Mayfield Harriers Drag Hunt

Senior Drag; 4pm Sunday 31/08/08
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

Pictured Above: Puppy Slip

Mayfield Hosted their 2nd drag of this season starting with the puppy drag last night at ERI, Whites Cross at 7pm. 20 hopefuls lined up to an open course. After approx 10mins it was disappointing to see a few hounds running back in the start. It was a great finish though between the first 3 hounds to the call. Pat O Learys 'Joker' was seen leading these three in the finish but swayed left, only to give way for Jimmy & Nuala Careys 'Lockey' of Carrigtwohill a chance to steal 1st place on the call. 'Lockey' held on to the finishing line and won, followed with less than half a length by 'Joker' who took 2nd place and a length behind him came Pat O Mahonys 'Darkie' who jumped over the finishing line to take a tight 3rd. It was a good battle between the three to the finish.

Pictured Above: Jimmy & Nuala Carey

with Puppy Winner 'Lockey'

Results:

1st: 'Lockey', Carrigtwohill
2nd: 'Joker', Northern United
3rd: 'Darkie', Northern United
4th: Tallyman', Northern United
5th: 'Laddie', Douglas
6th: 'Sunrise', Southern Harriers
20 Ran, Time 18mins

All Ireland Drag Hunt Heats

All Ireland Drag Hunt Heats and Final:
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

Pictured Above: Marie & Christy Keating with Grand-daughter Leah

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 !!!!!!!

********************************************************************

Donal O Mahony Memorial Draghunt 10/08/08

Newcastle, Blarney, Cork

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

Cheers !!!!!!!! Some of our Cumbrian buddies enjoying

the irish brew....'Little Joe', Tony & Catherine Jackson

who travelled from Cumbria on Friday for this event...

Senior Hounds:

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

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 United

3rd: 'Shane, Griffin United

4th: 'Nine Lives', Mayfield

5th: 'Torres', Mayfield

6th: 'Foxy Jack', Southern Harriers

24 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.

Pictured below:Triona Long with Senior Winner 'Just Jack', Mother and her son

Results:

1st: 'Just Jack', Southern Harriers

2nd: 'Is It It', Douglas

3rd: 'Black and Tan', Northern United

4th: 'Toffee Woman', Griffin United

5th: 'Westgate Storm', Mayfield

6th: 'Barney', Northern United

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', Douglas

4th: 'Flintop', Mayfield

5th: 'Queenie', Carrigtwohill

6th: 'Highlander', Southern Harriers

15 Ran, 26mins 10secs

*******************************************************************

Munster Championship 2008

Munster Championship

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.

Senior Hounds:

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'.

Pictured Left: Father(on right) & Son(on left) Adam & Gary O Sullivan with their hound 'Black & Tan'

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

Pictured above: Ian Freyne with his Senior Maiden Munster Chamionship winner'McGuigan'

Weekly Draghunting Results & Reviews

Northern United Draghunt
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


*************************************************************
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

**********************************************************





Griffin United Senior Draghunt

Sunday, 15/06/08 at Whitechurch

Pictured Right: Senior slip

Senior Hounds:

A nice number of supporters & trainers attended the Griffin United senior drag at Whitechurch. 18 senior hounds were slipped at 4pm to a good start and reports from the road were varied to the final outcome for some hounds. Reports say that Bernie Ralls 'Pats Pick' & Gary O Sullivans 'Black & Tan' led 2nd road, 'Pats Pick' and 'Not Now Man' led 3rd road along with 'Is It It' Of Douglas and these named dogs are but a few of the dogs who were well stuck in this drag on all (4, I think) roads. When the call went up it looked very close between 'Black and Tan' of Northern Hunt, Gary Freynes' Not Now Man' of Clogheen & Denise Kepples 'Magics Choice' of Mayfield. 'Magics Choice' won here last year as a pup and this season this hound won both Griffin United drags, which seen Magics Choice move up to the senior ranks. The Gary Freyne trained 'Not Now Man' of Clogheen, who seems to be running in form of late, battled hard on the last field to step over the line to finish 1st just a length before Denise Kepples 'Magics Choice' of Mayfield who crossed for a very close 2nd place next to the Gary O Sullivan owned 'Black & Tan' of Northern Hunt who finised 3rd.

