Connie Doyle Memorial Drag 23/08/09

The fairhill club hosted the Connie Doyle senior drag at Watergrasshill at an earlier slip at 2:30pm. In appalling winds and rain the seniors set off to a long 33 minute course ahead of them. Three fields out from the start the hounds made a major check, not just one or two, even a few, but all of the 17 hounds over ran the hunt before one noticed there was no scent beneath them. I suppose the hounds are over eager to set off at the start and this excitement was the main reason for this check, along with gale force winds and lashing rain.

John O Callaghans 'Is It It', (now of Southern Harriers) led the 3rd crossing with Christy & Marie Keatings 'Wardance', Frankie Allens 'Tallyman' and Denise & Leslie Kepples 'Magics Choice' in 4th place after approx 8 minutes running. They had another staggering 12 roads ahead of them and this was not an easy run, because of a lot of young calves out this time of year on top of the shocking weather. However, each crossing had the same class hounds out in front. At the last road before the finish it was Christy & Marie Keatings who led them across and into the finish but over ran the hunt giving way to 'Is It It' to get out in front. As soon as the call went up Denise & Leslies fast finishing 'Magics Choice' over took his rivals to come from 3rd to a 5 length lead out in front and crossed the finishing line first place. 'Is It It' took 2nd place for John O Callaghan followed by Frankie Allens 'Tallyman' who was being hardly chased by Pat O Mahonys 'Harold Scott' who snatched the 4th ticket.

Pictured Above; The Doyle family celebrating with (front Row) Leslie & denise Kepple and Bernie Rall with Senior winner 'Magics Choice'

Senior Results;

1st Magics Choice, Mayfield

2nd Is It It, Southern Harriers

3rd Tallyman, Northern United

4th Harold Scott, Northern United

5th Newtown Raven, Griffin United

6th Bobbys Choice, Clogheen

17 Ran, 34mins 25 secs

Senior Maiden Results

1st Superman, Northern United

2nd Shane, Griffin United

3rd Westgate Tally, Mayfield

4th Stracken, Mayfield

5th Wayward Lad, Mayfield

6th Rainbow Dancer, Northern Hunt

15 Ran, 33mins 45 secs

Fairhill Puppy Drag held on Friday evening at Haunted House, Fairhill

Results;

1st Scarty Lad, Mayfield

2nd Skylark, Northern Hunt

3rd Judys Girl, Mayfield

4th I Want You, Northern United

5th The Buffer Boy, Clogheen

6th Toffee Boy, Southern Harriers

Sean & David Harrington Memorial Drag

ICDA Harrington Memorial

Puppy Drag at Ballygarvan Co Cork, 15/08/09
Puppy Results:
1st Blue Rose, ICDA
2nd Ballintemple Lad, ICDA
3rd Blue Machine, ICDA
4th Mossgrove Quietly, ICDA
5th Winnie, ICDA
6th JCB, ICDA

Senior Drag at Ballinhassig, Co Cork, 16/08/09
Senior Results;
1st Bluebell, ICDA
2nd It's Hard To Say, ICDA
3rd Not Now Man, ICDA
4th Mayday, ICDA
5th Blue Diamond, ICDA
6th Kilmoy Kate, ICDA

Senior Maiden Results;
1st Mossgrove Harvey
2nd Mossgrove Music, ICDA
3rd Amber, ICDA
4th Shane, Griffin United
5th Specky, ICDA
6th Westgate Tally, Mayfield

Donal O Mahony Drag, 09/08/09

That time of year again where the Cork City & County joined forces to put on 4 outstanding drags at Blarney. The evening echo sponsoring this makes this event even more exciting for trainers because of the media coverage.
Hundreds of people attended this major event and were not disappointed. The senior puppy race was first at 3pm, where they had an open course of 27 minutes. They had a good run until the last road where they checked. Coming on the finish it looked to be anyones drag, until the call went up. The honours went to John and Francis Carroll of the ICDA with their hound 'JCB' who kept his pace to take 1st place from club mate 'Blue Rose' trained by Mike Dineen. Timmy McCarthys 'Sheares Park Boy' snatched the 3rd ticket from the betting favourite 'I Want You' trained by Pat Leary.

