32 & 33
NEWS
Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 7 October, 2016
Stradbally Dog Show Held at Our Lady of Mercy National School, Stradbally, on 25th September, 2016 Photography and report by Richard Cutbill LIPF Judge Aine Cummins puts the junior dog handlers through their paces, watching and correcting any errors in handling these lovely pets.
IT was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, sun shining but not too hot for canines and their carers. Firstly, I was surprised how many dogs and owners attended this event, they just kept coming and coming. There must have been over a hundred dogs in various competitions. Secondly, I just could not believe how well behaved they were (I am talking about the dogs!), no fighting, no growling, no bad behaviour, just dogs and their carers having a good time. There was two large display rings, so two competitions could be run at once, I realised how well this event was organised once it started. A Qualified Judge in the centre of each ring, together with helpers on the edge of the circuit to keep it orderly. The judges Frank Josey and Aine Cummins were on top of their game, and so were the helpers on the outer side of the rings, nothing was left to guess
work, this had been planned and was carried out with meticulousness. The dogs in each discipline circled the rings at a walking pace, one by one they were sent to the centre of the ring to be closely inspected by the judge. Even though it was a competitive event, there was a lovely friendly atmosphere amongst the competitors, judges, and everyone else. The judges were quick with their decisions, and the prize giving was carried out at the end of each discipline, one to six got rosettes, with the top three getting a bag of dog nuts, sized according to their placement. Towards the end of the last dog discipline, the sky went black and it began to rain. Fortunately, not for long, and we were off to the dog plus carer races. The rules were simple, the dog had to lead and be first across the finishing line.There
was a category for nearly everybody starting with under 8s boys then the girls, right the way through to the dads. Our Lady of Mercy National School, Stradbally, Parents’ Association would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and involvement in our recent dog show fundraiser on Sunday, 25th September. The sun shone for the occasion and a fantastic day was had by all. The day was filled with fun and activities, something for everyone. We would like to thank the numerous donors of prizes from local and surrounding businesses and also to thank the wonderful parents who baked, cooked and helped in any way. Our thanks goes to the following: Father Condon, Tyrone Power DJ & MC, Deise Vets, Comeragh Vets, Riverside Vets, Merry’s Bar and
Restaurant, Cisoria Hairdressers, Starbucks Grooming, Glanbia Durrow, Frank and Alicia Josey (judges), Kasko Dog Foods,Whelan’s Bar Stradbally, Cove Bar Stradbally, Lisa Gorey Hairdressing, Gillian Norris Salon, Belleza Beauty, Richard Cutbill Photography. Many thanks to Waterford Animal Welfare who will receive a donation from our fundraiser also for their time on the day. They had a fantastic time and also offered them the opportunity to show off some of the rescue dogs they had available for rehoming. Thanks to Tomas Walsh and all his staff who continually supported and helped out with all fundraising events. Again we would send a message of thanks to all the community who turned out on the day. We hope you all enjoyed the day as much as we did. We plan to hold this hugely successfully event annually, so plenty of time to get your dogs prepared and in training for next year.
Medium Dog Section (r. to l.): winner Perry Wall with Ben, 2nd place Mairead with Topsey and 3rd place Debbie, Jack and Sophie Weldon with Rosie.
Judge Frank Josey meticulously inspects each dog.
Stradbally Parish Priest Father Gerry Condon blesses all the dogs and their carers, a very nice thing indeed that touched everyone.
Rescue Dog Section (l. to r.): Second place Fionn Moynihan with Gizmo; third place Peter Moynihan with Bones and the winner Anne Concannon with Jack & Spot. Also in the photo are Andrew Quine and Alex Whelan from the Waterford Dog Rescue Unit.
Dad's Dog Race – A powerhouse of Dog and Man.
The winner of 'The Dog the Judges Would Like to Take Home' Section was Deirdre O'Connor with the adorable Nora.
Junior Dog Handlers (l. to r.): Third place Tadgh Fitzgerald with Dip, 2nd place Mia Phelan with Alfie and the winner Christine Crowley with Banjo.
Face painter Ava Grace with Barry Fennell. Ava toiled away all afternoon to help with fund raising, very well done! The Most Obedient Dog Section (l. to r.): 4th place Eddie Fitzgerald; 3rd place Emmet Walsh with Elsie; 2nd place Craig Keyworth with Daisy and the winner Darragh Walsh with Jessie. At the centre rear is the judge Aine Cummins.
Hurler Michael Walsh gives his dog a helping hand.
The Small Dog Section (l. to r.): Winner Christine with Banjo; second place Jessica with Minnie; third place Lia with Prince. At the back is the Judge Frank Josey.
Large Dog Winner – Grace Great Dane with her owner Breon Wall.
Winning Puppy Section – Nina the whippet with her owners Jack and Dylan O'Brien.
Girls Dog Racing is great fun, the dog has to be first across the finishing line not the handler'.
Best Groomed Dog section (l. to r.): the winner Celia Gaffney with Joey; 2nd place Claire Hennebry with Max; 3rd place Leah Power with Prince. At the rear is judge Frank Josey.