Pictured Above; Josh & Gary Freyne with the senior winner 'Not Now Man'

SENIOR RESULTS:

1st: 'Not Now Man', Clogheen

2nd: 'Magics Choice', Mayfield

3rd: 'Black & Tan', Northern Hunt

4th: 'Black Sail', Douglas

5th: 'Barney', Northern United

6th: 'Westgate Storm', Mayfield
18 Ran, 29 mins

Senior Maiden Hounds:

Pictured Above; Senior start.........

Slipped 15mins after the seniors in same course, the finishing hounds were reported to have been stuck in all of this drag also. However this was truely a grand finish for Michaels Freynes 'Bobbys Choice', who ran as maiden last year only to win 4 and got promoted to the senior ranks and hasn't been as consistent up senior so decided to drop maiden and his first run with the maidens yesterday this hound has certainly proved to be more than able in this rank, finished practically on its own over half a field before the 2nd dog, pure class finish. No surprise when the very consistent 'Callums Ryan' of Douglas, who's leading the senior maiden table at the moment, finished 2nd for Paddy Carroll, whilst 'Lincoln' of Mayfield finished a close 3rd.

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:

1st: 'Bobbys Choice', Clogheen

2nd: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas

3rd: 'Lincoln', Mayfield

4th: 'Queenie', Carrigtwohill

5th: 'Indian Scout', Southern Harriers

6th: 'My Way', Clogheen
19 Ran, 29 mins

*******************************************************

Griffin Uniteds Puppy Draghunt

Kilcully, Cork

Wednesday, 11th of June at 7:30pm



Pictured Right: Father and son; Andrew with 'Midday Lad' and Gary O Callaghan with 'Midday Lass'

A lot of trainers and supporters turned up for the Griffin United drag at Kilcully. The 28 pups were slipped at 7:30pm and this turned out to be a nail biting run from start to finish. When the hounds were slipped they went down a dip where the dogs literally had to queue to get through a gap one dog at a time. We all could hear the commotion, but couldn't see. After approx 4 mins 5 hounds came back to the start for God only knows the reason.

The others carried on the hunt and were well spread out over the course. They had one boreen/road to cross. When they came into view a few fields out they seemed to be in a line before going down into a blind dip and came into the finishing field where the call went up. When they showed, there were only 4 hounds a field clear, racing hard to to get over the finishing line. The honours went to the Gary O Callaghan trained 'Midday Lass' of Douglas who finished 1st, making this her 4th win of the season, about 2/3 lengths in front of Bernie Ralls (Our Associations Treasurer, whom is very active in every part of hound trailing and highly admired and regarded by all (most anyway!!!)) 'Stracken' who's finding his winning form lately, of Mayfield, who tried hard to catch her but had to settle for 2nd place, leaving a 4 length gap between himself and follower 'Lockey' who finished 3rd for John & Nuala Carey of Carrigtwohill, next to Northern Uniteds 'Nine Lives' who finished 4th.

Below: Puppy Finish.....

Puppy Results:

1st: 'Midday Lass', Douglas
2nd: 'Stracken', Mayfield
3rd: 'Lockey', Carrigtwohill
4th: 'Nine Lives', Northern United
5th: 'Cracker Jack', Southern Harriers
6th: 'Midday Lad', Douglas
28 Ran, 14Mins 30secs.

Pictured above from left to right: Tim Herlihy with 'Shane', John & Nuala Carey with 'Lockey', Andrew O Callaghan with 'Midday Lad', Gary O Callaghan with 'Midday Lass', Kieran Lynch & Hugh O Callaghan.

