Committees, Secretaries, Connolly’s Red Mills, Mr Michael Cronin, Mr Declan McCarthy, Mr Ronnie Farrelly, Mr Albert J Titterington, Mr Paul Pringle, Mr Bryan Burns, Mr Nigel Dobbbs, Mr Ronnie Creighton, Mr David Armstrong, Mr Winston Kelly, my ‘kennel boy’ Mr Kelvin Kearney & helper Eoin Cronin, my fellow competitors, markers, Guns, judges, & all the friends I have met through dogs.

I am so grateful for everyone’s generosity and kindness.

The Red Mills Gundog Interview Albert Titterington interviews Louis Rice

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hen chatting some years ago with Nigel Carville while I was shooting at Drumbanagher Estate, he said that when he read our magazine many years ago, the first pages he turned to were the ones featuring the gundog interviews. Many other people have requested that we make this a regular feature, so we have ‘kicked off’ 2023 with top Cocker and Springer Spaniel handler, Louis Rice.

Q : Louis. Can I take you right back to the start and ask you what was your first dog and when and how you acquired it?

A: My first dog was a wee Jack Russell bitch named “Tiny” that I used for hunting rats. She was given to me by an uncle, many a fun day I had with that little lady.

Q : When did you purchase your first (a) Springer Spaniel (b) Cocker Spaniel. What was their breeding and their names?

A: a) My first Springer Spaniel was a dog named “Drake” given to me about 25yrs ago by a shooting friend b) The first Cocker Spaniel I had was a bitch I purchased from Richard Clayton about 20 yrs ago in Inverness, named “Judy” I am unsure of their breeding as at that time I was not looking at lines, just wanted a good hunting dog Q: What is your prefix and why did you choose it?

A: As I live at the foot of the Mourne mountains I chose the prefix “Sliabh” which is the Gaelic word for Mountain.

Q: Where and when was the first trial you ran in with a Springer and how did you get on?

A: I didn’t run in trials for several years, but competed in working tests to get myself familiarised with competitions. I also competed in team events for Ireland. This is where I was asked to enter in trials. The first trial I ran

Louis with Ir FTCh Cocker Sliabh Nugget

in was with a bitch called “Flo” in Rademon Estate, Crossgar. We didn’t get on very well as we were put out. This was a learning curve for both me and the dog.

Q: Where and when was the first trial you ran in with a Cocker and how did you get on?

A: As Cocker trials are relatively new in Ireland and I judged quite a lot of Cocker trials including having the privilege and honour of judging the Irish Cocker Championship 2021, held on the Copeland islands. It was here I decided it was time to run a Cocker in trials.

My first trial was with Sliabh Nugget who was home bred by myself and I competed with her in the Rann Shoot, in which I gained 4th place in an open stake at 19 months old.

Q: With which dog did you win your first trial awards and on what

ground and what quarry?

I won my first novice trial with a Springer Spaniel bitch called Cheweky Lightening Massie. It was on the Copeland islands on rabbits.

Q: How many trial awards have you?

A: Over my 20 years of competitions, I have won numerous trial awards with approximately 15 different dogs, which include Irish Field Trial Champions, Irish Championship winners, International Champions, UK Field Trial Champions and British Championship winners, all of which were home bred.

Q: Which of your dogs to date would you rate as (a) your best working Springer (b) your best Cocker and why?

A: a) My best working Springer would be hard to choose as they all have given me fun while training them. However, it’s

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‘The winning team’

a photo finish between Sliabh Treasure aka Tara who won the British Championship and her daughter Sliabh Cushla aka Meg who won the Irish Championship. b) My best Cocker is Sliabh Nugget aka Nugget who campaigned in 2022 at 20 months, gaining a third in the Irish Cocker championship and going on to make her an Irish field trial champion in 4 trials.

Q. Through your career you must have met, seen and been influenced by many handlers can I ask you who of these handlers most influenced or impressed you?

A: The handlers who most influenced and impressed me were Matt Morgan, Ireland, John Bailey England, Ian Openshaw, England, and David Earsman, Scotland. I always enjoyed watching their dogs compete at Championships and first and foremost they always had time to chat and give me advice regarding my dogs from breeding to training tips.

Q: Other than your own dogs which spaniels have you seen that you would rate as some of the best you have seen or judged? What impressed you about these dogs?

A: That would have to be Ian Openshaw and John Bailey’s Spaniels as any time I have seen them or judged them at trials, Championships or Game Fairs they have been well trained dogs.

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Q: You had the honour of judging the 2022 Irish Spaniel Championships and I understand you are down to judge the UK Championship in 2023.

This obviously demonstrates the high regard in which you are held within the gundog fraternity. What do you look for when judging a dog?

A: It has been an honour to judge the 2022 Irish Spaniel Championships also the Irish Cocker Championship, the Swedish Cocker Championship and Springer Spaniel Championship. As for the British Championship, I am waiting for confirmation. When judging a dog, I expect the dog to be well with the handler, hard hunting and well trained, also with game finding ability and wanting to please the handler.

Q: What changes have you seen over the years in judging and running trials that (a) you think are positive and (b) more negative?

A: The positive changes are dogs are better presented and trained to a higher standard and they are a more athletic hunting dog. The negative in my opinion is that there are not enough new young handlers coming through. I feel there is a need for experienced handlers to provide training sessions, so that young ladies and men can progress in the future of field trialing.

Q: How important is nutrition in

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conditioning your dogs for trials?

What food do you use and why?

A: I think it is very important that my dogs have the correct nutrition for sustainability and performance in trials. I have been feeding “Red Mills Tracker” out of season and “Red Mills Racer” in season for more than 20 years. It hasn’t let me down to date. The field trial community in Ireland are very much indebted to Connolly’s Red Mills for their continued support in Spaniels, Labradors and Cocker Spaniels. On a personal note they have been a great help to me and my dogs.

Q: As well as a handler you have developed a reputation as a breeder of good dogs and these dogs are in demand throughout the world. Can you tell us(a) which KC recommended screening tests you use? (b) why you think it is important that breeders should use the KC recommended Health Screening Tests? And (c) what you look for in a dog and bitch that you are going to breed?

A: While not a vet, we have been shown that PRA can cause early blindness in dogs so we decided a few years ago to have most of our breeding bitches tested and thankfully they have all been clear.

Our dogs are also tested to give not only ourselves peace of mind, but also owners wishing to use them. What I would say is that while tests are important the bitches have to be of a standard that we would want to run their offspring and just because tests are clear we believe the ultimate test is in the field where bitches should have no faults i.e. no noise or hard mouth and while they all cannot be stars, we tried to match best to best.

Q: You must have had many highlights as a trainer and handler as well as some disappointments can you share with us (a) your highlights in trials and tests? (b) your biggest disappointments?

A: My highlights are winning the British Springer Spaniel Championships with my wee bitch Sliabh Treasure aka Tara and winning the Irish Springer Spaniel Championships with her daughter Sliabh Cushla aka Meg. Also, in

working tests being part of international winning Irish teams at Game Fairs in England, Scotland and Wales also Birr Castle, Shanes Castle and many other estates in Ireland, which are very enjoyable days. My biggest disappointments would have to be being the bridesmaid in 3 Irish championships with 3 different dogs. I thought I was never going to be the ‘bride.’

Q: You have been mainly associated with training spaniels what qualities do you look for in your (a) Springers (b) Cockers ?

A: For both Springers and Cockers I look for hunting ability, drive, pace and style. Also training ability and intelligence. There needs to be a strong bond between you and the dog.

Q: Do you prefer handling dogs or bitches?

A: I do not have a preference, as I have won with both bitches and dogs.

Q: Have you trained any other breeds?

A: Yes, I have trained Labradors which were sold on to compete with other handlers. .Q: Why do you think spaniels are the breed most suited to your training methods A: Springer Spaniels and Cockers excite me because for their lively personality and ability to hunt and their keenness to please. In my opinion they are renowned as the working dog, they are so loyal, the best friend you will ever have.

Q. If you didn’t have spaniels which breed would you have?

A: I have always liked Labradors as a breed for their intelligence and retrieving ability.

Q: On what grounds do you train and what do you like about them?

