The Irish HPR Team at the UK Game Fair - By Derek O’Connor, Team Captain

So here we are already, summer is in the Departure Lounge and that most wholesome time of the year is upon us. A chance to get our stalwart four legged hunting companions refreshed again in the matters of all things game, introduce the novices to proper scent for the first time and, as a bonus, put the healthiest of food on our tables.

This summer was a special one for yours truly, having been asked to captain Team Ireland at the HPR Home International Tournament in Ragley Hall. It was an absolute honour to be entrusted with such a role at one of the most prestigious events in the Fieldsports calender.

One of the first things I did after being appointed captain was reach out to The German Pointer Club of Ireland for assistance. This would prove to be a 'no brainer' as they were a wealth of knowledge and support to myself & Team Ireland throughout the whole process. A sub committee was formed to help select the team, three A Panel judges with leagues of experience between them (Stephen McManus, Robbie Doran & Gerry Devlin).

After two gruelling selection days held in Hopes Point, Mullingar and many hours deliberating we had a strong Irish team selected.

Next on the agenda were training days if we were to make a proper challenge for the ultimate prize we would have to be prepared properly. A patriotic message of support from Matty Lambden of Tamrose Labradors was our next stroke of good fortune as he generously invited us up to his impressive training grounds in Mullingar to brush up on the finer points of retrieving. You see Irish HPR dogs don't usually compete in working tests, it’s more hunting and field trialling we specialise in.

The end of July was fast approaching, we were working hard on obtaining sponsorship from anyone kind enough to donate. Our feeling on the matter was no one should end up totally out of pocket representing their country. Without our sponsors (listed below) none of this would have been possible.

My main goals before we went over were to:

1. Train & compete to win; 2. Represent our country with pride for the duration of the trip; 3. Showcase Irish HPR dogs & handlers on an international stage;

I never thought I'd see the day I'd be quoting Meatloaf but .... 2 out of 3 and all that!

Most of you know by now I'm sure we came a fairly respectable 2nd place to an English Team who were reigning champions competing on home soil with home Judges and a home crowd cheering them on - not a bad achievement for a bunch of amateurs when you dissect it in the cold light of day. The scores were: England 445, Ireland 393, Wales 339 & Scotland 311.

Alas we didn't win but more importantly the other 2 boxes are ticked and I am incredibly proud of my team this year,they deserve all the credit. All our dogs ran well , we improved on last years score and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves especially in the Welsh Camp afterwards! The Irish Team was as follows:

Ricky Roberts - FTCH Todlachie Black Tarquin

Ray Behan - Little Belle

Peter Begley - Look At Me

Damien McCabe- Birchwood Chloe at Commedagh

Derek O' Connor - Ardgroom Artemis

Denis Moloney - Bacchus Of Ardgroom. (Denis Moloney unfortunately had to withdraw his bitch Offaly Grouse due to her coming into heat so he handled Ricky’s second dog Bacchus of Ardgrooom )

Team Selector - Stephen McManus

Team Assistant- Jake Vangrove

Team Photographer & Kit Man - Daniel O' Flaherty

Special mention to team member Denis 'Biffo Chef' Moloney who kept us foddered for the whole weekend. We were the envy of the campsite as his creative outdoor culinary skill was one of the highlights of the tour.

Also a special mention to the event organiser Howard Kirby and his hardworking team who made the huge effort to travel and support us on the day and to all who helped in any way throughout the whole process. It was greatly appreciated.

Signing off personally I'd like to thank my wife and two young daughters for putting up with the sporadic absenteeism throughout the year, late night phone calls, zoom calls etc that ate into precious family time.

Finally, special thanks to all our sponsors for whom without their kindness and generosity none of this would have been at all possible: Nutrolin, Rovince Anti Tick Clothing, Curlew Mountain Outdoors , Highland Outdoors Ireland, Offaly Regional Game Council, Feedwell, East Coast Taxidermy, ACME Whistles, Barbour Estates, German Pointer Club Of Ireland, Tamrose Labradors, Kinnity Game Club , PDMC Building Services, East Coast Hunting & Shooting, German Longhaired Pointer Club, Steel Lintels Ireland Ltd., Down Window Systems, Carryduff Building Supplies, Islandview Canine Creche and the Great Game Fairs of Ireland.

Maybe next year will be our year !

We lost a dear friend in Ger Hurley (RIP) this year, who ran at our first selection day and sadly that was the last we saw of him.A great GWP man and an unforgettable character he will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts go out to our good friend Paul McAuley who lost his beloved wife Eilish recently. Paul has been of great help and support to myself and the Team from the very start. We wish Paul and his family well and may their dear Eilish Rest in Peace.