*********************************************************

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

TABLES 2008

Updated 12/09/08.

Please Note: These are not the Associations Official Tables and are for information purposes only

Senior Points:

1. Is It It 113
2. Denton Laser 101
3. Black and Tan 82
4. Newtown Raven 69
5. Shadow Fax 46
6. Hi Max 42
7. Merlin 42
8. Magics Choice 38
9. Pats Pick 38
10. Not Now Man 33
11. Midday Surprise 30
12. Black Sail 26
13. Toffee Woman 23
14. Busy Night 15
15. War Dance 13
16. Barney 13
17. Westgate Storm 12
18. Maximus 11
19. Belrose Jack 11
20. Just Jack 11
21. Midday Melody 10
22. Maryport Lad 9
23. Superman 8
24. Quiet Lady 8
25. Black Pearl 8
26. Beeline 6
27. McQuade 6
28. Bobbys Choice 3
29. Belle 3
30. Harold Scott 2

Senior Maiden Points:

1. Callums Ryan 111
2. John T 73
3. Nemo 55
4. Pats Pick 54
5. Harold Scott 49
6. Marybelle 49
7. Lincoln 46
8. Paddy Layback 44
9. Dairy Tune 43
10. McGuigan 41
11. My Way 38
12. Magics Choice 32
13. Tomahawk 31
14. Bobbys Choice 30
15. Indian Scout 28
16. Midday Melody 26
17. Ranter 26
18. Queenie 16
19. Joey 9
20. Flintoff 9
21. Lansdale Dazzler 8
22. Jesta 6
23. Highland 6
24. Lawless 5
25. Superman 4
26. Rockway 4
27. Bellman 2
28. Bandalero 1
29. Black Lass 1

Puppy Points:

1. Joker 117
2. Tallyman 95
3. Stracken 81
4. Midday Lass 75
5. Torres 75
6. Crafty Jack 59
7. Jackson 43
8. Foxy Jack 41
9. Nine Lives 38
10. Kinniside Lass 31
11. Shane 30
12. Midday Lad 22
13. Curaheen Drive 16
14. Ruby 15
15. Darkie 15
16. Lockey 12
17. Lucy Lou 10
18. Hannahs Boy 8
19. My Son My Son 8
20. Cracker Jack 7
21. Sunday Surprise 6
22. Laddie 6
23. Sandiman 4
24. Not A Bother 3
25. Jordans Gift 2
26. Saturday Surprise 2
27. Montana 2
28. Busy Future 2
29. Sunrise 1

NEWS & GOSSIP

ENGLISH NEWS:

Word of advice from our Cumbrian buddies;

English International:
Unless you have 'double air max nike runners' on your dogs pads, be weary if your running at the English International this year. Their International is being run over a granite path, so any dog without his 'double air max runners' will have no pads left.

COCK HOW FESTIVAL:
On the other hand, if you want the English drag as an excuse to get away from your other half (and drink lough eireann dry), go to the 'Cock How' festival this year which is on the 12th of July 08, where a new (nuetral) course is being picked at 'Cold Fell'. Reports from Geoff is that this course will be very fast, as there are only 2 ditches to climb over the entire course......................... ( I wonder if Geoff is flogging this at the moment, He probably knows the height of the ditches as well !!!!!!!)
Entries are being taken from all other associations including Ireland, to run in the Senior Hounds & Senior Pups only. All drags are to take place on the same day, and plenty of sheep activity shows(!) to keep the sober amused, while the drunks in the tent are enjoying 2 pints for the price of one, thanks to the Euro V Sterling rates at the moment.

