On Sunday February 19^th 2017 we once again headed to Ilaunmore for our last trial of the 2016/2017 season, by kind permission of Mr.Michael Manke. Our Judges for the day were John Keeshan (A), Ronan Gorman (B) and Eamonn Taaffe (C)

Vincent Kyne was our Steward of the Beat and was very well assisted by Willie White.

Before proceedings began a Minute’s Silence was observed as a mark of respect to Derrick Ryan who had passed away suddenly just a week before this trial. Derrick was a great friend and supporter of our Club, who would always be available to give a helping hand at a Test or a Trial if he was required to do so. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Colm and all the Ryan family.

Willie White plotted a course which seen the trial heading in a clockwise direction around the shoreline, where there was a mixture of rabbits and pheasants, which were becoming very scarce at this late stage in February. This in a lot of cases led to the dogs having to work harder to produce the game.

Danny Bourke, Ray Fogarty, Enda Cassen & John Clooney were our team of crackshots who dealt with the game in a very safe, swift & accurate manner for the day.

When the Judges had gone through the card and finished making up their books, Colm Ryan’s Hattonswood Warbler was called to do the water test as it was gaining it’s first Championship points.

We headed back to the cars for the presentation where the Judges said that this had been an excellent quality trial which they had enjoyed Judging.

Club Chairman – Pat Brennan, thanked everyone who helped out and supported us for this trial and raffle which we held, he also especially thanked Willie Edgar for his influence in bringing KRONCH on board last year as our sponsors. Unfortunately this trial would mark the end of our association with KRONCH.

In the absence of the Hon. Secretary, Vice Chairman – Willie White announced the results and the handlers placed 1^st – 4^th were presented with various products which were very kindly sponsored by KRONCH.

1^st        F.T.Ch. Hollydrive Abbey – ESSB – (Excellent)

(Int.F.T.Ch. Skronedale Romulus X Hollydrive Kylie)

Owned and handled by Mr. Des Donnelly

2^nd       Clodahill Quiv – ESSB – (Excellent)

(Clodahill Jake X F.T.Ch. Clodahill Annie)

Owned and handled by Mr. Pat Brennan.

3^rd       Hattonswood Warbler – ESSB – (Excellent)

(F.T.Ch. Lisgarvagh West X F.T.Ch. Hattonswood Meg)

Owned and handled by Mr. Colm Ryan.

4^th        F.T.Ch. Colcourt Firecrest – ESSB – (Excellent)

(F.T.Ch. Chinachgook Roberto X Not so little Rascal)

Owned and handled by Mr. Norman Blakeney.

C.O.M

F.T.Ch. Blackguard Ivy – Owned and handled by Mr. James Casey.

F.T.Ch. Sliabh Cushla – Owned and handled by Mr. Louis Rice.

Sliabh Aoife – Owned and handled by Mr. Louis Rice.

Sliabh Rosie – Owned and handled by Mr. Fintan Kelly.

Greenbrush Iced – Owned and handled by Mr. Willie Edgar.

Clodahill Pele – Owned and handled by Mr. Adrian Doris.

As this was the last trial of the 2016/2017 season the Committee would like to thank our Hosts, Sponsors, Judges, Competitors and everyone who helped and supported the Club during the year.

We will be running our Annual Working Test in April, details are available from our website northtippworkinggundogclub.com or contact us by email at northtippwgc@gmail.com

*Photo’s courtesy of Vinnie Caldwell.