A: I train on a variety of different grounds i.e. woodland, rushy fields, heather and bramble. Most of my training would be in the beautiful mountains of County Down, because they offer such stunning scenery and escapism right on my doorstep. On this variety of grounds, I am continuously assessing and testing the capabilities of my dogs looking for

their weaknesses on these different types of terrain to see if they will excel in competitions for example working tests and field trials.

Q: Do you take your dog’s beating – if so where?

A: Yes I am lucky to have been invited to beat with my dogs on a number of estates. The Rann Shoot, Dungannon, Saintfield Estate, Dobbs Estate, Carrickfergus, and Rademon Estate, Crossgar and also Castledillon Duck Shoot.

Q; What is your favourite Trial ground and why?

A: I would have to say the ground I favour is woodland trials because you see the dog’s natural game finding ability and gun sense as well as hunting power. I don’t like to name one particular trial ground, but for me it would have to be a woodland trials all day long for spaniels.

Q: What sort of quarry do prefer trialling on?

A: That would have to be a trial on rabbits, as in my opinion spaniels seem to excel and enjoy, as well as myself, hunting rabbits. I have many a fond memory of hunting rabbits should it be Ireland, Scotland, England or Wales.

Q: When not judging, training or

breeding what do you like to do outside of country sports?

A: As I was a keen Gaelic footballer and hurler I like to watch my grandsons playing and spend quality time with family. I also enjoy traveling to sunnier climates to boost my vitamin D as we all know we don’t get much in the way of it here.

Q: Which are your best current dogs and how did you get on in the last season?

A: My best current 3 dogs who started this season being novice dogs are Sliabh Bonnie, bitch, Sliabh Major, dog and Sliabh Nugget Cocker Spaniel bitch.

They have all gained IFTCh titles this year. Also wee Sliabh Nugget gained 3rd place at 20 months in her 1st Irish Cocker Championships.

Q: What ambitions have you fulfilled with your dogs and which ones do you still want to achieve?

A: I have fulfilled my ambitions of winning the British and Irish Springer Spaniel Championships with mother and daughter Sliabh Treasure and Sliabh Cushla. My goal now is to win a Cocker Spaniel Championship which I hope to achieve in the not too distant future wouldn’t that be some hat trick?

Louis with the English Spaniel Championship Trophy in 2016 and Treasure and Sliabh Cushla winners of English and Irish Championships.

Sliabh

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By Hugh Brady

Review of Trials 2022 for Setters and Pointers in Ireland

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t is terrific to see the Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine dedicate this issue to Gundogs. This article will complete the results of the remaining 2022 trials from the last issue, before focussing on the review of the year that was 2022 referencing the top winning dogs and kennels and highlights of the sport. As I write the 2023 circuit does not seem too far away.

The red setter open stake scheduled for the 15th October was cancelled while the following days English setter confined trial judged by Pat Dooley (Wildfield) and Alan Bartley (Ballinahemmy) was won by Gerald Devine’s Int. F.T.Ch Ballyellen Tango on snipe with second classification very good to Jimmy Griffin’s Glanlough Flak with grouse.

The following weekend the trial circuit returned to Athenry in county Galway and in cold and sometime treacherous conditions a hot stake ensued. After two rounds of great performances judges Christy Davitt (Blackstairs) and Paraig Kiely (Tulrohaun) had eight finds to choose 56

from. They announced Raymond Monroe’s Irish Setter dog Ballydavid An Dagda as the winner with Hugh Brady’s brace of Ballydavid Nemesis in second and Ballydavid Artemis in third.

All dogs were graded excellent. Some of the gallery retired to the Kelly’s in nearby Monivea where a gorgeous fire and hot beverages heated everyone up.

The following days trial meet was in Kilchreest which is steeped in so much history. Lady Gregory (née Persse), one of the founders of the state was born in Roxborough House in 1852. She was one of sixteen children and often went shooting grouse with her brothers on Roxborough hill, where the trials take place. It is documented that the Persse’s the landowners of the 6,000 acres between Gort and Loughrea over several generations used to bring in several baskets of grouse every year from Scotland to support the local grouse population. Lady Gregory’s sister Elizabeth married the ex-high sheriff of county Galway, Frank ShaweTaylor. There is a significant Athenry connection as he was killed during the War of Independence by an

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unsanctioned IRA ambush in Coshla Athenry. Further from Roxborough House, is Hill Sea Finn Cave where Anthony Daly was hanged in 1820. He was a strong man and leader of the Ribbon Men and accused of shooting at James Hardiman Burke of St. Clearns House. His defence was as a prolific shot and although with only one eyethat if it was him, he would not have missed! My father always regaled me of the story of how he came from Galway Gaol on a horse and cart seated on his own coffin. A large crowd came to the hanging some walking as far as from Athlone and Mullingar. His last request was “a long jump”. The famous Irish poet from Craughwell, Raftery wrote a verse on the occasion. Today a monument is on the hill with a verse of the poem.

Judges for the day were Billy Grace (Capparoe), Paraig Kiely (Tulrohaun) and Jim McCormack (Knockgreanna). I have never experienced rain like it, and I do not care to admit, were it not for the sporting element I would have retired permanently and without regret to the motor. The day picked up and the skin

have organised a number of snipe trials in the same week to produce a festival of trials both for the Irish and overseas competitors.

A very competitive trial

The 2022 Irish Derby winner and runner up were litter sisters Ballydavid Nemesis and Ballydavid Artemis.

dried out and as usual with Galway weather, it was like you had imagined earlier! The winner was announced as Sheenmel Dream for Clarecastle man David Bell with second to Club President Raymond O’Dwyer with Sheantullagh Nina and third to my own International FTCh, Snipe Ch. Malstabodarna Embla of Ballydavid. All dogs were graded excellent.

The Red and White Setter Club held their breed stake in the Dublin mountains under the judges Michael Houston and Anthony Mulhall (Mountbay). The winner on a snipe was Alan Bartley’s Irish and white setter Benwhisken Sky Dive with snipe.

The following weekend was the Irish Derby held in Mountbellew hosted by the Irish Red Setter club under the eminent judges of Aidan Dunne (Maodhog), Pat Dooley (Wildfield) and Pat Reape (Lisdovoge). Seven brace of dogs were returned to the second round with most dogs improving their situation. Secretary Jason Benson

(Concomroe) announced my own Irish setters Ballydavid Nemesis in first place and Ballydavid Artemis in second place and third place to Colin Forde’s Irish setter Foulkarath Lottie and John Canavan’s Irish setter Gardenfield Jarvey in reserve. The first three dogs were graded excellent.

The following day’s Irish Red and White open stake trial was held in the Dublin mountains under the judges Pat Dooley (Wildfield) and Alan Bartley (Ballinahemmy) under pretty sleety conditions. Unperturbed 8 ½ braces were returned for the second round.

Traditionally the last trial of the year, secretary Raymond Monroe announced my own Int. F.T.Ch, Snipe Ch Malstabodarna Embla as the winner with an excellent award. Billy Grace’s English setter Capparoe Jao in second and Des Linton’s Irish red and white setter Craigrua Nevin in third.

In recent years with the establishment of the Irish snipe championship, the Irish breeds society

The Gordon Setter Club held its inaugural open stake trial on the Midlands under the judges Kieran Walsh (Blackmoor) and Larry Quinn (Bansha). A very competitive trial indeed with a lot of finds to choose from. Secretary Paraig Kiely announced Colin Forde’s Irish setters Illeigh Dawn and Foulksrath Lottie in first and second, with third to Anthony Mulhall’s Irish setter Mountbay Dexter and reserve to my own F.T.Ch The Morrigan.

The Snipe Festival began on 24th and 25th November with the Irish breeds society 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Irish Kennel Club.

The first day of the Confined Irish breed stake judged by Christy Davitt (Blackstairs) and Billy Grace (Capparoe). A very good trial was enjoyed with some really cold inclement weather. Alan Bartley was an excellent winner with CACIT with the Irish red and white setter Benwhisken Lignight Teasel. Second place was awarded to my own International F.T.Ch Snipe Ch. Malstabodarna Embla of Ballydavid with third place to F.T.Ch Craigrua Devin and reserve to my own F.T.Ch Ballydavid the Morrigan.