Fixtures & Venues

• 07/06/08 ICDA, David O Sullivan Memorial,Newcestown. Puppy Slip at 6pm
• 08/06/08 ICDA, David O Sullivan Memorial,Newcestown. Senior Slip @ 3:30pm
• 11/06/08 Griffin United Puppy Drag, Kilcully Graveyard, Weds @ 7:30pm
• 15/06/08 Griffin United, Whitechurch @ 4pm
• 21/06/08 John O Leary Memorial, Puppy drag at Grenagh, 4pm(Dbl Prize Money)
• 22/06/08 John O Leary Memorial, Senior drag at Grenagh, 4pm(Dbl Prize Money)
• 28/06/08 Northern United,Puppy Drag at Bottle Hill Road, 12pm
• 29/06/08 Northern United, Senior Drag at Carrignavar, 4pm
• 06/07/08 Munster Championship, Reenscreena, Roscarbery
• 11/07/08 Clogheen Harriers, Puppy Drag at Clogheen
• 13/07/08 Clogheen Harriers, Senior Drag at Donoughmore, 4pm
• 20/07/08 ICDA, Gerald O Callaghan Memorial
• 27/07/08 Southern Harriers, Waterfall
• 30/07/08 Carrigtwohill Harriers, at Araglin puppy drag @ 7:30pm
• 03/08/08 Kenmare Annual Draghunt
• 04/08/08 Carrigtwohill, at Araglin 4pm (B/H Monday)
• 10/08/08 Donal O mahony Memorial, Blarney
• 13/08/08 Fairhill Harriers, Puppy Drag at Haunted House, Fairhill,7:30pm
• 15/08/08 Fairhill Harriers, Watergrasshill at 7:30pm
• 17/08/08 ICDA, Harrington Memorial, Ballygarvan
• 27/08/08 Mayfield Harriers, Puppy Drag at ERI, Whites Cross, Weds at 7pm
• 31/08/08 Mayfield Harriers
• 07/09/08 Douglas harriers, to be announced
• 14/09/08 Kerrypike Harriers, to be announced
• 21/09/08 Puppy All Ireland/John O Callaghan Memorial, VENUE TO BE FLOGGED
• 28/09/08 Senior All Ireland, Watergrasshill, Cork

Weekly Draghunting Results & Reviews

Northern Hunt Re-run

Wednesday 4th of June 08, 7:30pm.

Senior Hounds

The re-run of Mondays drag took place at same venue in same course. Because of all the checking at Mondays drag, there wasn't such a fuss with trainers to run their hounds a second time at this venue. Only 15 senior hounds and 8 Maiden hounds lined up to run again. The hounds managed to complete this course and took 5minutes off the original time. Congratulations to John & Christine O Callaghan who won this for a 2nd time with their brave hound 'Is It It' of Douglas. Bernie Ralls' 'Pats Pick' of Mayfield sprinted closely over the line to take 2nd place just in front of Michael Buckleys' 'Newtown Raven' of Griffin United had to settle for 3rd place.

On a different note, it was very sad to hear that Sean (Poole) & Monica Walshs' dog 'Maximus' went missing on Monday, but unfortunately was badly struck by a car and died.

Senior Results:

1st: 'Is It It', Douglas

2nd: ''Pats Pick', Mayfield

3rd: 'Newtown Raven', Griffin United

4th: 'Denton Laser', Griffin United

5th: Toffee Woman', Griffin United

6th: Magics Choice', Mayfield

Senior Maiden Hounds

The senior maiden hounds were slipped 15mins after the seniors and these 8 dogs completed the course. John O Sullivans' hound 'John T' who's in fine winning form lately, took the glory again when he crossed the finishing line a gallant 1st for Griffin United. On his tail was the ever consistent 'Callums Ryan' of Douglas who took 2nd place again and 'Marybelle' of Northern United took 3rd place.

