Monday, October 6, 2008
NEWS & GOSSIP
Kieran Lynch is travelling to Cumbria for the Buttermere festival on the 24th of October and wants to let people know that he's driving if anyone is looking to have hounds brought back. You may contacft Kieran Lynch directly on 087 068 0850.
On other news, we had the end of season supper dance last Friday, and here are a few photos of the night..............................
Monday, September 29, 2008
Senior All Ireland 2008
Sunday, 28th of September o8
Ballinagree, Macroom, Co Cork
Well the moment of truth arrived yesterday at 4pm to determine who is the Senior All-Ireland Champion. It was perfect weather, which attracted a very large crowd to witness the senior event of 2008. Once again people travelled from Cork City, County and Kerry to compete in the biggest trail of the season with a start of 78 hounds, all trying to do their best for their trainers. I reckon every trainer who lined up their hounds yesterday secretly would be thinking the same thoughts................... Imagine if I won the Senior All-Ireland.
It was an absolute credit to all associations involved in the build up and effort put into this drag to make it the day that it was.............. a complete and utter success from start, to roads in between and the finish................
Above; trainers awaiting their hounds to show on the finish....
Reports from the road were slightly varied but never without the mention of championship winner, John O Callaghans' 'Is It It' of Douglas, who led a few roads, along with Gary O Sullivans 'Black and Tan' who led the main divide. 'Kilmoy Boy' , pup, of ICDA was 2nd on the second last road.
So as everyone hurried back from the roads to finish their hounds and view the finish, we waited excitedly to see of all the different reports, which hound would come head first over the finishing line. The wait was over when a few fields out they showed. At three fields out, it was John O Callaghans 'Is It It' of Douglas who jumped over the cobbled wall running on the home stretch with a 2/3 length lead on the following hound 'Black and Tan'. The call went up and I could see them running downhill, where 'Black and Tan' was stretching and surely trying to catch 'Is It It', then at the end of this field 'Black and Tan' caught him, but we weren't too sure because now these two had to battle up a blind dip and we wouldn't see anymore until they would eventually show approx 3 lengths before the line........................................... Oh lads the tension was unbearable.
Pictured below; Father and Son duo, Gary & Adam O Sullivan with 2008 Senior All-Ireland Winner 'Black and Tan' of Northern Hunt
So I was standing with my 'state of the art camera' on standby waiting to start recording as soon as they appeared. At the finish I was standing left of the crowd, and for me at this angle 'Is It It' of Douglas showed first on the left, but when 'Black and Tan' showed on the right she was closer to the line................... I couldn't believe how she managed to bridge a gap of a length between the pair uphill............. It was an outstanding finish. So this years Senior All Ireland honours went well deservingly to the very consistent and talented 'Black and Tan' which left her owners, Father and Son, Gary & Adam O Sullivan, totally thrilled and bouncing around like they were dancing in a 'cheile'. John and Christine O Callaghans 'Is It It' took the 2nd ticket which was very close. Denise and Leslie Kepples 'Magics Choice' stormed over the line next to take the 3rd ticket for Mayfield, whilst 'Nemo' of the Kerry Association took 4th ticket.
Above: Video Clip of the Finish.............
Well done and congratulations to all !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still Smiling..... Above John, Christine and sons with Senior Runner Up 'Is It It'
Trying to get through the crowd for the announcement of placed hounds was unreal, above picture of nearest hound left 'Nemo', then 'Bird' both of Kerry, then back 'Westgate Storm' and winner 'Black and Tan'(obviously the name describes her !!!)
RESULTS:
1st: 'Black and Tan', Northern Hunt
2nd: 'Is It It', Douglas
3rd: 'Magics Choice', Mayfield
4th: 'Nemo', Kerry Beagle Association
5th: 'Westgate Storm', Mayfield
6th: 'Bird', Kerry Beagle Association
78 ran, Time: 42 mins
The end of the season supper dance and presentation of the overall winners of the year is on this Friday Night at St Vincents Hurling and Football Club. More photos and gossip on this next Monday........
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hound Trailing History
John O Callaghan Memorial
Right: Carmel O Brien reporting for this site !!!
Puppy All-Ireland Drag Hunt 2008
Sunday, 21st of September 08 @ 4pm
Bartlemy, Watergrasshill, Cork
Below: All Ireland Puppy Line Up
The long awaited puppy event of this season came upon us yesterday at Bartlemy where trainers travelled from Cork City, County and Kerry to line up their hopeful hounds and be in with a chance of winning the most honourable Irish event of the season. I think there's always a fond following of the puppy drags as this is their first season of drag hunting, some of these hounds would still be quite young and others causing their owners to deal with an awful lot of patience, from turning back to being distracted and going off course to following birds and God knows what else they got up to !!!!!!!!!!! yet these gifted flying machines are just only ordinary pups.........
Below: Video Clip of Puppy Start:
So how proud were these trainers yesterday setting off their pups to a 30minute fast paced cross country course. Well all 47 pups set off, 3 returning, to a good fast start. We all could see them from start for a few fields and they really were motoring. Various reports from the roads were that 'Randy' of the ICDA led one road, whilst other reports were very varied from them travelling at a very fast pace to 'strolling' around the course. So on to the most important part of any race..... the finish.