My final trial of the year was the open stake of the Irish Breeds 100th anniversary of the IKC judged by Christy Davitt (Blackstairs) and Heike Sporleder (Germany). The winner with CACIT was announced as my own International F.T.Ch Malstabodarna Embla of Ballydavid with CACIT and second to my own Ballydavid Nemesis with RCACIT. Third place to Raymond Monroe’s Irish setter Ballydavid An Dagda and with best international dog to Linda Westron’s Oenghus.

The Snipe Championship took place over the 26th and 27th November in the Midlands bogs. Judges for the Championship were Aidan Dunne

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Winner of the 2022 Irish Snipe Championship was Raymond Monroe’s Ballydavid An Dagda.

Photo: C. Campbell

(Maodhog), Hugh Brady (Ballydavid) and Davy O’Neill (Shanrycon). A very good trial was had with the perfect amount of game for dogs to allow some excellent running. The winner after the two days was announced as Raymond Monroe’s Irish setter dog Ballydavid An Dagda, with second place to Alan Bartley’s Irish setter F.T.Ch Lisdovoge Tyson, third place to Eugene Moriarty’s English setter dog Moonhall Ahiga and reserve to Paraig Kiely’s Gordon setter Birchvalley Rusty Tipped. There were certificates of merit awarded to Jim Sheridan’s F.T.Ch Craigrua Devin, Linda Westron’s pointer G.B. F.T.Ch Aurichalcum Glentassie, last year’s winner Heike Sporleder’s Irish setter Vislev Nilsson and Colin Forde’s F.T.Ch Bownard Delegator. All dogs were graded very good. This wrapped up our trials for 2022.

Reviewing the highlights of the year of 2022 there are new Irish Field Trial Champions, subject to show

qualification, being David Bell’s excellent Irish setter dog Sheenmel Dream. David is a relative newcomer to the sport and Dream is his own bred dog and the first he has competed with. I remember the dog in his first outing in the derby of 2016 and he remains today a powerful running dog. It is a great boast to make your first dog a Field Trial Champion and I am sure there will be more to follow as the dog is proven at stud. The show qualification should not present any barrier as he is a most handsome dog.

Raymond Monroe had a super year with “Jack” and is a beautifully trained dog achieved his Snipe Ch title. My own Ballydavid Gaelforce achieved her Great Britain title to add to her Irish title to become International F.T.Ch, Snipe Ch. Ballydavid Gaelforce of the Kingdom.

In other highlights, the Gordon setter club ran its inaugural trial which is hoped will encourage and support

David Bell’s Irish setter Sheenmel Dream who achieved his F.T.Ch title in 2022.

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ownership of working Gordon setters in Ireland. On a personal level, I achieved a dream goal of winning over one hundred open stakes which is testament to the support I receive at home.

Achieving a triple crown, being first second and third in the same open stake was the years highlight for me.

There were many impressive performances this year, though the heat in August into September affected game at trials with many trials having no awards. However, notwithstanding and not limited to the following dogs, who certainly had excellent years.

She has been extraordinarily consistent International F.T.Ch, Snipe Ch Malstabodarna Embla of Ballydavid is 2022 Irish Kennel Club Dog of the year her fourth title following her sister Malstabodaran Idun of Ballydavid’s two Irish Kennel Club Dog of the year successes. A previous championship winner, she has been extraordinarily consistent over a long trialling career and recorded three wins, two seconds and two thirds over the year.

Raymond Monroe’s Ballydavid an Dagda won three open stakes and a thirdplace award. As previously mentioned, he won the Irish Championship on Snipe and with his win in Connaught, attained the title of Snipe Ch. Title while also winning a memorable trial under GB Rules in Glenwherry on grouse. He also won a highly competitive open stake in Connaught. Brilliantly trained and in sync with his handler, his ground

International F.T.Ch, Snipe Ch. Ballydavid Gaelforce achieved her GB title in 2022

Ballydavid Nemesis setting grouse

treatment is consistently flawless.

Carrying a high head and attractive gallop, he is lethal on game within his path.

An Dagda’s sister, my own F.T.Ch Ballydavid The Morrigan had two open stake wins and four placings. A very fast bitch, she is extremely competent around game. The aforementioned Sheenmel Dream won two stakes including the memorable Premier County trial in Kinnity to achieve his title. A classy looking dog who has only one top gear.

Ballydavid Nemesis was just pipped to Dog of the Year by her kennel mate, Embla. A puppy, she won the prestigious Irish Derby while recording four second excellent awards in open stakes. A powerfully made dog, she possesses her dam Ballydavid Starjet’s accuracy with birds and covers a wide beat.

F.T.Ch Sheantullagh Djouse for Bill Connolly had two wins and a second place in the Ulster circuit which was an impressive return. Sire to An Dagda, The Morrigan, Nuada and Oenghus his latest batch of pups are expected to compete well in 2023. Eoghan Marshall’s English setter Lisadobber Holly had two wins in the spring and was very lightly campaigned in 2022.

In terms of kennels the Ballydavid kennel had 25 placings in trials including nine wins spread across six dogs. Eoghan Marshall’s Lisadobber English setters had three wins while Bill

Connolly’s Ballyellen dogs performed strongly as did Gerald Devine’s Gortinreagh English setters.

Usually in this issue every year, I go on the line to predict my breakthrough dogs for the next year. Due to previous COVID restrictions and the extremely hot weather, not as many new dogs were presented at the trialling circuit as in other years, though the derby was notably, of a high standard.

Ballydavid Artemis won the prestigious trophy for most stylish dog on day one at the Irish Championship on grouse. She is a very stylish feminine runner with accuracy around game. Will only improve from her puppy year. She has a first, a few seconds and third in open stakes. Her sister Nemesis is mentioned above.

Billy Grace’s English setter Capparoe Nevada seems something special. Gave a memorable display in the Irish Breeds Society. Joe O’Sullivan’s English

pointer Gardenfield Sue won a hotly contested open stake in Kinnity and is surely one to watch in 2023. John Canavan had an excellent derby in his only outing with his Irish Setter Gardenfield Jarvey.

It was great to see the return of a previous championship winner Liam Law with a very nice brace of English setters. Special mention to Larry Quinn who judged a phenomenal nine trials this year mostly on the mountain.

The challenges for next year rely mostly on judging. There are a number of judges taking a sabbatical in 2023 while judging mountain trials remain physically demanding so a small pool of judges give enormous commitment to the sport. Drought conditions in August 2022 moved grouse off their traditional grounds, making awards difficult, here’s hoping for a bit of rain!

Billy Grace’s Capparoe Nevada is a great talent

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By Peter Smith

Photographs courtesy of Angie Cooper

The IGL Championship at Holkham 2022 Lining out - Note the length of the line and the height of the game crop.

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he International Gundog League (IGL) held The Retriever Championship for 2022 in Holkham, by kind permission of The Earl and Countess of Leicester. This 25,000 acre estate last hosted The Championship in 2004, and those returning were aware of the unique sporting heritage we were to experience.

The Championship was held on Monday 5th, Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th December 2022 and forty eight retrievers took the field.

There was one Golden Retriever, twelve bitches and only fifteen competing had

not previously achieved FTCh status.

From an Irish perspective, we had an interest in five dogs. Declan Boyle with FTCh Knockyclovaun Ralph, Oliver Bell with Eelburn Flavius, John Peach with Derryhoar Martini, Tony O’Hare with Burrendale Rambler and Michael Corr with Ir Ftch Ringbarn Fletching .

The Judges were Alan Rees and Jane Coley on the right and Steve Polley and Tim Brain on the left.

The ground was a large acreage of game crop consisting of sugar beet, radishes and turnips interspersed with small patches of woodland.

Dogs and handlers were to be tested with very long cross retrieves on a variety of game species including pheasant, partridge, pigeon, snipe, woodcock and hares, which made retrieves difficult, for some reason particularly on hares, and it is known that in this part of North Norfolk scent deteriorates towards the end of the day.

