This was the first Open Stake of the New Year which was held on a very frosty morning on Sunday January 7^th 2018 on Ilaunmore, only a little over a week since a very successful Championship had also been held there, by kind permission of Mr.Michael Manke. Judges for the day were initially supposed to be John Keeshan (A) & Louis Rice (A), however Louis had to withdraw and was replaced by Pat Brennan (A). The Steward of the Beat was Mr. Vincent Kyne who brought us to the shoreline where there was an excellent supply of pheasants and rabbits for all dogs throughout the trial. The Game was dealt with very swiftly and accurately by our team of Guns, who were some of the lads from the “Island Team” – Willie White, Mike Minehan, Benny Ryan and Noel Tomlinson.

When our Judges came together at the end of the trial to make up their books they didn’t take long before they had a result.

We returned to the cars for the results, where the winner Norman Blakeney and F.T.Ch. Colcourt Firecrest was presented with the North Tipp. Working Gundog Club Perpetual Cup by Club Vice-Chairman, Willie White. A good start to the New Year for a delighted Norman who had finished in 4^th place at the recent Irish Championship and was now qualified again for the next Championship.

In summing up both Norman and the Judges thanked and congratulated Michael Manke,Vincent Kyne, Willie White and all the Island Team for an excellent trial and also for the trojan work which was done to put on a top drawer Championship the week previous.

We were kindly sponsored for this trial by GRAHAM’S PETFOODS.

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       Hollydrive Pretty Polly – ESSB – (Excellent)

(Int.F.T.Ch. Hollydrive Kurt X Int.F.T.Ch. Hollydrive Sally)

Owned by Mr. Stephen Forde. Handled by Mr. Mick Walsh

3^rd       Greenbrush Iced – ESSD – (Excellent)

(Int.F.T.Ch. Hollydrive Kurt X Kidnais Ski of Carnteel)

Owned and handled by Mr. Willie Edgar.

4^th        Garrisoncullin Tio – ESSB – (Excellent)

(F.T.Ch. Churchview Chunnel X Clio of Levally)

Owned and handled by Mr. Shane Gainley.

Guns Award: Hollydrive Pretty Polly – Handled by Mick Walsh.

C.O.M

Corrigmor Badger –      Owned and handled by Mr. Brendan O’Brien.

Kilcarra Snowie     –      Owned and handled by Mr. Pat Greene.

Glengoole Ripple   –      Owned and handled by Mr. Roger Shore.

F.T.Ch. Hollydrive Bert – owned and handled by Mr. Eamonn Taaffe.