The Sporting Whippet Club Show Ni, Held At Dunsilly Kennels, Dunsilly,

[Margaret Mc Stay]

Dunsilly Kennels yesterday Sunday, was alive with the sound of showing and racing Whippets, parents and children, Terrier and Lurcher men who came as spectators to show their support , as the first Sporting Whippet Club NI Show of the year got under way. The weather held out all day with no rain, but a bitterly cold wind kept everyone happed up with a few layers of clothing. Janet and her committee, as usual did a superb job, with the showing and racing conducted with impeccable organisation. It was so nice yesterday to see so many non committee members lending a hand, and everybody so willing to help out. That’s what I call good sportsmanship. John and myself done the gate, and it was nice to have the chance to meet so many people personally, both regular show goers, and quite a few new faces.

There was a very big turnout of Whippets yesterday at this show. The grading started at 12.30, and before the showing commenced, all Whippet owners knew what grading their dogs would race in after the showing, for example A/B/or C grade. All top class Whippet there yesterday both in the showing and the racing. The showing started immediately after the grading.

Children’s Handling

1st – Turlough O’Hagan handling Katie

2nd – Jamie Doherty handling Juke

3rd – Jay Fyffe handling Bullet

Kiddy Slip

1st – Turlough O’Hagan

2nd – Jamie Doherty

3rd – Graham Meek (Jnr)

These little fellows were so proud of their winnings. It always tuggs at my heart strings being a mother myself , when I see all children winning and participating at these shows. Somehow, one gets a sense of pride and accomplishment, just to see the smile on their little faces when they run to their parents with their prizes. All trophies were going into school today I am told. Thurlough OHagan, Jamie Doherty, Jay fyffe, and Graham Meek (Jun ) a big congratulations, and a big congratulations to all the other children who took part in the showing and slipping. You are all winners and the sports men and women of the future. It is great to give these children an interest in life that they enjoy and can carry on through to their children.Some sleepy heads last night. We are due our first grandchild on the 10th June please god, and we will be very proud grandparents. Cant wait.

Whippet

1st – Anne Forsythe with Poppy

2nd – Michael Quinn with Molly

3rd – John Mc Stay with Darcy

Whippet Dog

1st – David Best with Harley

2nd – Martin Doherty with Juke

3rd – Janet Duke with Finlay

Whippet Bitch

1st – Brendan O’Hara with Cody

2nd – David Best with Penny

3rd – Graham Meek with Meg

Working Whippet

1st – Kieran Young with Lucy

2nd – John Shaw with Billy

3rd – Phillipa Robinson with Dochas

Veteran Whippet

1st – Tracy Gill with Tia

Best In Show – Brendan O’Hara with Cody

Reserve Best In Show – Anne Forsythe with Poppy

Members Class

Winner - Tracy Gill with Ash

*Congratulations to Brendan O Hara for winning Best in Show, and to Ann Forsythe for winning Reserve Best in Show. A great achievement for you both.

Racing Results

Grade ‘A’

Winner – Sox (Kirsty Harpur)

Reserve – Blue ( Michael Quinn)

Grade ‘B’

Winner – Smokey (Pearse O’Hagan)

Reserve – Rio (Patsy McCoy)

Grade ‘C’

Winner – Brock (Pearse O’Hagan)

Reserve – Obe (Gary Kane)

*A Great win Kirsty and Pearse, the first of much Silverware to come your way this year. And Congratulations to all the class winners. Well deserved winners.

Finally, the judge on the day Linda Mc Donald did a great job, with Santas little helper Michelle Rafferty, was there by her side to record all our winnings. Well done girls, not an easy task. Thanks to Patsy Mc Coy , Mickey Quinn , Graham Meek, Janet Duke and Kieran Young who done a magnificent job on the Lure and Racing. Ran without a hitch. To Victor Mc Donald for the venue, may thanks. The raffle took place before end of show. it certainly generated a lot of excitement and fun, and a lot of happy campers when their ticket came up trumphs. Bluebell was there with her camera taking photographs of all that passed her way. Billy Harpur was there also clicking away at the side of the ring. Between both of them, there will be some cracking photographs of the day. Many thanks for that. The Silver Shadow catering van was on site on the day. They produced some lovely food for all the hungry show people old and young. This was a first, but I am assured they will be there for the rest of the season. Keep up the good work. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the day, and look forward to the next Whippet Show on the 27th May 2012. See you all there.

Anybody requiring a catering van at their events, you can contact : Silver Shadow Catering at 07821 710250 07821 710250 or email @darrinmillar@yahoo.co.uk

Margaret Mc Stay