The puppy maiden finish had a great race to the line where this time Timmy McCarthy did one better when his hound 'Sheares Park Lad' just edged over the line to take 1st place from club mates 'Toffee Boy' who got 2nd and 'Speedy' took 3rd place. Badgers 'Rob The Drag' of the ICDA took the 4th ticket.

Above; Timmy McCarthy & Cathy of Cumbria celebrating with the winning cup

The next event was the puppy show and this year credit has to be given to the organisers. They really made this for the kids and they were all presented with medals and sweets to keep them quiet ! For the past 9 years Tom Newall of Cumbria judges this event and the honours went to Deirdre Kenneallys 'Millie' of Southern Harriers won the bitch show and Lauren McCarthys 'Mike' of Mayfield won the dog show.

From here we went across the road for the main event of any drag, the seniors. A 36 minute course lay ahead of these talented group of hounds. I think all eyes were on the usual favourites; Magics Choice, Is It It and Bluebell. Reports from the roads confirm this as at the Waterloo crossing Mike Dineens 'Bluebell' led the way for 'It's hard to say', 'Magics Choice', 'Blue Diamond' and 'Quiet Lady'. The last road showed Tristan O Herlihys 'Quiet Lady' leading at a comfortable pace. On to the finish, where we all stood in shock at what was to come. 'Quiet Lady' battled hard to stay in front and maintained her position, with about 3 lengths from the hard chasing 'Euro Star' in 2nd position. At 4 lengths to the line, after running 37 minutes and leading the last 15 minutes of it, for whatever reason 'Quiet Lady' veared toward the catchers and stopped .......... 3 inches before the finishing line. Tristan screaming his lungs out all the way, but she gave away the drag to Ger McCarthys 'Euro Star', who came straight through and crossed the line 1st. Badgers 'It's Hard to Say' came in 2nd followed closely by 'Ballinard Kizzy' of the ICDA and 'Quiet Lady' had to settle for 4th place.

The senior maiden race got the biggest cheer as Triona Longs 'Foxy Jack' fought all the way to snatch a well deserved 1st place for his determination to win, and just got his head in front of William Freynes 'Not Now Ryan' of Clogheen. 'Mossgrove Harvey' finished 3rd with club mate 'Specky' taking the 4th ticket for the ICDA. Keith O Callaghans 'Valdor' finished a close 5th in front of Mayfields 'Westgate Tally'.


Above; Ken, Paddy & Triona celebrating with the senior maiden cup

As with all good drags there's alway a better social night afterwards. Southern Harriers were still celebrating the next night at Annie Macs and here's a few photos below.

Above; Southern Harreirs social party !!!

Right; Ken, triona, Jack, Jennifer, Timmy & Declan of Southern Harriers

Senior Results;

1st Euro Star, ICDA

2nd It's Hard To Say, ICDA

3rd Ballinard Kizzy, ICDA

4th Quiet Lady, Fairhill

5th Coppeen Lady, ICDA

6th Blue Diamond, ICDA

Senior Maiden Results;

1st Foxy Jack, Southern Harriers

2nd Not Now Ryan, Clogheen

3rd Mossgrove Harvey, ICDA

4th Specky, ICDA

5th Valdor, Fairhill

6th Westgate Tally, Mayfield

Right; 'Most Wanted' Stephanie & Gary O Sullivan owner of 'Black & Tan' (I'm 1st on the list when she has pups !!!)