Day 1 We lined up expectantly on the first morning, after all the preliminaries, and the first shot was fired at 8.30am. The first retrieve fell to Declan Boyle with

Gary Wood, Paul Wheeler, John Halsted, The Duchess of Devonshire, Kevin Butler with son Will

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Some very fine work was seen from John Halsted, Paul Wheeler, Sarah Gadd and the defending Champion Gary Wood with Millbuies Ghillie. The trial was mid way into round two when time was called and thirty four dogs were brought forward into the second day.

Day 2

A proud winner Kevin Butler with son Will

Knockyclovaun Ralph, who made smart work of a hen pheasant shot behind the line. Game supply was plentiful and the trial moved at a steady pace, but any mismarks were severely punished by the experienced Judges. Both Oliver Bell and John Peach were relieved to be given early opportunities to complete

the first round of two retrieves. By the time the current Irish Champion Michael Corr with Ir FTCh Ringbarn Fletching had completed his first round, there were seven dogs eliminated.

By now dogs were being really stretched with cross retrieves of 150 – 180 yards not uncommon.

Day two commenced in a large strip of game crop flanked by a wood. John Peach was early into action and completed his third. A cock bird was then shot out of the wood and landed some way to the left of the line, possibly wounded. Spectators who were close to the fall were regrouped and four handlers were moved to a position where they could attempt the retrieve.

Nathan Laffy with FTCh Think Twice Zero to Hero, and the only Golden retriever, Kevin Doughty with Tideshot Vinny of Highsea, Steve Richardson with FTCh Sotheby’s Choice of Wedgenock and Mark Demaine with FTCh Breckmarsh Ethan of Caytonfell all failed to collect and were eyewiped by the Judges, who found the bird at the fall.

Round two concluded with Kevin Butler and FTCh Turpingreen Bohol and John Halsted with Brocklebank Skipper picking long birds after a short drive.

Twenty six dogs were brought forward to round three, not including Oliver Bell whose dog mismarked a bird to his left. Still in game crop Michael Corr successfully negotiated a tricky retrieve on a hen, and shortly afterwards Julia Reed with Staverton Tarragon, who was going well, was eliminated for poor heel-work. A hen was shot and wounded off the right side, and landed in an adjacent field. Three dogs were tried and failed, including Declan Boyle, before the bird was picked by John Halsted with Emmanygan Spring of Chatsworth.

This retrieve was over 200 yards.

The only Golden to qualify Nathan Laffy with FTCh Think Twice Zero to Hero Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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The handlers and dogs who made it through to the second day

The pace and quality of work now moved up a gear as competitors eyed day three. Despite good earlier work David Latham with FTCh Meadowlark Big Rock of Fendawood was eye-wiped

by Gary Wood with FTCh Millbuies Ghillie. John Peach had a good fourth but failed on a woodcock in open ground, as did Pippa Williams with Botcherghyll Elder, Eden Parish with FTCh Tarnedge Flynn and Jason Mayhew with Berryshot Bernie.

A pigeon was then shot on the right some 150 yards away and uphill from the dogs to be sent. It was here that Kevin Butler with FTCh Turpingreen Bohol made a positive move by eyewiping Annette Clarke with FTCh Castlemans Gobi of Garronpoint.

Michael Corr was shortly afterwards eliminated for failing on a runner, which was picked by John Halsted with Brocklebank Skipper.

At the end of the day a bird was shot on the right and both Kirsty Cousins and David Lissett failed from the left. Tony O’Hare and George Buchan were taken across and Tony failed while George Buchan picked, achieving a three dog eye-wipe. Hopes were lifted but unfortunately were to be dashed when George Buchan was eliminated on the final day. The Irish challenge ended with the elimination of Tony O’Hare.

Ten dogs were called forward for the final day.

Day 3 The weather throughout had been good with occasional light drizzle, perfect shooting conditions. Steward of the Beat Mark Fitzer knew exactly what was required and we were quickly into long cross retrieves. The ten were quickly reduced to seven when Billy Steele, Godfrey Lowe and Louise Lining up for the final drive

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Steward of the Beat Mark Fritzer - a quintessential Head Keeper

Munchaus Adsbol were dropped. Paul Wheeler continued to consolidate with solid work, and Kevin Butler achieved another magnificent eye-wipe on a woodcock. Seven quickly became four when George Buchan, Robin Drysdale and John Halsted with Brocklebank Skipper were eliminated and we moved to the final stages of the Championship which was a drive in a wood which held some pheasants and an abundance of woodcock. Lined out on a roadway, birds were driven out and steadiness tested. John Halsted picked a hen pheasant, Gary Wood was slightly disappointing on a short blind for a woodcock, and Kevin Butler expertly picked a woodcock on a lane. Paul Wheeler was already on nine retrieves but stayed rock steady for all four to finish on nine retrieves.

Results Back at Championship HQ, the result was announced as follows: 1st Kevin Butler with FTCh Turpingreen Bohol: Sire Lowforge Glenaveigh of Leacaz, Dam Gablegorst Shuffler of Turpingreen DOB 20.06.15 2nd The Duchess of Devonshire’s Emmanygan Spring of Chatsworth, handled by John Halsted Sire FTCh Asterix Aguzannis of Chatsworth, Dam Emmanygan Ultra DOB 04.04.17 3rd Gary Wood with FtCh Millbuies Ghillie Sire FTCh Beileys Aguzannis of Fendawood Dam Waysgreen Chanel of Millbuies DOB 18.02.17 4th Paul Wheeler with FTCh Willowrise Star Spinner Sire FTCh Nettle Brae Andy of Fendawood Dam Osiacastle Bowood DOB 19.11.17 This was a very good Championship on perfect ground and the IGL are to be congratulated for all the hard work which went in to the organisation of the trial. Special thanks go to Clare Wood, the IGL Press Officer who looked after

John Halsted sending Emmanygan Spring of Chatsworth watched by Judge Tim Brain

The Holkham Keepers resplendent in their hard hats Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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The Judges Jane Coley, Alan Rees, Tim Brain and Steve Polley

those reporting on the event.

Poastscript: One year ago when attending the Championship at Ampton I had the pleasure of meeting a couple of handlers over dinner amid amiable banter. Paul Wheeler was looking forward to running in a Novice stake with

a yellow dog he quite liked. A Novice win, a brace of two day Stakes, a FTCh and fourth at Holkham represents a brilliant year for Paul which he thoroughly deserves. Kevin Butler was also present, although slightly downbeat after going out late on the second day at

The guns for the three days

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Ampton. He has bounced back to win the blue riband of Retriever Trials by winning this Year’s Championship at Holkham. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer man who takes his dogs very seriously and who has worked diligently to achieve the highest of honours.

The Kennel Club Spaniel Championship Results The 2022/23 Cocker Spaniel Championship

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he 92nd Cocker Spaniel Championship was held at Woodhead Estate, Derbyshire by kind permission of Mr D Flux on 6 & 7 January 2023. The judges were: Mr D Rayner, Mr S Charlton, Mr W Johnston & Mr J Dickson. The spectacular moorland estate was the ideal setting for the 32 dogs and handlers to demonstrate their hunting skills and the plentiful and well distributed game available really tested the qualified dogs. Every dog was given the chance to show itself to its best and having the opportunity to run on such special ground was a true privilege.

The championship was sponsored by Skinner’s Field & Trial.

Results 2023 1st - FTCh Poolgreen Kizzie – owned and handled by Will Clulee 2nd - FTCh Mallowdale Shine - owned and handled by Ian Openshaw 3rd - Mallowdale Dome - owned by Michael Foster and handled by Ian Openshaw 4th (and Gun’s Choice) - Clentohill Jessie Jay - owned and handled by Damien Kelly Diplomas of Merit FTCh Howesyke Style of Tomlinswood - owned and handled by James Elliot Glenlaggan Fireball - owned and handled by Martin Smee FTCh Rowston Sublime of Tarncrag owned and handled by Fran Ardley FTCh Wolferton Drama - owned By HM The King and handled by Ian Openshaw FTCh Popsheath Amber - owned by Ms Alex Hayes and handled by Ian Openshaw Delphaven Gina of Smallbrooks owned and handled by Garret Marson FTCh Taffswell Ruby - owned and handled by Paddy Williams Glenlaggan Firefly - owned and

handled by Martin Smee

The 2022/23 Any Variety Spaniel (except Cocker) Championship The 92nd Kennel Club Any Variety Spaniel Championship was held on the 12, 13 and 14 January 2023 at Invermark Estate, Angus by the kind permission of the Earl of Dalhousie. This historical Estate has been in the Dalhousie family since the 17th Century and covers 55,000 acres of stunning countryside in the shadow of the snow-topped Grampian Mountains. A truly spectacular part of the UK to run this season’s Championship.