Once again a battle of the bravest and talented to the finishing line. A group of hounds showed and the call went up. It was nearly a two in a row this year for Frankie Allen. His hound 'Tallyman' put all his strength trying to finish 1st but ICDA's 'Travel West' just had that bit more on the line to make 'Travel West' the All-Ireland Puppy Winner of 2008. So 'Tallyman' settled for an honourable 2nd whilst the same winning trainer took the 3rd ticket with 'Travel Mist' of ICDA.
RESULTS:
1st: 'Travel West', ICDA
2nd: 'Tallyman', Northern United
3rd: 'Travel Mist' ICDA
4th: 'Mossgrove Star', ICDA
5th: 'Ferry Boy', Vincent Murphy, KBA
6th: 'Randy', ICDA
47Ran, Time: 34mins 25secs
Friday, September 12, 2008
Michael Heffernan Memorial Puppy Drag
Wednesday, 10/09/08
Puppy Results:
1st: Torres, Mayfield
2nd: 'Tallyman', Northern United
3rd: 'Laddie', Douglas
4th: 'Shane', Griffin United
5th: 'Stracken', Mayfield
6th: 'Joker', Northern United
18 mins
Monday, September 8, 2008
Douglas Drag Hunt 07/09/08
Douglas, Cork
Senior Drag:
The senior hounds were slipped to a fast paced course as 18 hopeful hounds lined up rearing to go...................... and they did at 4pm. It was a great course from start to finish for people who had their binoculars in hand. We could see them climbing up hill after a few minutes and then again we had a great view of the action in full swing from the road opposite the start / finish more than half way around the course. From here we walked just 50 yards to the finish at our ease............... Once inside the the finishing field we had only one field to call once the dogs showed. Bernie Ralls 'Pats Pick' of Mayfield sprinted to the call to finish a comfortable 1st leaving a 10 length gap between himself and Jennifer Kenneallys 'Belrose Jack' of Southern Harriers, whom also finished a very impressive 2nd place as you'll see from the video clip below. Next came John Buckleys 'Newtown Raven' of Griffin United to take 3rd place.
Bernie Rall with his senior pride and joy 'Pats Pick'
Senior Finish above (Johnny Murtagh all the way, was that double bubble Bernie !!!)
Senior Results:
1st 'Pats Pick', Mayfield
2nd: 'Belrose Jack', Southern Harriers
3rd: 'Newtown Raven', Griffin United
4th: 'Black and Tan', Northern Hunt
5th: 'Harold Scott', Northern United
6th: 'Toffee Woman', Griffin United
18 Ran, 30 mins
Senior Maiden Results:
1st Bobbys Choice, Clogheen
2nd: 'Lansdale Dazzler', Southern Harriers
3rd: 'Nemo', Griffin United
4th: 'John T', Griffin United
5th: 'Flintoff', Mayfield
6th: 'McGuigan', Clogheen
18 Ran, Time 29mins, 45secs
Puppy Results:
1st 'Torres' ,Mayfield
2nd: 'Joker', Northern United
3rd: 'Tallyman', Northern United
4th: 'Curaheen Drive', Southern Harriers
5th: 'Shane', Griffin United
6th: 'Hannahs Boy', Mayfield
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Mayfield Harriers Drag Hunt
Whites Cross, Cork
Senior Results:
1st: 'Is It It', Douglas
2nd: 'Newtown Raven', Griffin United
3rd: 'Belrose Jack', Southern Harriers
4th: 'McQuaid', Fairhill Harriers
5th: 'Black Sail', Douglas
6th: 'Just Jack', Southern Harriers
14 ran, Time: 23mins
Senior Maiden Results:
1st: 'Dairy Tune', Kerry Pike
2nd: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas
3rd: 'John T', Griffin United
4th: 'Nemo', Griffin United
5th: 'Lansdale Dazzler', Southern Harriers
6th: 'Tomahawk', Clogheen
14ran, Time 23mins
Puppy Drag; Wednesday, 27/08/08 at 7pm
Results:
2nd: 'Joker', Northern United
3rd: 'Darkie', Northern United
4th: Tallyman', Northern United
5th: 'Laddie', Douglas
6th: 'Sunrise', Southern Harriers
20 Ran, Time 18mins
Monday, August 25, 2008
All Ireland Drag Hunt Heats
Cahirciveen, Kerry Saturday 23rd of August 08
Last road crossing for the 'All In' drag heat (Lads is it buy one get one free with the yellow rain gear !!!)
A very large attendance from Cork City, County, Kerry and Cavan turned out to participate in the All Ireland heats which were hosted by the Kerry Beagle Association. The weather was absoloutely dreadful, heavy dense fog, high winds and torrential rain for the entire day, and wouldn't you know it when the heats are over it all clears up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Typical Irish weather..... Beacuse of the volume of hounds in each heat, I've just entered the results. The heats were approx 15 minutes long with an average of 27 hounds running in the senior heats, every 30mins. Each and every drag was a huge success and credit must be given to the Kerry Association who obviously put a fierce amount of hard work and commitment into this day to make it a successful one. To make up for the lack of photographs during the heats, I took most of these at the Ring of Kerry Hotel that evening at the presentation (double click on the photos to make them bigger). I sometimes wonder do we travel for the love of sport or the love of the craic afterwards........................... !!!!!
