On Sunday November 5th 2017 which was a lovely crisp morning with a chilly breeze blowing across Lough Derg we set sail to Ilaunmore for our first Open Stake of the Winter, which was held by kind permission of Mr.Michael Manke.

On arrival and with the usual introductions and welcomes out of the way, Vincent Kyne – Steward of the Beat, who was being well assisted by our Club Vice – Chairman, Willie White set us on a course on the shoreline.

Throughout the day there was a steady supply of pheasants and rabbits which was dealt with extremely safely and efficiently by our team of Guns, Daniel Bourke, John Clooney, Ray Fogarty and Ivan McAlister, with a tally at the end of the day of 21 pheasants and 10 rabbits

All the handlers were put at ease when they came into line by our Judges, Pat Brennan (A), Ronan Gorman (A) and Benny Ryan (C)

When they came together to make up their books they were able to split the dogs on their notes, which allowed us to head for the mainland without the need of having a run off.

We made our way back to the cars where the Hon. Sec. announced the winners who received a bag of dogfood from GRAHAM’S DOGFOODS, who very kindly sponsored this event and the winner was presented with the Denis Flannery Memorial Cup.

In their summing up the Judges said that it was the dogs which were experienced enough to be able to put pressure on the game to get up which were ultimately the dogs that rose to the top at this trial.

1^st        F.T.Ch. Colcourt Firecrest – ESSB – (Excellent)

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

Owned and handled by Mr. Norman Blakeney.

2^nd       Glenhestbeg Della – ESSB – (Excellent)

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

Owned and handled by Mr. PJ Davitt.

3^rd       Sliabh Rosie – ESSB – (Excellent)

(F.T.Ch. Helmsway Henry X F.T.Ch. Wyndhill Shona of Sliabh)

Owned and handled by Mr. Fintan “Captain” Kelly.

4^th        Sliabh Aoife – ESSB – (Excellent)

( F.T.Ch. Helmsway Hellraiser X F.T.Ch. Wyndhill Shona of Sliabh)

Owned and handled by Mr. Louis Rice.

C.O.M

Mia’s Girl – ESSB – Owned & handled by Mr. Eddie Byrne

Garrisoncullin Duke – ESSD – Owned & handled by Mr. Shane Gainley.

Carnteel Hozier of Greenbrush – ESSD – Owned &handled by Mr. Trevis Crothers