The judges were Mr S Bates, Mr S Charlton, Mr W Johnstone and Mr S Jones. The viewing for the gallery was exceptional and all were able to watch the 49 spaniels show their hunting and retrieving skills over the course of the three days.

The Championship was sponsored by Skinner’s Field & Trial.

Results 2023 1st - Rytex Rapeds – owned by Mr O Ingram and handled by Ian Openshaw (Gun’s Choice and Best Bitch) (3rd herself last year and her litter sister won the Championship in 2022) 2nd - Penwills Pinot – owned by Brian Wade and handled by Ian Openshaw 3rd - Brocklinton Kia - Alan Sankey 4th - Broomfield Vera at Takimore Kim Stewart Diploma of Merit FTCh Ddraighelwyr Blaidd – owned and handled by Harley Thompson (best dog and highest-placed newcomer) FTCh Helmsway Hot Babe - owned and handled by Jim Wardrope FTCh Hagghouse King of Eborakon owned and handled by Jim Dransfield FTCh Meadowbeat Neala of Greenbrush - owned and handled by Paul Cassidy

Rytex Reo of Hollydrive - owned and handled by Mick Walsh Rosebay Meadow - owned and handled

by Aubrey Ladyman FTCh Missymog Bunny - owned and handled by Hugh Houston FTCh Churail Challenge of Pursley owned by Mrs Nicola Hunter and handled

by Carl Colclough FTCh Brocklinton Bertie - owned and handled by Alan Sankey FTCh Rytex Ringo - owned and handled by Ian Openshaw Broomfield Sarafina - owned and handled by Eddie Scott FTCh Pollarama Lucy - owned and handled by Ian Clarke Broomfield Sarabi - owned and handled by Steve Blackwell Trantmoor Butch - owned and handled

by Andrew Parker Borransfell Moneypenny - owned and handled by David Massey FTCh Churchview Cortinio - owned and handled by Jon Bailey FTCh Helmsway Harrington - owned and handled by Ian English Gardenrath Mistletoe - owned and handled by Dessie Donnelly FTCh Gorsebay Snipe - owned and handled by Craig Lewis FTCh Walkers Winkle - owned and handled by Aubrey Ladyman Clodahill Shauna - owned and handled

by Pat Brennan Shiveck Primat - owned and handled

by Terri Siwek Special Star - owned and handled by Richard Doherty Sharmesvale Velvet Scoter - owned and handled by Lee Marson FTCh Sedgewood Poppy of Countryways - owned and handled by David Templar Stickhouse Dorothy - owned and handled by Owen Russell

Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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Report by Ivan McAlister

The Irish Kennel Club’s 46th Championship for A.V. Spaniels sponsored by

T

he 46th Irish Kennel Club’s Championship for A.V. Spaniels, excluding Cockers

and Irish Water Spaniels was held under rules and licence of the I.K.C. on the lands of Dundarave Estate, Bushmills, Co Antrim on the 28th and 29th December 2022, by kind permission of Dr. Peter and Nuailin Fitzgerald.

The 8.00 am meet took place on the estate and when all were assembled the Championship Committee Chairman, Anthony Smyth, welcomed those gathered and introduced the Judges Paul Carragher, Louis Rice, Aled Jones and Dave Rayner and thanked them for giving their time to officiate at the event. He then introduced the team of Guns before handing over proceedings to the Hon. Sec. Ivan Mc Alister who announced changes to the card and wished everyone the best of luck and an enjoyable two days trialling.

The event which was generously sponsored by Feedwell Dog Food attracted a total entry of thirty-five dogs, and with one withdrawal, thirty four (9 E.S.S.Ds and 25 E.S.S.Bs) went to post.

The trial got underway at 10.00 am on an overcast day with a threat of heavy rain throughout the day.

The first two dogs began the day in woodland interspersed with laurel and snowberry shrubs along with ground cover on briar and fallen 68

timber. The terrain and cover on day one, for the most part, was the same for all, with only a small number of dogs having a game crop to deal with. Irrespective of which type of cover they got, each dog had to work hard to find their quarry.

The weather forecast was unfortunately accurate, as rain started falling shortly after the trial began making and lasted throughout the day making conditions difficult for handlers, guns and judges, but that being part and parcel of field trialling, all coped well with the conditions and it certainly did not affect the performances of the dogs.

Day 1 Day one of the trial finished at 3.30pm with 32 of the competing 34 dogs having completed their 1ST run and all made their way back to the estate yard to avail of some hot drinks and snacks before Ivan McAlister called the numbers of the dogs that were required for day two, which consisted of five E.S.S.Ds and sixteen E.S.S.Bs, nineteen who had completed their first runs on day one and two who would have to complete both their runs on day two.

Day 2 The meet for second and final day of the championship was on the estate at 8.00am where again all

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

were welcomed by the committee chairman before he handed over proceedings to the hon. Sec. Ivan McAlister who confirmed the dogs required for day two before outlining the plan for the day. The weather, for day two, was just a continuation of day one, with heavy rain all day. The terrain and cover was similar to that on day one and as was the case on day one a few dogs encountered a game crop on their second runs which again saw dogs having to work hard for their finds.

As with all trials, dogs fell by the wayside for one reason or another and when the judges had assessed all the 34 competing dogs they withdrew to compare notes and place dogs in order of finishing.

With judges deliberations completed, they handed over their result to the Hon. Sec. Ivan McAlister who called eight dogs to water. When this exercise was completed successfully by each dog and no run offs were required the Hon Secretary. announced ‘trial over’ and all made their way back to the Estate House where they were generously treated to refreshments courtesy of the hosts.

Ivan McAlister called all to order for the results and before announcing them, a presentation was made to Dr. Peter and Nuailin Fizgerald in appreciation for hosting

the championship on their wonderful estate at Dundarave and for their very welcoming and generous hospitality.

The Hon. Sec then thanked the following: Ian Chapman, Estate Manager for giving of his time as Steward of the beat, to guide the championship over the two days as well as Gamekeepers, Robert McBirney and Alan Greer, for their work in preparing the ground and supply of game. Special thanks also went to Feedwell Dog Foods for their very generous sponsorship, not only of this year’s championship but also their sponsorship of the event over many years. Thanks too went to the Judges for giving freely of their time to officiate at the event and Guns for their generosity in taking the two days to shoot over the dogs. And those who helped over the two days, including, stewards, stops, game carriers all who’s efforts added to the success of the championship were also thanked for their valuable contribution to the event.

Results of The I.K.C 46th A.V Spaniel Championship 1st and winner of the Joe Mc.Grath Perpetual Cup Jim Wardrope’s E.S.S.B. Tweedbrae Dees Young Star.

Sire : Kilhopemoss Minder, Dam: Boundarymoor Iris Tweedbrae.

2nd and winner of The Parkmaple Perpetual Trophy Shane Gainley’s E.S.S.B. Garrisoncullin Holly.

Sire: Millshot Holt, Dam: F.T. Ch. Garrisoncullin Tio. 3rd and winner of the Combined Spaniel Clubs of Ireland Perpetual Trophy Seamus Neeson’s E.S.S.D. Shiftwell Dazzler of Sealgaire.

Sire: Millshot Holt, Dam: F.T.Ch. Ainninn Thunderbolt.

4th and winner of the Cretoka Perpetual Trophy Wayne Whelan’s E.S.S.B. Eastbourne Lass (Handled by Willie Edgar.)

Sire: F.T.Ch. Greenbrush Ice, Dam: Blackeyed Phantom.

Diplomas of Merit were awarded to the following dogs: Raymond Wilson’s E.S.S.B. Kilhopemoss Harlequin.

Sire: Kyshant Kaka Jester, Dam: Broomfield Midge of Prairewood.

Ronan Gorman’s E.S.S.B. Commonshall Mayfly.