PLEASE NOTE: MAYFIELD HARRIERS ARE HOSTING THEIR PUPPY DRAG THIS WEDNESDAY, 27/08/08, AT ERI, WHITES CROSS AT 7PM
Just getting started!!! Denise Kepple and Norma O Mahony.........
Heat 1:
1st: 'Jinks', Joe Harty, Ballinskelligs Club
2nd: 'Black & Tan', Gary O Sullivan, Northern Hunt
3rd: 'Black Jack', Niall Lyons, Killoe Club
4th: 'War Dance', Christy & Marie Keating, Kerry Pike
5th: 'It's Hard To Say', Badger, ICDA
6th: 'Jenny', Vincent Murphy, Ferry Club
25ran
Video Clip of the 'All In' heat
Kerry Joke:
Q How do you know when it's summer in Kerry?????????????
A: The rain gets warmer !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heat 2:
1st: 'Amarillo', Joseph Driscill, Portmagee Club
2nd: 'Merlin', Michael John Buckley, Clogheen
3rd: 'Pats Pick', Bernie Rall, Mayfield
4th: 'Murry', Jerry Driscoll, Portmagee Club
5th: 'Denton Laser', Alan McCarthy, Griffin United
6th: 'Blue Boy Son', ICDA
Pictured Above: Timmy Duggan, Kathleen Driscoll and young Brian Carroll
Heat 3:
1st: 'Midday Express', Joseph Driscoll, Portmagee Club
2nd: 'Joey', Gloria Driscoll, Portmagee Club
3rd: 'Chappy', Kieran Coffee, Killoe Club
4th: 'Bob', Mossie Brennan, Killoe Club
5th: 'Casper', John McGill, Ardcost Club
6th: 'Clint', Peadar Phair, Fermanagh
Our Cork City Chairman 'Pat O Mahony', left, with Troy
Heat 4:
1st: 'Paudge', Mervyn Lindsay, Cavan
2nd: 'Mayday', ICDA
3rd: 'Dairy Tune', Christy & Marie Keating, Kerry Pike
4th: 'Blue Diamond', ICDA
5th: 'The Dominator', Jerry Driscoll, Portmagee Club
6th: 'Dr J', Vincent Murphy, Ferry Club
Pictured Above: Damian Wade with future Mrs to be;
Heat 5:
1st: 'Wendy', Vincent Murphy, Ferry Club
2nd: 'Shadow Fax', John O Callaghan, Douglas
3rd: 'Dellboy', Philip Smith, Cavan
4th: 'Toffee Man', Sean & Monica Walsh, Kerry Pike
5th: 'Maggie', Tony Harty, Ballinskelligs Club
6th: 'Superman', Dan O Connor, Valentia Club
Heat 6 - Re Entry of non qualifiers
1st Jordan’s Choice Vincent Murphy, Ferry
2nd Danny Boy Pat Fitzpatrick, Cavan
3rd Twirler Joseph Driscoll, Portmagee
4th Belrose Jack Southern Harriers
5th Ricky Timmy Galvin, Ballinskelligs
6th Doc Falcon Sean Smith, Cavan
Puppy Final
1st Helen’s Choice Bobby Burton, Valentia
2nd Kilmoy Boy Finn Driscoll, ICDA
3rd Ferry Boy Vincent Murphy, Ferry
4th Joker Pat O Leary, Northern United
5th Jackson Joseph Driscoll, Portmagee
6th Rainbow Dancer Joseph Driscoll, Portmagee
78 ran
Senior Final
1st Midday Express Joseph Driscoll, Portmagee
2nd Wendy Vincent Murphy, Ferry
3rd Doc Vincent Murphy, Ferry
4th Merlin Michael John Buckley, Clogheen
5th Amarillo Joseph Driscoll, Portmagee
6th Blue Diamond Eamon Murphy, ICDA
Pictured Left: Bernie Rall sitting patiently waiting for Johnny Murtagh to land on the roof of his van................................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pictured Right: 30mins later and still waiting, Bernies under pressure.............
'I hope that cheque didn't bounce cause if he doesn't show up here today, I'll be bouncing him'
I heard the sound of a 'lawnmower' and you did get 3rd Bernie, so I presume Johnny Murtagh eventually landed !!!!!!!!!!!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT..........................
'City V County'
Michael Flatley eat your heart out...........!
Denise Kepple V County Chairman; Mike Dineen....................... Saner people locked up..........!!!!!
Below are some of the winners collecting their prizes....
Noelle McCarthy owner of 'Denton Laser'.
Leah Keating of Kerry Pike
Pat 'The Bookie' O Leary
Joseph Driscoll, I think this was his 6th collection of prizes ........... phew....... it's hard work!!!
Denise collecting on behalf of her Dad Bernie Rall; Bernie I know she's saying she didn't touch the envelope....... Trust me I definately seen a €50 in there......... She drank the money !!!!!!!
********************************************************************
Monday, August 11, 2008
Donal O Mahony Memorial Draghunt 10/08/08
Sunday, 10th of August 08.
