Judging Dogs For 20 Years At The West Kerry Agricultural Show Martine Moriarty and Lynne Stratton have judged the dogs at the West Kerry Agricultural Show for 20 years now. To celebrate this they have decided to do something a bit special. The dog that wins “Best in Show” will have it’s portrait painted by Martine and the Reserve Best in Show dog will receive a groom from Muddy Matters, by Lynne. In their capacity as judges the two ladies worked alongside the late Michael O’ Connor and have fond memories of him with his alwaysfriendly demeanour and willingness to give a hand or a word of advice. Martine and Lynne recall that Michael’s favorite dog, outside of his working Collies, was the King Charles Spaniel and he would often try and persuade them to let them win. In the early days the judging was outside, which was lovely if the weather was fine, but there were mad dashes in downpours to find a space inside, so eventually a spot was allocated. The amount of dogs and breed types attending has increased vastly over the last few years and the judging has not been without it’s moments - the megaphone didn’t always work as it should, there were out of control dogs, pooing and weeing dogs, not so happy mothers and more. The duo have learned never to look a child in the eyes because you will be met by a pair of pleading peepers imploring you to pick their pooch. But, in the end nobody goes home empty handed. Martine and Lynne said they have really enjoy the judging it’s been great fun and they cant imagine not doing it. So here’s to a good day and may the best dogs win. Martine is an established local artist and paints local scenery, horses and dogs, you may know her from her gallery It Must Be Dingle, in Gortadubha, Ballyferriter. Commissions taken. www.itmustbedingle.com FB Twitter. 0868365972
Glens, Dingle, Co. Kerry
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Lynne is a local dog groomer, Muddy Matters, in Emlagh, Ballyferriter. FB. She is also a successful wildlife sculptor. www.lynnestrattonsculpture.com FB 0871309803
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