Dessie Mackens Christmas Show

[Margaret Mc Stay]

Situated on the main Banbridge to Portadown Road in Northern Ireland, Halls Mill Inn was the venue yesterday Saturday 22nd December 2012 for Dessie Mackens Christmas Show. And what a day of Christmas cheer that was. As we were leaving the house to go to the show, the heavens opened and the rain lashed down, but as we got to the show venue, the rain suddenly stopped and did not start again to we were on our way home .


There was a big turnout yesterday at the Christmas show. From ten o clock onwards cars and trailers began to converge on the car park of Halls Mills, loaded up with dogs and families in tow, just there for a pre Christmas day out at the dog show.


This was what we needed. A break from shopping for presents, and all the razzmatazz that goes with the festive season. Dessie , you done it again this year. You certainly know how to bring some festive happiness into our lives in the dark dreary and in some cases lonesome days leading up to Christmas day and many thanks for that. Christmas is full of memories, and this was a day release from all our cares and tribulations.

The show commenced at 1.00pm. Here are some results from yesterdays show.

Childrens Class:
Kaylee love
Graham Meek (junior)
Jay Reid
Jodie Ogle

All of these little people were winners. It was so nice to see the smiles on their little faces. Santa has told me he will definitely be calling to these 4 homes tomorrow night. Well done to all, you made your parents very proud of you. Some sleepy heads last night .

Whippet Pups

1/ Paul Reynolds
2/ John Shaw
3/ Jason Dunwoody
4/ Chontelle Mc Meekin

Terrier Pups

1/ Kaylee Love
2/ Tracy Gill

Lurcher Pups

1/ Michael Quinn
2/ John Shaw
3/ Fiona Devlin

Overall Puppy Champion went to Paul Reynolds. Congratulations and well done Paul

Terriers

Lakeland Dog

1/ John Heslip

Patterdale Bitch

1/ John Heslip with Spook

Jack Russell

1/ Janet Duke
2/ Kaylee Love

Overall Terrier Champion went to :

Janet Duke with George

Reserve Champion

Charlene Heslip with Rossi

Congratulations to Janet and Charlene and well done.


Strong Dogs

1/ Stewardie Moore

English Bull

1/ John Barry


Congratulations to Stewartie and John, and well done.



Whippets

Whippet Dog

1/ Tracy Gill with Finlay
2/ Chrissy Loughran with Mango
3/ Leanne Hawthorne with Prince

Whippet Bitch

1/ John Mc Stay
2/ Michelle Rafferty
3/ Janet Duke

Working Whippet

1/ Mickey Quinn
2/ John Shaw
3/ Gary Kane

Whippet Pairs

1/ John Mc Stay

Overall Whippet Champion

Tracy Gill with Finlay

Reserve Champion

John Mc Stay with Patch

Congratulations to Tracy and John and well done.


Lurchers

Smooth Under 23

1/ Steven Dummigan
2/ Charlene Rafferty
3/ Chrissy Loughran

Smooth Over 23

1/ Fiona Devlin with Maverick
2/ Chrissy Loughran
3/ Michelle Rafferty

Rough Under 23

1/ Chrissy Loughran
2/ Lynn Murray

Rough Over 23”

1/ Glen Doherty
2/ John Shaw

Collie Cross

1/ Steven Dummigan
2/ Michelle Rafferty
3/ Billy Craig

Hare Class

1/ Chontelle Mc Meekin
2/ Alex Jowett
3/ John Shaw
4/ Charlene Rafferty

Terrier Cross Lurcher

1/ Mickey Quinn
2/ Chris Angus
3/ Charlene Rafferty

Overall Lurcher Champion

Fiona Devlin with Maverick

Reserve Champion

Glen Doherty

Congratulations to Fiona and Glen and well done.


Overall Show Champion went to :

Janet Duke with her beautiful Jack Russell Dog George. A big Congratulations Janet and well done.

There were two special accolades awarded at Dessies show this year, and this has set a precident for every year going forward.

The First award was for Dog of the year 2012. This accolade went to Fiona Devlins winning dog “ Maverick” a very deserving winner. Fiona was a very proud lady going home yesterday evening. Congratulations Fiona. Maverick is a beautiful dog, and may he continue winning in 2013. Maverick has been a shinning light at all the shows in 2012, and has won many beautiful trophies. Well done Maverick and Fiona.

The second accolade was for “ Field and Country Sports Person of the Year 2012” And guess who this was awarded to, none other than my good self. Well when I did not have a heart attack at that moment when my name was called out, I never will. I just could not believe it. I am deeply honoured to think that the Field and Country Sports people out there feel I am worthy of this great title. I really enjoy the shows, meeting the show organisers, show folk and their lovely families. I have had many great years enjoyment at all of the shows up and down the country and have met so many lovely people on the way, and have made so many good friends for life. I enjoy doing the write ups, advertising, and interviews, along with showing our Whippets. Dogs are our life and always has been for all of our married life. It is just a labour of love for me, and I will continue to do my best at all times for every club and Game Fair up and down the country in 2013. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all, and especially Dessie Mackin for presenting me with the award and a very large Ballydougan Christmas Hamper. Many thanks Dessie for that, it was so much appreciated.

And finally, many thanks to the Judges on the day, Terri Mc Vitty, Graham Meek, and Terence Metcalfe for the wonderful but difficult job you all carried out in a very professional manner. You were firm, but very fair in every way. Fiona Devlin took some photographs, and hopefully she will have them all up shortly.
I cannot forget the chief organiser of the Christmas show Dessie Mackin and his very efficient band of helpers. Dessie, it was a brilliant show, full of festivities and Christmas cheer. Christmas would not be the same without your show. Many thanks Dessie for a great days excitement and fun of which we are all truly greatful.


And Finally, Finally may I take this opportunity of wishing all you good Canine folk, hunters, and Lampers North and South of the border, and further afield, and all the little people who are waiting for Santa to call, a very Happy and Holy Christmas with your families, and a very prosperous New Year, and I look forward to meeting up with you all again at the shows in 2013.

Margaret Mc Stay

 

[Macha]

congratulations, Margaret, and seasons' greetings

 

[Margaret Mc Stay]

Thanks Macha, and a Happy New Year to you also