Senior Pups:
The weather was very mixed from sunshine to heavy rain and very windy for the puppy and senior drag. The senior pups were slipped at 2pm to an open course. Although 2 pups refused to go out the first field, the other 23 pups didn't hesitate to run at a savage pace around this course. There was a great view of the finish and an even better call. The call was very long, so this suited the eventual winner. It was hard to say who was in front as the leading hounds were chopping and changing between 1st to 2nd and 3rd two long fields out from crossing the finishing line. It was always between Frankie Allens 'Tallyman' and Pat O Learys 'Joker', both of whom are very talented hounds and very fast to the call. So they sprinted down a long field before c rossing the last ditch into a drain and climb up a steep dip to show just a few yards before crossing the line. No surprise when Frankie Allens 'Tallyman' crossed the line a gallant 1st just in front of club mate Pat O Learys 'Joker' who just couldn't get in front of 'Tallyman' and had to settle for 2nd, of Northern United. ICDA took the 3rd & 4th tickets with their hounds 'Kilmoy Boy' and 'Jessie'.
RESULTS:
1st: 'Tallyman', Northern United
2nd: 'Joker', Northern United
3rd: 'Kilmoy Boy', ICDA
4th: 'Jessie', ICDA
5th: 'Busy Future', Douglas
6th: 'Midday Lass', Douglas
25 ran, Time: 17mins
Puppy Maidens:
The puppy maidens were slipped 8mins after the senior pups to run the same course. It seemed to have been a lot trickier though for the maidens. Whilst we had the same great view of the finish and they had the same great call, this bunch finished in a large pack all together. The winds were very strong for this finish and the more trainers whistled, the more right-handed the hounds seemed to float, even though they were still heading in the right direction. It was nail biting to watch as even the first didn't seem to have crossed the line immediately, but ran along it instead and at some stage hopped over it to make this a ligit 1st, before the 2nd hound showed. This of course went to 'Firefly Lady' of the ICDA who pulled herself away from the pack when it mattered to win a few lengths in front of 2nd place, 'Not A Bother', alongside of 'Bellstar' who took the 3rd ticket, followed by 'Not Now Ryan'(4th), 'Sandiman'(5th) and 'Nine Lives' (6th), the judges had to go to the camera to confirm the results for the puppy maidens. An anxious moment for both trainers and bookies !!!!!!!!
Results:
1st: Firefly Lady'
2nd: 'Not A Bother'
3rd: 'Bellstar'
4th: 'Not Now Ryan'
5th: 'Sandiman'
6th: 'Nine Lives'
24 ran, 17mins, 10 secs
The long awaited main event of the day came at 3pm. All trainers had their hounds well prepared to hopefully take a slice of this drag. The senior drag is always an eventful one but this day it was extra special because of the finish. As usual, all the top hounds lined up from the City, County & Kerry associations, so it was a battle of the best.
When the hounds came on the finish it was a very competitive race in the last 2 fields. Michael John Buckleys 'Merlin' was battling hard to stay in front because of the pressure he was under from Denise Kepples 'Magics Choice' of Mayfield. Even though 'Merlin' pulled away from the pack for the call to take 1st prize, it can't be taken from 'Magics Choice', who finished 2nd, neck in neck with 'Merlin', how this drag wasn't dead heated is beyond me........... they were neck in neck crossing the tape. I've yet to see a hound get anywhere close to 'Merlin' on the finish, but for 'Magics Choice' to finish a fraction behind him is priceless. A few lengths behind 'Magics Choice' came Gary Sullivans 'Black and Tan' who took the third ticket.
Pictured Above; Senior hound winners from left to right.
Senior Results:
1st: 'Merlin', Griffin United
2nd: 'Magics Choice', Mayfield
3rd: 'Black and Tan', Northern United
4th: 'Toffee Woman', Griffin United
5th: 'Westgate Storm', Mayfield
6th: 'Blue Diamond', ICDA
Senior Maiden Results:
1st: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas
2nd: 'Tomahawk', Clogheen
3rd: 'McGuigan', Clogheen
4th:
5th: 'Futura Lass', ICDA
6th: 'Brandy Lass', ICDA
Monday, July 14, 2008
Weekly Draghunting Results & Reviews
Annual Kenmare Drag Hunt
Sunday, 3 August
Puppy Results:
1st;Jackson, Pat o Leary, Northern United Cork;
2nd’ Atlantis, Bobby Burton, Valentia Club;
3rd’ Fire Blend, Bobby Burton, Valentia Club;
4th’ Joker, Pat o Leary, Northern United Cork;
5th’ Curaheen Drive, Timmie Duggan, Southern Harriers Cork;
6th’ Kilmoyle Boy, Fin Driscoll, ICDA Cork;
Timed at 22 Mins, 42 Pups Ran
Senior Results
1st’ Charlie, Noreen McGill, Ardcost Club
2nd’ Newtown Flame, Johnie Cronin, Ballinskelligs Club;
3rd’ Midday Supreme, Johnie Cronin, Ballinskelligs Club;
4th’ Nemo, Ciaran Smith, Glen Club;
5th’ Blue Rocket, Eamonn Murphy, ICDA Cork;
6th’ Murry, Gerry Driscoll, Portmagee Club;
Timed at 46 Mins, 68 Hounds Ran;
Maiden Results
1st’ Jobs, Christopher Driscoll, Valentia Club;
2nd’ Highland, David Connor, Valentia Club;
3rd’ Joey, Gloria Driscoll, Portmagee Club;
4th’ Bobby, Esther keeffe, ICDA Cork;
5th’ Rifel Man, Gerry Driscoll, Portmagee Club;
6th’ Dominator, Gerry Driscoll, Portmagee Club;
Timed at 44 Mins, 48 Hounds Ran;
*****************************************************
Carrigtwohill Draghunt
Araglin, Fermoy, North Cork, Monday 4th of August 08
The pups set off last Wednesday at 7:30 pm. There were 9 dogs clear when crossing the one and only road after 10 minutes, with Pat O Learys 'Joker' of Northern United leading this pack. He held on to his stride when he crossed the winning line a well deserved 1st, promoting him to top of the puppy championship table. Bernie Ralls 'Stracken' of Mayfield ran another cracking race and followed just behind 'Joker' to take 2nd place, and 'Tallyman' of Northern United took the 3rd ticket.