Maiden Results:

1st: 'John T', Griffin United

2nd: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas

3rd: 'Marybelle', Northern United

4th: 'Dairytune', Kerry Pike

5th: 'Highland', Southern Harriers

6th: 'Bandalero', Northern Hunt

Puppy Results: Tuesday, 3rd of June 08

1st: 'Jackson', Northern United

2nd: 'Crafty Jack', Southern Harriers

3rd: 'Joker', Northern United

4th: Torres', Mayfield

5th: 'Tallyman', Northern United

6th: 'Stracken', Mayfield

Pictured Right: Pat O Leary with his hound 'Jackson'

******************************************************

Northern Hunt Draghunt
Monday, 2nd of June 08

Senior Hounds;
The senior hounds were scheduled to be slipped at 4pm, and eventually slipped at 4:15pm, at Fairhill. The very fact that the course was run at Fairhill made this a very checky drag as 3 clubs host their drag at this venue, with as little as a few fields to seperate each course from each of the 3 clubs course of hunt, that and the very hot weather didn't do any favours for the 22 hounds which tried to complete this course. However, exhausted as they were crossing the last road, there was no sign of this fatigue coming on the finish. No surprise when 'Is It It' crossed the finishing line a very strong winner for owners John & Christine O Callaghan of Douglas, followed with less than a length by John Buckleys very consistent 'Newtown Raven' of Griffin United who took the 2nd ticket. 'Black Pearl' trained by Denis & Keith O Callaghan of Fairhill sprinted across the line to take a well deserved 3rd ticket.



Pictured Above: John & Christine Callaghan with Senior Winner 'Is It It' of Douglas and sons Robbie & Brion.

SENIOR RESULTS:
1st 'Is It IT', Douglas
2nd: 'Newtown Raven', Griffin United
3rd: 'Black Pearl', Fairhill
4th: 'Quiet Lady, Fairhill
5th: 'Black Sail', Douglas (John & Christine O Callaghan Again !)
6th: 'Belle', Mayfield
Time: 28mins, 48 secs. 22 ran

SENIOR MAIDEN RESULTS:
1st 'John T', Griffin United
2nd: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas
3rd: 'Indian Scout', Southern Harriers
4th: 'Joey', Carrigtwohill
5th: 'Queenie', Carrigtwohill
6th: 'Ranter', Mayfield
Time: 31mins, 11secs. 24 Ran.

Puppy Draghunt, Friday 7:30pm
The hounds were slipped at Fairhill venue to a very tricky course. Tricky because of the previous drags held here and knowlegable hounds trying to steer their own course, which eventually seen some of these hounds go back on the hunt towards the finish at the crossing at the haunted house. Maybe it happened at this crossing because of the (A) very long wide crossing (crossing two boreens at an angle to the left)or (B) puzzling themselves with previous runs here. Either way, about 10 hounds turned back at this stage while the remaining hounds motored on. When they came to the 2nd & last crossing at the red gates, it was Bernie Ralls' 'My Son My Son' of Mayfield, who led this road racing at a savage pace toward the finish. However, this changed as the pups showed on the finish and the call went up. Instead the 1st prize went to Bernies' daughter & son in law, Denise and Leslie Kepples very consistent and talented 'Torres', who is stuck in every single drag so far this season, a well deserved win & congratulations to both trainers, Denise & Leslie. Closely trying to catch 'Torres' came Pat Learys 'Jackson' who was being threatned and pushed to its finishing limits by 'Crafty Jack' of Southern Harriers, who took 3rd place.

PUPPY RESULTS:
1st: 'Torres', Mayfield (Pictured above right with Leslie)
2nd: 'Jackson', Northern United
3rd: 'Crafty Jack', Southern Harriers
4th: 'Midday Lass', Douglas
5th: 'Shane', Griffin United
6th: 'My Son My Son, Mayfield
Time: 19mins, 19secs

*****************************************************


Cahirciveen Annual Draghunt;