Senior Puppy Results;

1st JCB, ICDA

2nd Blue Rose, ICDA

3rd Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers

4th I Want You, Northern United

5th Ballintemple Lad, ICDA

6th Skylark, Northern Hunt

Puppy Maiden Results;

1st Sheares Park Lad, Southern Harriers

2nd Toffee Boy, Southern Harriers

3rd Speedy, Southern Harriers

4th Rob The Drag, ICDA

5th Hi Ya, Fairhill

6th Toffee Biscuit, Southern Harriers

Munster Championship 11/07/09

Munster Championship draghunt was held at Scartaglen, Co Kerry, kindly sponsored by CB Tool Hire Ltd.

Senior Puppy Results

(1st place dead heat)

1st I Want You, Northern United

1st Blue Machine, Eamonn Murphy ICDA Cork;

3rd’ Blue Rose, Mike Dineen , ICDA Cork;

4th’ Ballintemple, Mark Driscoll, ICDA Cork;

5th’ Mosgrove Quietly, Declen Donavan, ICDA Cork;

6th’ JCB, John Carroll, ICDA Cork;

Timed at 23.07 Mins, 19 Pups Ran;

Dead Heat; Senior pup winners 'I Want You' and 'Blue Machine'

Maiden Pups

1st’ Speedy, Danny Driscoll, ICDA Cork;

2nd’ Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers

3rd’ In Me Way, Fair Hill

4th’ Sheares Park Lad, Southern Harriers

5th’ Towlers Choice, Southern Harriers

6th’ High Quest, Fair Hill

Timed at 22.05 Mins, 17 Pups Ran;

Senior Results

1st’ Dairy Tune, Kerry Pike Cork;

2nd’ It's Hard To Say, ICDA Cork;

3rd’ Kempess, ICDA Cork;

4th’ Magic Choice, Mayfield Cork;

5th’ Blue Bell, ICDA Cork;

6th’ Ferry Lad, Vincent Murphy, Ferry Club Kerry;

Timed at 32 Mins, 55 Hounds Ran;

Senior Munster Champion Winner Dairy Tune with owner Marie Keating and grand-daughter Leah

Maiden Results

1st’ Mosgrove Harvey, Declen Donavan, ICDA Cork;

2nd’ Kilmoy Boy, ICDA Cork;

3rd’ Kilmoy Lass, ICDA Cork;

4th’ Foxy Jack, Southern Harriers

5th’ Scamp, ICDA Cork;

6th’ West Gate Tally, ICDA Cork;

Timed at 33 Mins, 60 Hounds Ran;

Senior Maiden Winner; Declan Donovan with his maiden winner Mossgrove Harvey'

Cavan Heats 22/23 August 2009

the heats this year are being held at Cootehill, Co Cavan on the 22nd & 23rd of August 09. Entries are to be in by the 23rd of July 09 and the first heat is on Saturday at 1pm. Sean Smith can be contacted at 086 1953737 if you need hounds to be boarded up there.
The presentations will be held at the White House Hotel.

Accommodation;

White House Hotel €45 pps per night, tel 049 5552222.

Smiths B & B €35 pps per night, tel 049 5552150 (1/2 mile from hotel)
Smiths also have a house to let out and can be contacted at same number

Manse B & B €30 pps per night, tel 049 5552322 (400 yards from hotel)

Beeches B & B 049 5552307 (approx 300 yards from hotel)

Northern Hunt Drag 05/07/09

Rathduff, Cork
Senior Results;
1st Bobbys Choice, Clogheen
2nd Ted Baker, Fairhill
3rd Toffee Woman, Griffin United
4th Is It It, Douglas
5th Midday Lass, Douglas
6th Harold Scott, Northern United

Above: Senior Finish

Senior Maiden Results
1st Bellman, Mayfield
2nd Joey, Carrigtwohill
3rd Lucey Lou, Clogheen
4th Echo, IHT
5th Wayward Lad, Mayfield
6th Lockie, Carrigtwohill

Puppy Results
Venue at Fairhill, Friday 3rd of July 09;
1st Nina, Northern United
2nd I Want You, Northern United
3rd Alyson, Douglas
4th Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers
5th Speedy, Southern Harriers
6th Hi Magic, Fairhill