Puppy Results:
1st 'Joker', Northern United
2nd: 'Stracken', Mayfield
3rd: 'Tallyman', Northern United
4th: 'Crafty Jack', Southern Harriers
5th: 'Hannahs Boy', Mayfield
6th: 'Shane', Griffin United
Time: 18 mins, 24 ran
Senior Results:
1st: Denton Laser, Griffin United
2nd: Not Now Man, Clogheen
3rd: Pats Pick, Mayfield
4th: Mary Port Lad, Mayfield
5th: Barney, Northern United
6th: just Jack, Southern Harriers
Senior Maiden Results:
1st: Lincoln, Mayfield
2nd: Marybelle, Northern United
3rd: Callums Ryan, Douglas
4th: Dairy Tune, Kerry Pike
5th: Flintoff, Mayfield
6th: Bobbys Choice, Clogheen
********************************************************
Southern Harriers Draghunt
Sunday, 27/07/08 at Waterfall
Senior Hounds:
The 16 senior hounds were slipped at 12 noon to a long open country course. The weather was warm and humid which didn't help some hounds for this 36minute course. The road at the divide after 20mins or so seen 'Black and Tan' leading the pack approx 5/6 fields out. But as they neared the road this changed dramatically. 'Black and Tan' (I thought I seen blood on her front paw and maybe that's what threw her out of the race, or maybe it was just my eyes)crossed about 5th or 6th and the leaders now were Gary Freynes 'Not Now Man' of Clogheen, Denise Kepples 'Magics Choice' of Mayfield and Gary O Callaghans 'Midday Surprise' of Douglas. They still had a fair run before coming to the next road where fatigue obviously took it's toll. With the same leading hounds, these were well spread out crossing this wide road, heading toward the finish. At the finish 'Not Now Man' took the winning honours very comfortably leaving approx a 10 length gap between himself and Denise Kepples 'Magics Choice' of Mayfield who stormed over the finishing line a well deserved 2nd place followed by club mate 'Westgate Storm' who took the 3rd ticket.
Results:
1st: 'Not Now Man', Clogheen
2nd: 'Magics Choice', Mayfield
3rd: 'Westgate Storm', Mayfield
4th: 'Denton Laser', Griffin United
5th: 'Midday Surprise', Douglas
6th: 'Black Sail', Douglas
16 ran, Time: 38mins
Senior Maidens:
Slipped at 12:10pm in same humid conditions, these hounds were even more spread out for this course. At the last road before the finish, there was minutes between these hounds, a sure sign of a good drag. Tired as they were, all hounds completed the course with a thrilling finish. The leaders of the final road crossing, Damian Wades 'Tomahawk' and clubmate 'McGuigan' crossed together racing toward the finish. These hounds maintained their stride and Damian Wades 'Tomahawk' battled hard to cross the line 1st just ahead of Ian Freynes Munster Championship senior maiden winner 'McGuigan' also of Clogheen. John Sullivans 'John T' of Griffin United came next to cross 3rd in front of 'Callums Ryan' of Douglas.
Senior Maidens Results:
1st: 'Tomahawk', Clogheen
2nd: 'McGuigan', Clogheen
3rd: 'John T', Griffin United
4th: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas
5th: 'Lincoln', Mayfield
6th: Joey', Carrigtwohill
10 ran, Time: 37mins 45 secs
Puppy Results: 25/07/08 Friday at Waterfall
1st: 'Joker', Northern United
2nd: 'Torres', Mayfield
3rd: 'Stracken', Mayfield
4th: 'Midday Lad', Douglas
5th: 'Nine Lives', Northern United
6th: 'Sandiman', Mayfield
18 ran, Time: 17mins 40secs
******************************************************
ICDA Draghunt
Castletownkeneigh, 20/07/08
Senior Results:
1st: 'Is It It', Douglas
2nd: Toffee Woman', Griffin United
3rd: 'Black Sail', Douglas
4th: 'Blue Diamond', ICDA
5th: 'Blue Rocket', ICDA
6th: 'Not Now Man', Clogheen
Senior Maiden Results:
1st: 'Rocky', ICDA
2nd: 'Bobby', ICDA
3rd: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas
4th: 'Nemo', Griffin United
5th: 'katie', ICDA
6th: 'Lincoln', Mayfield
Puppy Results:
1st: Kilmoy Boy', ICDA
2nd: 'Joker', Northern United
3rd: 'Blue Lagoon', ICDA
4th: 'Randy', ICDA
5th: 'Ben', ICDA
6th: 'Becky', ICDA
*****************************************************************
Clogheen Puppy Drag
Clogheen: Friday, 11/07/08 at 8pm
The puppy drag was held at Faggot Hill where 24 pups were slipped to a very confusing course, not because of the Clogheen Club who hosted this drag, but because of previous runs here. The hounds were coming out of gaps with no hunt beneath them, because of habit and knowledge as you'll see from the video clip of the first crossing at the 'haunted house'. Here they came out a wrong gap before correcting themselves and ran for approx 8mins toward the next crossing at the red gates. Reports from 2nd/last crossing of the red gates say that there was 4 hounds minutes clear of the following pack. I think when the 4 hounds were coming to the crossing they had to cross through a field of cattle, so as soon as these hounds left, the cattle blocked the gap for the remaining 20 hounds. The first 4 hounds crossed the 2nd road and entered the bog where they should have gone left, heading for Na Piarsiagh, along the top heading for the finish at Faggot Hill. These 4 checked though, and Tim Herlihys 'Shane' of Griffin United corrected himself on the hunt and the other 3 followed suit. 'Shane' led them with about 20 lengths along the top but checked, giving way for the following 3, and was put into 2nd. When the call went up it was very close between Pat O Learys 'Joker' and Jennifer Keneallys 'Crafty Jack' of Southern Harriers. 'Crafty Jack' finished extremely strong on the line to take first away from 'Joker' who settled for 2nd, and the driving hound for this drag 'Shane' had to settle for 3rd.