Puppy Draghunt:
Saturday, 31st of May 2008, 6:30pm





The Kerry Association held their annual draghunt at Cahirciveen this weekend. The puppy hounds travelled from Cork City and County trying (very hard!!!) to take a piece of the Kerry action. The 36 hounds were slipped at 6:30pm on Saturday evening. They went out without hesitation but after a few minutes running checked and ran a boreen (farmers yard) only to jump back in left and travel on their course. It was a tough course, for those dogs who aren't from Kerry anyway and wouldn't be used to the marsh and heavy ground beneath them. They had two roads to cross. Reports from these suggested that Bobby Burtons 'Atlantis' of Valentia club led the first road and Jerry Murphys 'Randy' of ICDA with 'Ferryboy' of Ferry Club led the second/last road. 'Randy' of ICDA was stuck in all of the drag, but when they came on the finish it settled the outcome. As always in Kerry, there is no 'call' for the hounds coming on the finish, instead the catchers are inside a ditch and the first 6 dogs whose pads touch the ground are the winners. So the first dog showed with a field to go ( ssshhhh quiet lads ), it was Vincent Murphys 'Ferryboy' of Ferry Club, and went into the drain before climbing the ditch and jumped over the drain to be caught for first place, while almost next to him came Joseph Driscolls 'Rainbow Dancer' of Portmagee Club. The 3rd dog was Jerry Murphys 'Randy' of ICDA who took a well deserved 3rd place.

Above Left: Vincent Murphy with his winning hound 'Ferryboy'.

Puppy Results:
1st 'Ferryboy', Ferry Club
2nd 'Rainbow Dancer', Portmagee Club
3rd 'Randy', ICDA
4th 'Ferry Vale, Ferry Club
5th 'Ferry Express', Ferry club
6th 'Atlantis', Valentia Club
Time: 26mins (for Kerry dogs, 34 minutes for our Cork one (!!!!)


Cahirciveen:
Sunday, 1st of June 2008

Senior Results
1st’ Jenny, Vincent Murphy, Ferry Club;
2nd, Charlie 2, Patrick Dillon, Ballinskelligs Club;
3rd’ Charlie, Noreen Mcgill, Ardcost Club;
4th’ Finder, John Mcgill, Ardcost Club;
5th’ Nemo, Ciaran Smith, Glen Club;
6th’ Black Jack, Niall Lyons, Killoe Club;
Timed at 37 Mins, 48 Hounds Ran;

Maiden Results
1st’ Barney, Dan McCarthy, Ballinskelligs Club;
2nd’ Maggie, Tony Harty, Ballinskelligs Club;
3rd’ Rifel Man, Gerry Driscoll, Portmagee Club;
4th’ Jeorge, Allan Smith, Glen Club;
5th’ Wendy, Vincent Murphy, Ferry Club;
6th’ Podge, Joseph Driscoll, Portmagee Club;
Timed at 38 Mins, 38 Hounds Ran;



*************************************************




Gary O Sullivan Memorial Draghunt
25th of May 08. Rathduff, Cork.







Puppy start ready to go a few mins early, get back lads.......

Puppy Draghunt @ 3pm
The 47 hounds were slipped at 3pm. The gang of hounds bumped and battled off each other trying to get out in front and drive on the hunt. While it started out a very warm and dry day, this soon changed to a very gusty & windy afternoon during the course of this drag. Reports say that the hounds were checking a bit, especially when crossing roads, maybe because of the high winds. When they showed roughly about 7 fields out from the finish, they were coming at a savage pace, the high grass in some fields took it's toll on them but they speeded up the pace again as soon as the call went up. When they got closer, it seemed to have been Pat Learys 'Joker' who was leading, but when they came over the final ditch, the leading hounds headed towards the judges on their left before crossing the finishing line. So it went to Frankie Allens very consistent 'Tallyman'of Northern United, who's on holidays this week but is being looked after by chairman Pat O Mahony, Pat Learys' 'Joker' followed to take the 2nd ticket for same club and the consistent 'Torres' took the 3rd ticket for the real trainer Denise Kepple, owned by her husband Leslie only in name I'd say !!!! (sorry Leslie) of Mayfield. They completed the course in 17mins 38secs.