Sire: Bishwell Barrett of Commonshall, Dam: Bronze Beau of Commonshall.

Willie Edgar’s E.S.S.D. Sliabh Joby of Greenbrush.

Sire: Sliabh Henry, Dam: Sliabh Aoife.

Mick Walsh’s E.S.S.D. Rytex Reo of Hollydrive.

Sire: F.T.Ch. Clarburgh Art, Dam: F.T. Ch. Mountview Heidi.

The Eastern Region Army Game Club Perpetual Trophy was awarded to Shane Gainley as the breeder resident in Ireland, the progeny of whose kennel (Garrisoncullin Holly) was placed highest in the Championshp.

The Carthageinne Perpetual Trophy for the best retrieve at the Championship was awarded to Ronan Gorman’s E.S.S.B. Commonshall Mayfly.

The Duisk Perpetual Cup for the most points accumulated in field events under I.K.C. Rules during the current season since last year’s Championship was awarded to Gavin Mc.Ateer’s E.S.S.D. Freecow Piper.

The winning handler was also presented with a piece of crystal

and a copy of the book ‘Irish Country Sports A Heritage’ both generously donated by Albert Titterington on behalf of the IRISH COUNTRY SPORTS & COUNTRY LIFE magazine.

Having completed the awards ceremony, presentations, courtesy of The I.K.C. and Larry Teeling, were made to the judges, also a presentation courtesy of The I.K.C. Championship was made to the Estate manager and Gamekeepers in appreciation for the work they had carried out to make the championship such a success.

Acknowledgements went to Feedwell Animal Foods (main sponsors of the Championship) and thanks went also to Sporting Saint who donated a presentation bag to each handler, Ted Cloney Media (Producers of Championship DVD), Coastal Nutrients. The Championship Committee members were all thanked for their generosity by way of donating prizes for the raffle, after which, the Committee Chairman thanked all who attended the championship and wished everybody a safe journey home.

(Report courtesy of Vinnie Cauldwell for and on behalf of the I.K.C. Spaniel Championship Committee.)

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Top Left: Dave Rayner, Paul Carragher (Judges), Jim Wardrope (Winner), Louis Rice and Aled Jones (Judges) Top Right: Seamus Neeson 3rd, Shane Gainley 2nd, Jim Wardrope 1st & Willie Edgar 4th Above: Jim Wardrope (Winner) with his presentation from Albert Titterington Above Right: Judges- Dave Rayner, Paul Carragher, Aled Jones and Louis Rice Right: Chairman Anthony Smyth making a presntation to Dr. Fitzgerald with Mr. Ian Chapman 70

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

Kieran Fox represents Ireland at the Kennel Club Hunt, Point & Retrieve Championship 2022

Beechwolf Tonka on point.

Photo courtesy Rebecca Goutorbe Photography / The Kennel Club

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im Bird’s HPR FTCh Sutchest Braun Gino, a fouryear-old German Shorthaired Pointer from Harleston, Norfolk won The Kennel Club’s Hunt, Point and Retrieve (HPR) Championship. Sponsored by Skinner's Field & Trial Pet Foods, the event was held 15-16 November 2022 on the North Yorkshire Moors.

FTCh Sutchest Braun Gino, known at home as Gino and owned and handled by Jim Bird, was awarded first place at the competition which saw 24 talented working gundogs from HPR breeds tested on their natural working ability. The judges were Maureen Nixon and Rob Gould.

Jim said: “I am absolutely delighted to win the HPR Championship with Gino. He has been a fantastic dog for me from day one and he came out and won with style.”

Kate Broers, Kennel Club Field Trial Secretary, said: “The Championship was a great success, despite the weather conditions, and thanks must go to all who were involved in the planning, preparation and running of the event. To hold the event on such an outstanding Estate is a real privilege, and The Kennel Club is extremely grateful to the Host and Keepers for hosting the Championship for the second consecutive year.

Headkeeper Jimmy Brough, his keepering team and the keeper’ team of gun ensured a successful and enjoyable two days.

“We would like to thank the judges Maureen and Rob for their time and expertise when judging the dogs. They Gramhey Lucky Star with her UGL trophy. handled the two days with understanding and skill.

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The results of the HPR Championship were as follows: 1st - FTCh Sutchest Braun Gino Owned & handled by Mr J Bird (GSP) 2nd - Beechwolf Tonka - Owned & handled by Mr S R C Major (GWP) 3rd - FTCh Morsebeck Patch - Owned & handled by Mr L Loveridge (GWP) 4th - FTCh Jaguar Du Domaine Saint Hubert at Bryantscroft - Owned & handled by Mr S R C Major (HWV) Gun’s Choice - FTCh Bruno von Schwarcenberg - Owned by Mr R Akopov & handled by Mr S R C Major (GWP) Although ‘not in the awards’ Kieran was delighted to have qualified to run his bitch Gramhey Lucky Star ( Kerri) having qualified her at the Ulster Gundog League trial held at Ligfordrum Sporting Syndicate’s grounds. This event was sponsored by Feedwell and judges on the day were Mr Lee Loveridge and Mr Jim Bird.

Kieran sent congratulations to Jim on winning the Championship and Lee on

Kieran Fox with Gramhey Lucky Star

coming third.

Having gone to watch it on several occasions Kieran always had the ambition to compete and this opportunity was provided by the Ulster Gundog League HPR section hosting a qualifying stake in September. Kieran’s win under two very experienced and knowledgeable judges also gives his bitch one leg of her title.

It was a great experience to have taken part in this year's HPR Championship at Westerdale and Rosedale Estate North Yorkshire.

Haven't gone to watch it on a number of occasions it was always something that I would loved to compete in. It was great to have had the opportunity to qualify through the Ulster Gundog League HPR section holding a qualifying stake on partridge back in September.

Unfortunately the weather was very unkind the first day but the ground held a large number of grouse and the judges were able to go through the card.

Kieran had some excellent groundwork with his bitch before being sent for a bird shot on the flank. A good competent retrieve and Kieran was through to the second day.

The second day was a better day ‘weatherwise’ and Kieran was soon again in action when a bird was shot on the flank falling over 60 yards away with an awkward lie down out of sight in a hollow under a stone wall and beside a small stream. The first dog that was sent went out of sight of the handler and after hunting for some time was recalled. Kieran was called in the difficult position of the bird having been down for some time, the area having been hunted by another dog and having to handle Kerri ‘blind’. Unfortunately she didn’t find and he was eye-wiped by the judges.

It was a disappointing end to the championships, especially when he and others spectating thought that Kerri could be ‘in with a shout’’ but Kieran is hoping to be back next year!

Mr J Bird with FTCh Sutchest Braun Gino

Photos courtesy of Rebecca Goutorbe Photography / The Kennel Club 72

Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

Report by Ronan Gorman & Mark Stewart

IKC Cocker Spaniel Championship Goes From Strength to Strength!

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he 4th Irish Kennel Club Championship for Cocker Spaniels took place on 14th December 2022 at The Rann Shoot, Co. Tyrone by kind invitation from Kevin and Noreen Cushnahan.

The Cushnahan family have lived at The Rann for twenty years and Kevin established a shoot there around a decade ago. On the western shores of Lough Neagh, The Rann provides an ideal natural environment for wildlife and shooting. Habitat includes lowland raised bog, unimproved farmland and scrub made up of native trees, bushes and bramble. For this reason, The Rann has been an important source of food for the local community for generations and according to local legend, is also home to ‘little people’ who must not be upset or disturbed!

Main sponsors of the event were Red Mills Engage premium dog food and the organisers are extremely grateful for their continued support. Irish Country Sports & Country Life magazine provided prizes for the winner. Judges for the day were the experienced and

successful Mick Walsh, Christy Hasson and referee was Michael Finglas.

The day was crisp and cold, temperatures didn’t rise above freezing and with no wind assistance, scenting conditions proved to be difficult for the 20 competing dogs. However, as with any other trial the good ones seemed to be able to cope a little better with these challenging conditions.