Results:
1st: 'Crafty Jack', Southern Harriers
2nd: 'Joker', Northern United3rd: 'Shane, Griffin United
4th: 'Nine Lives', Mayfield5th: 'Torres', Mayfield
6th: 'Foxy Jack', Southern Harriers24 Ran, 15mins
Senior Hounds, Sunday 13/07/08, 4pm at Donoughmore
The senior hounds were slipped at 4pm to approx. a 30minute open course. There was a great view of the finish at this drag and it was a great race to the finish between the first 3 hounds. The tipped favourite 'Black and Tan', with 'Is it it' who's 2nd on the senior table and Paddy Keneallys 'Just Jack' had a hard battle up hill trying to get over the finishing line first. Paddy Keneallys 'Just Jack' of Southern Harriers held on just enough to get over the line 1st, making this a great weekends racing for the Keneally family, after winning the puppy drag on Friday. John O Callaghans 'Is It It' of Douglas took 2nd place leaving Gary O Sullivans 'Black and Tan' in 3rd place. If there was a length between the 3 crossing the line, it was a lot.
Results:
1st: 'Just Jack', Southern Harriers
2nd: 'Is It It', Douglas3rd: 'Black and Tan', Northern United
4th: 'Toffee Woman', Griffin United5th: 'Westgate Storm', Mayfield
21 ran, Time: 26mins 30secs
Senior Maiden Draghunt:
Slipped 10mins after the seniors, these hounds were well spread out over the course, but it was definately Mayfields day as they dominated this drag from start to a very good finish. Mayfields 'Ranter' finished a comfortable 1st over the finishing line away from Ken Busteeds 'Lincoln' of Mayfield also, both hounds who are running very well lately, who finished a tight 2nd next to the very consistent 'Callums Ryan' of Douglas who took the 3rd ticket.
Results:
1st: 'Ranter', Mayfield
2nd: 'Lincoln', Mayfield
3rd: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas4th: 'Flintop', Mayfield
5th: 'Queenie', Carrigtwohill6th: 'Highlander', Southern Harriers
15 Ran, 26mins 10secs*******************************************************************
Monday, July 7, 2008
Munster Championship 2008
Reenascreena, Roscarbery, Co Cork
Sunday, 6th of July 08.
Well, well, well................. what a day! For this meeting the drags were divided into 4 categories:
Senior Pups, Maiden Pups, Senior Hounds & Senior Maiden Hounds. This was a nuetral course where the City & County combined their organisational skills to ensure a fair drag to be had by all. CB Tool Hire were the main sponsors of this drag.
Senior Pups
The Senior pups were the first slip of the day at 3pm. A total of 22 lined up and had a tough course ahead of them from heavy marsh ground, high grass and a lot of cattle spread out over its entirety. They got off to a rocky start and an even rockier finish................ The ICDA dominated both puppy drags. There was a great view of the finish where the first 3 dogs were racing head to head with each other in the last few fields. 'Sparky' of ICDA stepped up his pace to finish 1st, a length in front of ICDA's 'Randy'. Bernie Ralls 'Stracken' of Mayfield finished 3rd, just a length and a half away from the winning dog.
If ye're wondering where 'Johnny Murtagh' was, he landed his helicopter on the last road before the finish, but was a bit late because of weather conditions, hence the reason why Bernies 'Stracken' had to settle for 3rd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pictured Above: Senior puppy start
SENIOR PUPPY RESULTS:
1st 'Sparky', ICDA
2nd 'Randy', ICDA
3rd 'Stracken', Mayfield
4th 'Princess', ICDA
5th 'Ferryboy' KBA(Kerry beagle Assoc)
6th 'Ben', ICDA
22 ran, Time 21mins 40secs
Maiden Pups:
The 28 maiden pups were slipped 10mins after the senior puppy hounds and had the same course ahead of them, except the rain got heavier for these hounds. Reports from the roads were very varied and I only know whats true about the last road. The ICDA's 'Drifter' and Cillian Dohertys 'Montana' of Fairhill jumped the ditch over the last road together, but our 'Montana' got an awful fall to the ground, of which he stopped before going on again with 3 fields to go. These two were well clear of the following pack and raced hard to get over the finishing line. The winning honours went to the ICDA's 'Drifter' followed very closely by 'Montana' who took 2nd place with just a length between them. A good race to the finish though. ICDA also took the 3rd ticket with'Firefly Lady'.
