On a lovely crisp morning on Sunday November 6th 2016 we set sail across Lough Derg to Ilaunmore for an Open Stake, by kind permission of Mr.Michael Manke.

As usual we were welcomed onto the Island by Vincent Kyne – Steward of the Beat, who was being well assisted by our Club Vice – Chairman, Willie White and their team of Stops.

All handlers were anticipating what amounts of game they were going to encounter, as this year, apart from a nice spread of rabbits there was also an extra 2000 birds released on the Island compared to other years. Needless to say, especially on the shoreline there were some scary moments for some of the handlers where they met some large pockets of game.

All the dogs were given their chance to shine by our Judges, Tom O’Connor (A), Tony O’Brien (A), Benny Ryan (C) and Ivan McAlister (C).

The team of Guns was made up of Tom Brennan, Young Captain Kelly, Daniel Burke & John Clooney who all shot very accurately and safely for the whole day.

When the Judges came together to make up their books they were unable to split two of the dogs on the books and decided to call PJ Davitt with Glenhestbeg Della and James Casey with F.T.Ch. Blackguard Ivy for a run off. It was a short run off as the Judges had their minds made up after a few casts in low crop.

As two of the dogs in the awards were gaining their first Championship points they had to be tested at the water.

We made our way back to the cars where the Hon. Sec. announced the winners who were in receipt of some products from KRONCH, who very kindly sponsored this event.

1^st        Glenhestbeg Della – ESSB – (Excellent)

(Int.F.T.Ch. Skronedale Romulus X F.T.Ch. Whitehope Euro)

Owned and handled by Mr. PJ Davitt.

2^nd       F.T.Ch Blackguard Ivy – ESSB – (Excellent)

(Int.F.T.Ch. Hollydrive Theo X Rosbeha Arris)

Owned and handled by Mr. James Casey.

3^rd       Sprucehill Gordon – ESSD – (Very Good)

(Sprucehill Ray X Bridevalley Tynan)

Owned and handled by Mr. Tim Dennehy.

4^th        Glengoole Ripple – ESSB – (Very Good)

(Drumreenagh De Vitry X Glengoole Lass)

Owned and handled by Mr. Roger Shore.

C.O.M

Owenwee Conifer – ESSB – Owned and handled by Mr. Patsy McCarthy

Blackspond Delightful – Owned and handled by Mr. Peter McKearney.

Antoileanbeg Caitlin – Owned and handled by Mr. Paul McKearney.

Garrisoncullin Tio – Owned and handled by Mr. Shane Gainley.