ABOVE: Our devoted bookies Tony (on left, camera shy) and Pat (facing us on right) O Leary

Puppy Results:
1st: 'Tallyman', Northern United (Betting at 6-1)
2nd: 'Joker', Northern United (Betting at 3-1)
3rd' Torres', Mayfield (Betting at 6 - 1)
4th: 'Midday Lass', Douglas
5th: 'The Rock', ICDA
6th: 'Randy', ICDA
Time: 17mins, 38secs


Senior Draghunt @ 4pm
Eventaully slipped at 4:20pm, in cold high winds, reports from the roads say they were running like 'Scalded cats', (I would too in that cold!). It has to be said that gossip on the field was that it was a sure thing that Mike Dineen of the ICDA, with his faithful International winner 'Bluebell' would be amongst the leading hounds and sure to take the winning ribbon, her only real threat from the city would be Michael John Buckleys & son Michael Buckleys trained 'Merlin' of Clogheen, if he decided to go out, and yesterday he did,(when he did go out I think all the punters ran to the bookie placing their betson him!) so now the race was on. Everyone knew if 'Merlin' came on the finish anywhere within the leading pack, that as soon as the call would go up he'd pi*s it, so lets see how knowledgeable our field gossip is...

After 17mins, we hear that 'Merlin' crossed the road in second place, along with 'Bluebell'. This was going to be a good finish, so when they showed the four real contenders in with a place were battling hard to get in front, only 'Merlin's gears to the call left the following hounds to their rightful places. 'Merlin' sprinted 1st over the finishing line winning comfortably away from Alan McCarthys 'Denton Laser' of Griffin United who finished 2nd and Mike Dineens 'Bluebell', ICDA took the 3rd place.

Pictured Above: Michael Buckley with 'Merlin'

SENIOR RESULTS:

RESULTS: from left to right

1st: 'Merlin', Clogheen
2nd: 'Denton Laser', Griffin United
3rd ' Bluebell, ICDA
4th: 'Not Now Man', Clogheen
5th: 'Blue Diamond', ICDA
6th: 'Blue Boy Son', ICDA
Time: 30Mins 30secs







Senior Maiden Draghunt:


Slipped 15mins after the seniors, the finish to this was very frustating to trainers and owners as 3 fields from the finish 2 tractors started cutting silage from left to right where the hounds would be coming straight to the finish. The leading hounds met with the tractor, which blocked its path to the gap, and these hounds followed the tractor to the left of the field only to give way for the next pack of hounds to shoot in front. Even though the call was up, the winds and tractor made it very hard for the inital leading pack to hear it, as they were right next to the tractor, rumor is that Alan McCarthys 'Nemo' and ICDAs' 'Ballycassig' (Or similar name...) were the leading hounds.

So the hounds came on the the finishing line and 'Indian Scout' of Southern Harriers won it for Paddy Kenneally followed by a close 2nd 'Tomahawk' of Clogheen and 'Paddy Layback' took the 3rd place.

Below: Senior Maiden Winners from right to left;




1st: 'Indian Scout', Southern Harriers
2nd: 'Tomahawk', Clogheen
3rd: 'Paddy Layback', Douglas
4th: 'Marybelle' Northern United
5th: 'Black Miller', ICDA
6th: 'Black & White', ICDA
Time: 31mins







Senior Maiden Winner Paddy Kenneally with 'Indian Scout' of Southern Harriers who completed this course in 31mins.

******************************************************






CARRIGTWOHILL RE-RUN: 20/05/08

PUPPY RE-RUN
The re-run of the puppies took place at Araglen, Fermoy, on Tuesday at 7:30pm.


