This trial was run on Tuesday 10^th December in good testing ground for spaniels, in the vast picturesque woodland of Coolatin in Co.Wicklow. We were there by very kind permission of the Dowling family and Brockna Sporting Club.

Our club was honoured to be given access to Coolatin as we were lead to believe that is was the first time in roughly 21 years for a spaniel trial to be held there and on the last occasion a trial was in Coolatin it was won by our senior Judge for this trial Dermot Dunne.

Dermot was very well assisted by our other ‘A’ panel Judge Pat Brennan (Club Chairman), also Mick Finglas and PJ Davitt were furthering their education as our two ‘C’ Judges.

With the relaxed and friendly approach of our Judges, all the handlers were made feel at ease and the 16 dogs on the card were given every chance to impress them.

Ciaran Dowling and Tom Brennan shared the task of Steward of the Beat and did a very good job of keeping us in touch with the birds.

The game was taken care of by our very impressive team of Guns, Tom Hayes, Martin ‘Smiley’ Daniels, Eoin Lowry and Noel Tomlinson who all shot with a very high degree of safety and accuracy.

Due to one misdemeanor or another there were only 5 dogs that didn’t finish the course. When the Judges came together to make up their books they were split on 2 dogs and called for a run off, after which 11 dogs were called to water.

At the presentation the Hon. Secretary thanked the team in Coolatin who extended great friendship and hospitality to everybody who attended and he also acknowledged the work done by Tom Brennan both in the lead up to the trial and on the day.

Sponsors yet again were our reliable friends in Massbrook Petfoods.

The winner was presented with the North Tipp. Working Gundog Club Perpetual Cup and also the Guns Award.

1^st F.T.Ch. Hollydrive Theo – ESSD 

(F.T.Ch. Helmsway Hawk of Witchwillows X Int.F.T.Ch. Poppet Rocket)

Owned and handled by Mick Walsh. (Excellent)

 2^nd Lisgarvagh Sky – ESSB

(F.T.Ch. Maesyronen Market Trader X F.T.Ch. Lisgarvagh Candy)

Owned and handled by Jon Binley. (Excellent)

3^rd Windarra Tess – ESSB

(Int.F.T.Ch. Skronedale Romulus X Windarra Zeta)

Owned and handled by Brian O’Hara. (Excellent)

4^th Brambley Girl – ESSB

(Sliabh Diesel X Brambley Lady)

Owned and handled by Captain Kelly. (Very Good)

C.O.M.

Muggleswick Muffin – Jim Warren.

Freecrow Shadow – Paul McKearney.

Buncrana Flyer – Francis Barry.

F.T.Ch. Edwardiana Maisie – Jim Warren.

Hollydrive Fred – Jimmy King.

Brambley Lady – Captain Kelly.