Puppy Maiden Results:
1st 'Drifter', ICDA
2nd 'Montana', Fairhill
3rd: Firefly Lady', ICDA
4th 'Hit & Run', ICDA
5th 'Shane', Griffin United
6th 'Mossgrove Lad', ICDA
28ran, Time: 21mins 15 secs
Pictured Above right: Puppy Maiden Slip and first 4 placed hounds from left to right.
The meeting of the day where 32 senior hounds lined up at 4:15pm in the worst weather conditions Mother Nature could have thrown at us. Torrential rain, freezing cold and there's us standing in a field of sh*t........................ Lads there's saner people locked up........
Video Clip above of the senior finish above .......
Anyway, a lot of experienced and very good hounds battled hard in this course. To name a few, 'Merlin', 'Black and Tan', 'Bluebell', 'Blue Boys Son', 'Denton Laser'......... The list is endless but there can only be one Senior Munster Champion. Of course the winning honours went once again to Michael John Buckleys 'Merlin' of Clogheen. Once this dog puts his mind to it and is anywhere within the pack for the call, this hound cannot be caught. He raced over the finishing line to the call like a scalded cat to finish a very comfortable 1st, followed by the very consistent 'Black & Tan' who had to settle for 2nd again, even though she had herself paced a few lengths from the pack that followed her, still could not get close to 'Merlin'.
Senior Results:
1st 'Merlin', Clogheen
2nd 'Black & Tan' Northern Hunt
3rd: 'Coppeen Lady', ICDA
4th: 'Toffee Woman', Griffin United
5th: 'Blue Rocket', ICDA
6th: 'It's Hard To Say', ICDA
32 ran, Time: 29mins 14 secs
Senior Maiden Results:
1st: 'McGuigan', Clogheen
2nd: 'Ranter', Mayfield
3rd: 'Brandy Star', ICDA
4th: 'John T', Griffin United
5th: 'Black & White', ICDA
6th: 'Mayday', ICDA
30 ran, Time: 29mins, 5 secs
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Weekly Draghunting Results & Reviews
Puppy Drag, 28/06/08, Bottlehill @ 4pm
Video Clip of First Road Crossing Above
This drag would have definately suited the pups with stamina, as it was just over the 23 minute mark. The start wouldn't have suited the smaller hounds though as it was knee high in marsh bog.......... It didn't contain these hounds though as they managed to get through it and came to the first road after 9/10 minutes with no sign of fatigue as they crossed. Bernie Ralls 'Stracken' and Southern Harriers 'Curraheen Drive' led both roads, with a few lengths on their followers. On the second/last road the same leading hound had a good few lengths on the rest of the pack, but this didn't match with the final results. The winning honours went to Leslie & Denise Kepples very consistent 'Torres' of Mayfield (who crossed 8th on the last road with approx 6 mins to the finish) who speeded up his pace to cross the finishing line a gallant first in a boggy finish, followed by Gary O Callaghans 'Midday Lad' of Douglas, who seems to like this marshy ground, took a deserving 2nd place and close enough to him crossed Tim Herlihys 'Shane' of Griffin United.
(Bernie, Why didn't you call in Johnny Murtagh to ride 'Stracken' over the line, you must be sick of giving the honours to your outlaws!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Video Clip of 2nd/last road crossing above
Puppy Results:
1st: 'Torres', Mayfield
2nd: 'Midday Lad', Douglas
3rd: 'Shane', Griffin United
4th: 'Curaheen Drive', Southern Harriers
5th: 'Stracken', Mayfield
6th: 'Midday Lass', Douglas
21 Ran, Timed: 23mins 15secs
Senior Hounds:
These were slipped on Sunday at 4pm at Bottlehill Road, Carrignavar. All hounds were well strung out at each of the 4 roads. It was about 18degs and was sure to be a bitches day. Of course this was true for Gary O Sullivans 'Black and Tan' who had to settle for a tight 2nd last week, but put her head out in front of 'Toffee Woman' to finish a well deserving 1st this week. With 'Black and Tan' I think it was only a matter of time, as this bitch has serious gears on the call but unfortunately nearly always has to settle for a place. Congratulations to father and son owners Gary & Adam O Sullivan!!! So a very tight finish again this week as Griffin United 'Toffee Woman' crossed for 2nd place and Michael John Buckleys 'Merlin' took the 3rd place.