Round 1 Dog number 1 was a non-runner, so the first dogs up were Damian Kelly’s Clentohill Jessie Jay at number 3 on the left under Mick Walsh and number 2 Andy Spillane’s Polly Grey on the right under Christy Hasson. Andy was straight into game with Polly Grey and the lack of scent was evident as she had work on the retrieve of a pheasant which she had flushed. Hunting on, Andy’s bitch had a positive on find on a partridge and finished her run with a straightforward retrieve. Meanwhile dog number 3, Clentohill Jessie Jay was delivering a very polished hunting performance with the experienced

Damian Kelly doing the driving. She hunted a mixture of bramble and heather with commendable drive, style and textbook ground treatment. Jessie Jay found a partridge which was missed by the guns before quickly finding again and this time Damian was pleased to see the efficient team of guns provide her with an opportunity to retrieve, which she did without complication. The standard had been set by Damian and Jessie Jay. Next up at number 4 was Jaseon Atkinson with FTCh Diamondfinda Dive Rite In and at number 5, Sliabh Nugget handled by Louis Rice. Jaseon’s dog started well, putting itself about in bramble and sticks. Work on a cock bird shot about 30 metres in front of the line took the shine of an otherwise nice run and Jaseon subsequently withdrew him from the trial. Meanwhile number 5, Sliabh Nugget was hunting with pace and covering its ground well. Two finds and tidy retrieves on pheasants concluded a very satisfactory run for Louis and this young bitch.

John Robertson’s Wolferton Ashton

The Judges Mick Walsh, Christy Hasson and Referee Mick Finglas receiving a memento of the Championships from Red Mills, Sales Manager Jenny Crozier Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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and Domnall Creamer’s Rowston Mai were next in line at numbers 6 and 7, respectively. John’s dog finished one of the longer runs of the day with a find and retrieve on a hen pheasant. On the left, Domnall had two nice finds and retrieves, one which was shot out over a drain into some heavy ground, so presented a high degree of difficulty.

Number 8 was Ivan Wilson with Keeperscourt Katie and on the other side at number 9 was Ronan Gorman with Mallowdale Emu of Commonshall.

Ronan had a great year with this little dog, winning the Antrim & Down Open Cocker stake and qualifying for the Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championships. Ivan’s ground wasn’t easy, with a mix of heavy bramble and whin bushes, but Katie faced it with courage.

Ronan and Mallowdale Emu of Commonshall had the chance to show off in some very nice ground, mainly low heather, white grass and some low sallow bushes – and show off they did!

Fast stylish hunting, positive game finding and two excellent marked retrieves put the icing on a high-quality run.

Number 13, Perija September Song, handled by John Robertson was brought into line next as number 11’s handler,

Ivan Wilson was on the other side of line with his other dog. Indeed, Ivan had a long hunt at number 8 with Keeperscourt Katie. She eventually had a find but didn’t pick and was eye wiped by number 13 and eliminated.

Brody Chequer with number 10, Strigidae Surnia of Chequersmate was next in on the right. His dog has a nice run, hunting well, finding and finishing with a good retrieve. Meanwhile on the left, John Robertson completed his first run with a find and retrieve.

Ground was becoming more open now with a mix of heather, grass, whin bushes and a few small trees in places.

Dogs could show themselves well in this type of terrain and an excellent team of guns were shooting brilliantly for the dogs. As always, at the Irish Kennel Club Championship for Cocker Spaniels, the craic was good humoured in the gallery.

Next up at number 12 was cocker stalwart Domnall Creamer with Leeglen Shea of Byrbwell. This dog was going well before coming unstuck on a retrieve and was subsequently eye wiped by number 11, Ivan Wilson’s Keeperscourt Molly.

John Robertson was now running at number 14 with Sedgeborrow Twistin of Poolgreen and at number 15 was

Clentohill Jorgie with former IKC Cocker Championship winner Adrian Doris at the helm. Adrian’s bitch has been one of the most consistent performers on the trial circuit over the last two seasons and didn’t disappoint on this occasion.

Number 16 Dendorby’s Girl came next into line, with Joe Proctor handling. She quickly settled into a nice hunting pattern and had plenty of eye appeal. She had a find on a pheasant which was shot into a small wooded area, but unfortunately picked the wrong bird and was eliminated. Number 15, Clentohill Jorgie is brought across and she picked the bird Dendorby’s Girl’s should have picked with little fuss. Hunting on, Clentohill Jorgie was showing some real class, hunting some low bramble with lots of purpose and drive. She had a positive find on a partridge which was shot well out, but she made the retrieve look easy. A classy finish to a really good run.

Declan Connollys Mallowdale Final running at number 18 had a nice hunt in difficult ground with a bit of work on a retrieve finishing his first run. On the other side, number 17 Tamneymartin Buttercup with Brian Crothers in the driving seat had only started when a partridge was shot out in front of the

Ronan Gorman and Mallowdale Emu of Commonshall

Some of the Gallery keenly watching the action

Declan Connolly & Anthony Smith waiting for their run.

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Spring/Summer 2023 Irish Country Sports and Country Life

line. She failed to collect what turned out to be a running bird and was unfortunately eliminated.

Number 19 Windy Bluebell of Leeglen went well for Roy Sanderson.

She faced bramble and whin bushes well and had a nice retrieve on a duck, completing what must have been a nerve wracking first ever championship run for Roy. Coill Leathan was running at number 21 for Jason Mc Gonagle.

She hunted well and completed her run with a find and retrieve without complication. On the right at number 20 was Ardcaein Jimbob for Anthony Smith. He hunted a drain covered with frozen bramble with drive and determination. Jimbob finished his first run with a retrieve across broken ice into rushes.

Excellent game supply, some very efficient shooting and sensible judging had created conditions for several dogs to deliver outstanding first round runs.

Competition was now hotting up going into the second round with more than a few handlers in with a realistic chance of winning the “Dare to Dream“ cup.

retrieving, pleasing Louis and as it would turn out, the judges too.

Number 7 Rowston Mai unfortunately had a bad mark and subsequently work on a retrieve of a pheasant knocked her back, and on the other side Strigidae Surnia of Chequersmate, who had a very good first run, failed on a retrieve and was eliminated. Declan Connolly’s Mallowdale Final finished his first cocker championships with a find and retrieve and number 20 Ardcaein Jimbob, who could never be accused of lacking in his attitude to hunting, had a find and subsequent retrieve in a tough bit of ground.

So with only odd numbers left, running at number 9, Ronan Gorman’s Mallowdale Emu of Commonshall started where he finished off his first

run, covering the ground with lots of pace and style. A bird similar in distance to Damian Kelly’s but unseen by dog and handler, took a little time to pick and probably resulted in this dog not being in top awards. Shame as until this point, Emu was flying and was one of those being talked up as a winner.

Ivan Wilson’s Keeperscourt Molly went very well again at number 11 and further staked its claim for a top award, with a nice clean retrieve to finish up.

Next and straight into game was Adrian Doris and Clentohill Jorgie at number 15. She completed her championship with finds and retrieves without complication. Roy Sanderson went out with Number 19 Windy Bluebell of Leeglen which left Coill Leathan to complete the championship for Jason McGonagle.

Round 2 The second round started with number 3 Clentohill Jessie Jay. Her ground was difficult and consisted of broken bramble and low whin bushes, but she made it look easy. Jessie Jay attacked the cover with commendable drive, had a very positive find on a partridge and straight out and in retrieve. Then came the ‘make or break’ moment. A loose bird was shot approximately 60 meters out, falling into frozen grass and mix of sticks and bramble. Damian was offered the chance to move forward but declined.

He sent Jessie Jay who got to the area in a single cast, he gave the hunt whistle, she held the area, and she picked – justifying Damian’s confidence in her and delivering a real statement!