Above; Pups crossing the first road at the red gates, fairhill

Carrigtwohill Drag 28/06/09

Senior Results
1st Is It It, Douglas
2nd John T, Griffin United
3rd Newtown Raven, Griffin United
4th Dairy Tune, Kerry Pike
5th Toffee Woman, Griffin United
6th Tallyman, Northern United

Senior Maiden Results;
1st Westgate Tally, Mayfield
2nd Santa Ponsa Julie, Fairhill
3rd shane, Griffin United
4th Echo, IHT
5th Langdale Dazzler, Southern Harriers
6th Foxy Jack, Southern Harriers

Puppy Results;
1st I Want You, Northern United
2nd Speedy, Southern Harriers
3rd Judys Girl, Mayfield
4th Toffee Boy, Southern Harriers
5th Nina, Northern United
6th Scarthy Boy, Mayfield

Flavour of the month.......

It's about time we did a piece on important people within our association, and who better to start with...........our chairman....... Mr Pat O Mahony. This been his 4th year acting as chairman, we all know he does a lot of work, but few of us understand what this entails. No matter which club is hosting the weekly drag, Pat has to ensure the oil is mixed for all drags, and sponsorship is sought. At the recent International, Pat spent the previous 3 weeks organising that course from start to finish. As well as getting together various pullers, guides, men for watching the numerous roads, he also had to get permission from farmers to allow drags through their land, and plan the course according to the farmers requests with cattle and the turning on and off of electric wire. All his efforts are then placed in the hands of the pullers and guides to give us a decent run. So yes, fair to say, a lot of respect is needed to become chairman. Not only do you have to be social to the members of each club, you also need the ability to manage these members without reasoning, of which there's a very fine line between both. I reckon, and those of whom I have spoken to, that our Cork City Chairman Pat Mahony has these qualities and maybe this is why he's highly regarded and not taken lightly by his commrades.


I've contacted a few people for their opinion on Pat Mahony, and here's their own words below...........


Marie Keating - Secretary
'I can't say enough of good about this man. He's a brilliant worker, I think sometimes this is over the top as he is really hands on with everything. And it's very hard on him as there really isn't a lot of young members on the executive commitee, so he really takes on everything himself from picking drags to pulling drags, marking roads and organising sponsorship. When there's nobody there, he leaves it down to himself to get it done. The list is endless. But I must say he's very easy to work alongside because he's very approachable, everyone on the executive will agree with me there. Chairman is a very hard job to do, bcause it's a thankless job. An awful lot of people may be quick to criticise but they shouldn't. Not everything can be perfect all the time, even when there's mountains of effort from Pat going into it. He's trying to keep this sport going. There's a lot of credit due to him, not everyone could be chairman, not because of votes, but because of dedication and love for the sport, it's an extremely time consuming and pressureised job. Great work Pat.....'


Tristan O Herlihy - Vice Chairman
'He's alright but a bit of a spoof......... Thinks he's a ladys man, but He's a terrible dancer........ And everyones a 'shagger'........ Regarding his chairman title, I reckon no-one could do a better job. He puts in an awful lot of time and effort and does this in his stride. I'll never forget picking the Blackpool drag with him 2 years ago, he fell akwardly and broke 2 ribs, most importantly I'll never forget his whinging............. He cried like a shiela all the way back !!!!!!!!!!!! '

David Lynch - Clogheen (line watch manager !)
'I think he does a lot of hard work and he's a great bit of stuff for all his efforts, fair play to him and long may he last as I don't know anyone to do his job as good as he does it. I'm watching the line now and warning them not to break it, and my blood pressure is bursting veins, imagine if I had his job, I'd be walking around with a cardiac machine tied on to me....!!!! Great work Pat. '

Bernie Rall - Treasurer

'I just want to say this........... the man is Brilliant....No-one knows the amount of work he puts into organising drags....... i'm talking about the City & the County drags, he plays a big part in the county drags too...He does unreal work, and He's the best chairman we've had in a long time from the moment he set foot in that office. I can't say enough about him, He's a gent .......he's just brilliant ....... Keep up the good work Pat....'