Senior Results:
1st: 'Black & Tan', Northern Hunt
2nd: 'Toffee Woman', Griffin United
3rd: 'Merlin', Clogheen
4th: 'Not Now Man', Clogheen
5th: 'Pats Pick, Mayfield
6th: 'Westgate Storm', Mayfield
20 Ran, Time: 28 mins
Senior Maiden Results:
1st: 'Ranter', Mayfield
2nd: 'Callums Ryan, Douglas
3rd: 'Nemo', Griffin United
4th: 'Bobbys Choice', Clogheen
5th: 'Indian Scout', Southern Harriers
6th: 'John T', Griffin United
18 Ran, 27mins 33secs
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John O Leary Memorial Draghunt
Sunday, 22/06/08 at Grenagh
Senior Hounds:
Seniors were slipped at 4pm on a very gusty day at Grenagh. I think trainers were hoping to take a piece of the winning places as the O Leary family put on double the prize money for the first 6 places in all 3 drags. So off with the 23 senior hounds who were expected to complete this drag just above the 30minute mark, and they did....... This was probably the closest finish that I have witnessed this season between Bernie Ralls 'Pats Pick' and Gary O Sullivans 'Black and Tan'. Reports say that 'Pats Pick' led the divide, was 6th on second last road and showed 3rd on the finish. When the call went up this changed big time..... 'Pats Pick' and 'Black & Tan' were neck in neck all the way to the finishing line, trainers screaming for their dog to get his head over the finishing line first and take the winning honours, and Bernie Ralls 'Pats Pick' did just that. When talking to Bernie afterwards he said; 'He showed 3rd on the call until I roared him home, when he came into the last field before the tape it was like 'Johnny Murtagh'(the jockey) sat on his back and rode him into the finish' !!!!!!!!!!! So a very tight finish and 'Black and Tan' had to settle for 2nd place followed a few lengths behind came John O Callaghans 'Is It It' of Douglas.
Pictured Above; Bernie Rall with senior winner 'Pats Pick' and daughter Denise Kepple with 'Magics Choice'
SENIOR RESULTS:
1st: 'Pats Pick', Mayfield
2nd: 'Black & Tan', Northern Hunt
3rd: 'Is It It', Douglas
4th: 'Denton Laser', Griffin United
5th: 'Magics Choice, Mayfield
6th: 'Barney', Northern United
23 Ran, 33mins
SENIOR MAIDEN RESULTS:
1st: 'Bobbys Choice, Clogheen
2nd: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas
3rd: 'Nemo', Griffin United
4th: Lincoln', Mayfield
5th: 'Queenie', Carrigtwohill
6th: 'Marybelle, Northern United
20 Ran, 32.30 mins
Puppy Results:
1st: Joker, Northern United
2nd: 'Kilmoy Boy, ICDA
3rd: 'Curaheen Drive'
4th: 'Sandiman'
5th: 'Montana', Fairhill
6th: 'Blue McKoy', ICDA
17mins, 30secs
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Griffin United Senior Draghunt
Senior Hounds:
18 Ran, 29 mins
Senior Maiden Hounds:
Pictured Above; Right Michael Freyne with his senior maiden winner 'Bobbys Choice' and left are the senior maiden places from left to right.
Senior Maiden Results:
19 Ran, 29 mins
Wednesday, 11th of June at 7:30pm
Pictured Right: Father and son; Andrew with 'Midday Lad' and Gary O Callaghan with 'Midday Lass'
Puppy Results:
2nd: 'Stracken', Mayfield
3rd: 'Lockey', Carrigtwohill
4th: 'Nine Lives', Northern United
5th: 'Cracker Jack', Southern Harriers
6th: 'Midday Lad', Douglas
28 Ran, 14Mins 30secs.
ICDA Draghunt
Newcestown, Cork
Puppy Drag, Saturday, 7th of June at 6pm
A masssive number of 48 hounds were slipped together at Newcestown at 6pm. It turned from a warm sunny evening into a cloudy rainy one as soon as they went off. Speculation was that this drag would be above the 20 minute mark, but the hounds set a fast pace to complete this course in 19 minutes. They came onto the finish at a savage pace, but unfortunately had to race through a heavy bog field two fields out before crossing the finishing line, which definately seperated the pack as some hounds lost their place at this stage. This however was not true for the evergreen 'Tallyman', who seperated himself from the rest of the pack by about 15 lengths to cross the finishing line a scorching 1st again for Northern Uniteds trainer Frankie Allen. Gary O Callaghans' 'Midday Lad' (no not 'lass', who initally showed 3rd before coming into the boggy field) of Douglas jumped in to take 2nd place next to 'Randy' of ICDA and 'Foxy Jack' of Southern Harriers, of which there was about half a length between the three. Well done to all.
Pictured Above: Frankie Allen and his hound 'Tallyman'
Tallyman winning with style......
PUPPY RESULTS:
1st: Tallyman, Northern United
2nd: Midday Lad', Douglas
3rd: 'Randy, ICDA
4th: 'Foxy Jack', Southern Harriers
5th: 'Kilmoy Boy', ICDA
6th: Ballinard Beamish', ICDA
48 Ran Time: 19 Mins
Senior Hounds
1st: 'Bluebell', ICDA
2nd: 'Black and Tan', Northern Hunt
3rd: 'Newtown Raven', Griffin United
4th: 'Blueboys Son', ICDA
5th: Blue Rocket', ICDA
6th: 'Toffee Woman', Griffin United
Time: 35 Mins
Senior Maiden Hounds:
1st: 'Black and White', ICDA
2nd: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas
3rd: 'Rocky', ICDA
4th: 'Lincoln', Mayfield
5th: 'Highlander', Southern Harriers
6th: 'Futura Lass', ICDA
Time: 35 Mins 11 secs