Next in line was the youngest competitor, Louis Rice’s pretty red bitch, Sliabh Nugget who had not turned two years old. She put together a second high quality run with slick hunting and

Damien Kelly and Championship Winner Clentohill Jessie Jay with their trophies Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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With water retrieves completed without complication, the results of the 4th Irish Kennel Club Championship for Cocker Spaniels were announced as follows: 1st) Clentohill Jessie Jay, Handler/Owner Damian Kelly Sire: Tip Topjack Ajay, Dam: Jerminlodge Jolly Molly, Breeder Adrian Doris 2nd) Clentohill Jorgie, Handler/Owner/Breeder Adrian Doris Sire: Tip Topjack Ajay, Dam: Jerminlodge Jolly Molly 3rd) Sliabh Nugget, Handler/Owner/Breeder Louis Rice Sire: FTCH Jackshea Ted of Poolgreen, Dam: Wyndhill Sian 4th) Keeperscourt Molly Handler/Owner/Breeder Ivan Wilson Sire: Ardcaein Druid, Dam: Mallowdale Gill

Clentohill Jorgie, Handler/Owner/ Breeder Adrian Doris Sire: Tip Topjack Ajay, Dam: Jerminlodge Jolly Molly Speaking after the awards were presented, Damian Kelly paid a glowing tribute to what he described as the Jim Warren ‘Canine Academy’. This year’s championship winner Clentohill Jessie Jay, handled by Damian received her basic training under Jim’s expert and patient guidance and Damian sportingly acknowledged Jim’s substantial contribution to this success.

The Championship Secretary, Mark Stewart, congratulated all those in the awards. He reminded everyone that a DVD of the event would be available and concluded proceedings by thanking

Certificates of Merit Rowston Mai, Handler/Owner Domnall Creamer, Sire: Bishwell Barcud, Dam: Heathcroft Sparkle, Breeder Dai Ormond Mallowdale Emu of Commonshall, Handler/Owner Ronan Gorman Sire: FTCH Mallowdale Quad, Dam: FTCH Endowood Beatrice, Breeder Ian Openshaw Perija September Song, Handler John Robertson / Owner K Robertson Sire: Crowdyslack Slack of Costapakit, Dam: Pinfold Fudge, Breeder, L de Challans Mallowdale final, Handler/Owner Declan Connolly Sire: Mallowdale Quad, Dam: Endowood Clowne, Breeder Ian Openshaw Ardcaein Jimbob, Handler/Owner Anthony Smith Sire: FTCH Mallowdale Gun, Dam: Ardcaein Funnybunny, Breeder Mark Stewart Coill Leathen Handler/Owner/ Breeder Jason McGonigle Sire: Gardenrath Picasso, Dam: Sperrinside Fia Bheag Cocker Spaniel of the Year: 76

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to all those who helped deliver the 4th Irish Kennel Club Championship for Cocker Spaniels, and in particular the event main sponsors, Red Mills Engage premium dog food, whose continued support is appreciated.

Championship Winner Clentohill Jessie Jay with her trophies from the Championship

Report by Paul O’Brien Photos: Jan Evans

The 2022 IKC Irish Retriever Championship sponsored by

Competitors, Judges and Stewards

T

he Irish Retriever Championship was held on the 17th and 18th December 2022.

The host was Mr Henry Gwen-Jones and on the picturesque Ballynatray Estate located on the Blackwater River, the nearest town is Youghal, Co Cork.

This ground was available due to the dedication and hard work by a few individuals who help out on the Ballynatray Shoot with picking up and providing assistance as required throughout the year. A lot of planning and organisation goes into running a Championship in the months, weeks and days before the event and The Irish

Retriever Championship Committee lead by the secretary Keith McNamara and Chairman Mr Willie Forde did a super job with the help of local personal like Sean Moore and Tom Lowry to name just two! The owner Mr Gwen-Jones was so welcoming to the committee members who travelled to Ballynatray to discuss the running of the event on a number of occasions prior to the Championship. All involved were well rehearsed and prepared for their duties and that showed at the actual event. Everything ran so smoothly over the two days that saw Twenty Six of Ireland’s top

Retrievers compete to be that all elusive winner!

The four judges were Mr Joe McGivern, Nigel Carville, Mr Keith Mathews and yours truly. Both Nigel and I had dogs of our own qualified!

Both judges said it was disappointing not to be able compete in this prestigious event however both were honoured to be asked to Judge.

The base for the two days was The Middleton Park Hotel, in Middleton, Co. Cork. The atmosphere amongst the competitors, helpers, visitors who travelled to stay was warm and welcoming and everyone excited to see

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and guessing who the top dog and handler would be after the two days competing.

The first morning of the championship would see all odd numbered dogs go with Joe and I and the even numbered dogs went with Nigel and Keith. The first drive was Dan’s Grove and what a display of high quality birds that was as testing to a gun as any driven bird at any shoot in Ireland or Europe. The guns led by Shoot Captain Mr Ray O’Dwyer were on top form and put plenty of game on the ground for the four judges to really test the dogs and competitors to a high standard of championship type retrieves. All dogs are expected to sit

in line, calm and quietly which is so important while the shooting is going on and then each dog has to turn it on and run for the handler to an area that he/she is sent to and ignore everything else they might have seen during the drive! This drive offered big open retrieves about 200/250 metres with walls, lanes and woodland on offer. It was plain to see to all that were in attendance that the quality of dogs on display was at a seriously high level like most open retriever trials throughout Ireland.

Two drives were used on day one and the second drive was The Diamond and this drive was equally as spectacular as the first if not better, again the team of

Competitors wait in line on the left

Waiting to be called on the right side 78

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guns doing super and making even more testing retrieves for the dogs with big retrieves run from a height down a hill across a lane and wall and into heavy cover. These retrieves started to give the really top dogs the opportunity to shine with some dogs struggling. The top dogs were making impressions in the judges books with their drive, style and game finding abilities.

The first day finished at 15:30 and then it was everyone back to their vehicles and back to the hotel where good food and good company was had for the evening and more speculation on who was going well and might be the top retriever the following day!

The second day, like the first day

was run in a very nice friendly atmosphere with everyone involved enjoying the amazing venue and beautiful crisp dry weather that we always get in Ireland!! Speaking with the hard working and knowledgeable gamekeeper Ed Cox on the evening before, he was a little nervous, I reassured him as a judge that all was going well and to just do what you do best for your guns and we as judges can continue to set the standard for our competitors. Ed provided a cracking drive with plenty of birds on the ground.

Competitors wait in line on the left Waiting to be called on the right side 13 dogs were called back for day 2.

The following morning was a meet time in the car park for 7:30am to leave and to travel in convoy to Ballynatray Estate for the final day of The Irish Retriever Championship……. Now certain competitors were getting nervous, those who had a good run the day before were now thinking if they do the same on day two there might be a chance!!!!

The Hop Field was the first drive of

the shoot day on day two. The Hop Field Drive was another top shelf drive put on by the excellent Keeper Mr Ed Cox which saw a similar team of guns like day one with the addition of personal like Justin Greene, owner and gun from the lovely Ballyvolane Shoot who has hosted many Retriever Trials.

The team of guns put lots of birds on the ground which proved sufficient to see out the championship for 2022.

All remaining dogs were testing again to a very high standard that saw some shorter type retrieves in or around 100 metres which tested handlers and dogs to work as a team and pick from certain areas which consisted of green grass fields, edge of woodland with some retrieves from heavy cover.

Again dogs were tested in line with lots of action happening and at this stage of the championship nobody wanted to go out and thankfully the standard of dog work stayed extremely high with the top dog head and shoulders above the rest of the field. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th dogs were also excellent and could

have won on any other year. Seven Diploma of Honour certificates were awarded for the excellent performance of the dogs and handlers listed below.

Irish Country Sports & Country Life magazine was delighted to present the winner with a Crystal Trophy and a copy of the ‘Irish Country Sports – A HERITAGE BOOK’.

Results 1st Sean Kearney with FTCH Kelmarsky Ash 2nd Anthony Reilly with Tamrose Grenada 3rd Michael Corr with FTCH Ringbarn Fletching 4th Declan Boyle with FTCH Knockyclovaun Ralph Diplomas Of Honour D. Fitzpatrick with FTCh Mayberry Boitien; D. Boyle with GB FTCh Jake of Blackburn; P. Burns with Elsie Eva of Gareeclend; S. Kearney with FTCh Kelmarsky Crow; K. Graham with FTCh Shimnavale Juno; M. Lambden with FTCh Tamrose Aragon; and O.Bell with FTCh Eelburn Flavius of Ballygillen.

Judges & Prizewinners Irish Country Sports and Country Life Spring/Summer 2023

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BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II SWAROVSKI OPTIK SUPPLIER OF BINOCULARS

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