Tim Herlihy - Griffin United
'Eh............. Eh ................. Eh................. (come on Tim wasting my credit...) Eh ................. Eh, heck you've caught me off guard, what do you want me to say..................... Eh................Eh (take your time) Eh............ Eh, J*sus I dunno, Wait a while now Eh (I'll phone you back Tim......)

20 minutes later

Sure I know that man years, I was thinking there about long go. I know him since the early eighties where himself and his Father and his Grandfather would meet the rest of us every Sunday morning to discuss that days drag down in Connie O Donovans Bar, Castlemarket Street. We'd discuss the drag and then each of us would pool in a few pound and throw it on a good thing that day. We won a few times. I've known Pat this long and can honestly say he's the nicest fella you could meet, very obliging. He actually had a very good pup back then named 'Paddy', I'm sure he won the All-Ireland with him. He was a very good dog. I think he's the best chairman we've had in years........... '

John O Callaghan - Douglas

'I haven't a bad word to say about Pat because you couldn't. He's a very fair man and does tremndous work all round. Tough decisions have to be made and he makes them, they're never going to suit everyone, but all of his decisions have been fair ones. I think he's doing a great job and cannot fault him with anything, you couldn't, it's a very tough thankless job and he's doing a great job at it since he started. Keep it up Pat....'

Looks like all your hardwork is paying off as you are obviously noticed to be an honest hard working chairman, whilst few of us know/understand the full extent of what you do, we do understand it to be a very time consuming & commited role. Here's hoping you'll stay over us for another 4 years. Well done Pat !

Northern United Drag 21/06/09

Northern United Drag Hunt at Carrignavar, Cork 4pm

Glorious sunshine awaited us at Carrignavar where 20 senior hounds lined up to complete this 35minute course. The heat was severe at stages where temperatures reached 23degs. Reports from the roads tells us that the heat didn't affect the hounds until the latter part of the drag. 'Toffee Woman' of Griffin United led one road. John Callaghans 'Is It It' led another with half a field to spare, Pat Harringtons 'McQuade' was seen leading another road. The view from the finish showed 'Is It It' travelling at a good pace to the call. Denise & Leslie Kepple 'Magics Choice' followed and once he heard the call, he made it his business to pass 'Is It It' and crossed the line once again with a comfortable 6 length lead. John Callaghans 'Is It It' took a well deserved 2nd place. 'Newtown Raven' followed for 3rd holding off the challenges of 'Pats Pick', Midday Lass and McQuade.

Proud as Punch; Above Denise & Leslie Kepple with Magics Choice & Pats Pick

Senior Results;
1st Magics Choice, Mayfield
2nd Is It It, Douglas
3rd Newtown Raven, Griffin United
4th Pats Pick, Mayfield
5th Midday Lass, Douglas
6th McQuade, Fairhill
Time 37mins, 20ran


Senior Maidens;


Once again following the seniors in same hot weather conditions, another great drag with a good finish. Tim Herlihys 'Shane' of Griffing United led most of this drag along with Cillian Dohertys 'Santa Ponsa Julie' of Fairhill. At one stage these two crossed a road after 25mins, a field clear of the following pack. Obviously fatigue took its tole as they didn't finish with this distance. . . . . . On the finish Triona Longs 'Foxy Jack' charged over the line taking first place holding off Carrigtwohills 'Joey' who took 2nd. The next pack of hounds showed and Cillians 'Santa Ponsa Julie' ran well to take the 3rd ticket holding off 'Rainbow Dancer', and Tim Herlihys 'Shane' got 5th holding off Keith O Callaghans 'Valdor'.




