On Friday 16th November 2018, we made our way back to Ilaunmore to run our Novice by kind permission of Mr.Michael Manke. Unfortunately, for one reason or another we had not been able to run a Novice since 2015, so it was nice to be able to get some new handlers and new dogs out on the circuit. The Judges for this trial were Norman Blakeney (A), Willie Edgar (A) & Captain Kelly (C).
Gamekeeper Vincent Kyne and Michael Minehan, plotted a course which sent us in a clockwise direction around the shoreline. Even though it was only mid November the birds appeared to be easily spooked and were not hanging around for the dogs to catch up with them.
Game was dealt with safely and efficiently by our team of Guns made up of Fintan Kelly, Tom Carey, Noel Tomlinson & Joe O’Shea.
As we had a couple of withdrawals, the Judges ended up with 14 dogs to look at. As is usual at a Novice trial a number of these young dogs fell by the wayside for various types of “sackable offences”.
When the Judges finished making up their books they had three dogs in the awards, all of which were graded Very Good and not qualified for Open Stakes.
Senior Judge, Norman Blakeney in summing up said that there were some nice young dogs which became casualties but the dogs which came to the top were probably there because their handlers were that bit more experienced and knew what to expect on Illaunmore, however the winners would have had a blip under one or other Judge and were therefore graded Very Good.
The Winner was awarded the “Open Season” Novice Perpetual Shield and 1st, 2nd & 3rd were each given a bag of Feedwell Sport which was very generously sponsored by Feedwell Dogfoods.
1st Emerald Queen – ESSB
(Emerald Hero X Malinmore Queen)
Owned and handled by Eddie Byrne. (Very Good)
2nd Tascroft Sweep – ESSD
(F.T.CH. Clanicker Mick X Kenxiam Pepper’s Lady)
Owned and handled by Ivan McAlister. (Very Good)
3rd Clodahill Rhythm – ESSD
(F.T.Ch. Clodahill Nofler of Carnteel X Int.F.T.Ch. Clodahill Demi)
Owned and handled by Pat Brennan. (Very Good)
-
- PJ Davitt meditating
-
- A very relaxed atmosphere
-
- 3rd Pat Brennan
-
- 2nd Ivan McAlister
-
- Winner Eddie Byrne being presented with the Open Season Novice Perpetual Shield
-
- L-R Judges Willie Edgar, Captain Kelly, Norman Blakeney. 1st Eddie Byrne, 2nd Ivan McAlister and 3rd Pat Brennan
-
- Jim Warren making a welcome return
-
- Judges – Captain Kelly, Norman Blakeney and Willie Edgar making up the books
-
- Chairman Pat Brennan and Treasurer Gary Quirke in the background
-
- Young Captain
North Tipperary Working Gun Dog Club 
You must be logged in to post a comment.