Once again a very impressive run from Pat(the bookie !) O Learys pup 'Joker' who set a ferocious pace from start to finish. 'Joker' came to the only road on his own with a field to spare on the following hounds. However, because of the break(bushes) and various paths leading in and out of the bushes, he checked several times before correcting himself on the hunt, giving the following hounds a chance to catch him. He came out in front setting the pace again for his followers and led the road. When he showed on the finish he made no mistake and 'lifted the ground' (as my hubby said !), to cross the winning line in style. He was followed closely by Leslie Kepples 'Torres' who took the 2nd ticket, and a few lengths behind came 4 dogs together, each battling for a place. The pace of this run was so intense that the pups completed this course in just 15mins 30secs, as opposed to 18mins 30secs the Saturday previous. the 'Joker' is definately a very dependant hound not to be reckoned with this season, as when all goes well, this dog sets a savage pace and also has the finishing gears to get over the winners tape.



PUPPY RESULTS:

1st: 'Joker', Northern United

2nd: 'Torres', Mayfield

3rd: 'Nine Lives', Northern United

4th: 'Darkie', Northern United

5th: 'Crafty Jack', Southern Harriers

6th: 'Ruby', Northern United

Timed at 15mins 30secs.


Pictured above is Leslie Kepple, with his hound 'Torres' who had to settle for 2nd on this occasion.

SENIOR HOUNDS:

Wednesday, 21st of May @ 7:30pm
All eyes were on this drag as double points and prize money were at stake because of Sundays voidance of the senior drag. It was an appalling evening with gale force winds, heavy rain and dense fog. How the pullers managed to actually get around and pull the course without getting lost or otherwise is a mystery. However the hounds were slipped at 7:30pm in reverse course to Sundays meeting, but 5 hounds came back after approx 3 fields. Speculation of why this occured is because of the noise from the maiden hounds, which were getting ready to be lined up. These 5 hounds came back only to get around the course in the opposite direction(finish to start), confusing isn't it......... while the remaining 18 or so hounds completed the course on the right track. As the fog was so bad it's hard to say which dog led what at any stage without guessing, but in the end, Damian Wades 'High Max' of Clogheen crossed the line in his usual mighty fast finishing style to take 1st place, then followed by 'Is It It' of Douglas to take 2nd place and 'Pats Pick' of Mayfield took the 3rd ticket.

RESULTS:
1st: 'High Max', Clogheen,
2nd: 'Is It It', Douglas
3rd: 'Pats Pick', Mayfield
4th: 'Maryport Lad', Mayfield
5th: 'Black Pearl', Fairhill
6th: 'War Dance', Kerry Pike
Time: 24mins


SENIOR MAIDEN HOUNDS:


The Maidens were slipped 15mins after the seniors in the same appalling weather. Once again very hard to say which hound was leading the pack because of fog conditions. However when they showed on the finish it was always going to be either 'Dairy Tune', 'My Way' or 'Marybelle', of the three contenders that showed 'Dairy Tune' of Kerry Pike tuned into its own finishing gears as this hound just stepped up the pace in time to cross the line a winner for a delighted Christy & Marie Keating. Hot on her heels was 'My Way' of Clogheen who took a well deserved 2nd place and followed very closely by 'Marybelle' of Northern United who got 3rd. It was a tight finish with less than half a length between the first three. As the winning hound, 'Dairy Tune', was out sick for three weeks due to a kennel cough, and had only just returned on Sundays meeting, it must have a brave heart to complete this course and end it with the winning ribbon on it's back !
Trained & owned by Christy & Marie Keating, both pillars to our draghunting association in their own rights, Christy a former and respected Cork City Association Chairman and of course Marie who is our Cork City Associations' Secretary, whom is highly respected and regarded by all, both City & Nationally by all Associations involved, for doing such a tremendous job with organising, maintaining and participating in all drags on every level.
I hope the rest of the places don't get too jealous because of this write up for the winner, as all there's left are the results ........

RESULTS;
1st: 'Dairy Tune', Kerry Pike
2nd: 'My Way', Clogheen
3rd: 'Marybelle', Northern United
4th: 'Lincoln', Mayfield
5th: 'Callums Ryan', Douglas
6th: 'Black Lass', Carrigtwohill
Timed at 24Mins