Above is Triona Long with winner Foxy Jack, son Jack & nephew Cathal....

Senior Maiden Results;
1st Foxy Jack, Southern Harreirs
2nd Joey, Carrigtwohill
3rd Santa Ponsa Julie, Fairhill
4th Rainbow Dancer
5th Shane, Griffin United
6th Valdor, Fairhill
22 ran, Time 37Mins 10 secs

Puppy Results;
1st High Maintenance, Clogheen
2nd Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers
3rd Skylark, Northern Hunt
4th The Buffer Boy, Clogheen
5th Speedy, Southern Harriers
6th Judys Girl, Mayfield

English International News

For those of you not feeling the pinch of this recession and are heading across the water, the English International is on this Saturday, 20th of June at Milstone Moor, just outside Cockermouth approx 20mins drive from Cumbria. Its really good viewing, with a very long uphill finish. There's also a party on at Stocksman at Wigton if anyone has any energy left after the long day. Best of luck to all who are travelling with hounds.

Tables 2009

These are the un-official tables so far for this season. Thanks to Marie Keating for supplying this list.

Senior

1. Magics Choice 102
2. Is It It 80
3. Quiet Lady 45
4. Merlin 45
5. Black & Tan 43
6. Duggans Lad 34
7. Newtown Raven 33
8. Harold Scott 32
9. Not Now Man 26
10. Busy Future 24
11. Toffee Woman 21
12. Ryans Girl 20
13. Tallyman 18
14. Westgate Storm 13
15. Dairy Tune 13
16. John T 11
17. Callums Ryan 10
18. Bobbys Choice 10
19. McGuigan 10
20. Midday Lass 7
21. Not Now Dora 7
22. Ruby 7
23. Wardance 7
24. McQuade 6
25. Pats Pick 5
26. Midday Surprise 3
27. Aira Force 1

Senior Maiden;

1. McQuade 56.5 (*)
2. Callums Ryan 51 (*)
3. Crafty Jack 49 (*)
4. Stracken 41
5. Sunrise Jack 34
6. Pavorotti 33
7. Foxy Jack 33
8. Shane 32
9. Westgate Tally 26
10. Quiet Lady 24
11. Joey 21
12. Tomahawk 19
13. Not Now Ryan 18
14. Valdor 18
15. Bobbys Choice 16
16. Rainbow Dancer 13
17. Ranter 13
18. McGuigan 11
19. Busy Lad 11
20. Curraheen Drive 10
21. Bellman 9
22. Untouchable 9
23. Langdale Dazzler 8
24. Barney 7
25. Santa Ponsa Julie 6
26. Fresh Blood 5
27. Saturday Surprise 5
28. Echo 5
29. Belle 4
30. Midday Lass 3
31. Weekend Wino 3
32. Not Now Son 3
33. Lucy Lou 2
34. Sandyman 1
35. Sophies Choice 1

Puppy:

1. I Want You 92
2. Nina 87
3. Jasper 67
4. Get Smart 48
5. Don't Quote Me 46 (KBA)
6. Judys Girl 43
7. Berlin 24
8. Sheares Park Lad 23
9. The Buffer Boy 22
10. Sheares Park Boy 20
11. High Maintenance 19
12. Baracca 17
13. Skylark 16
14. United Jack 14
15. Hi Ya 10
16. Speedy 8
17. Bogart 7
18. Hi Magic 4
19. Rock Star 4
20. The Stig 4
21. Roxanne 3
22. Shinazarde 2
23. Max High 1
24. Towlers Choice 1

(*) - These hounds promoted to the senior ranks

Timmy Duggan Memorial Drag, 14/06/09

Waterfall, Cork

Congratulations to the Southern Harriers club who put on 3 tremendous drags in memory of the late and great Timmy Duggan. This been the first year in his honour and his club obviously put a lot of effort and hard work into these hunts, which paid off on the day. I think every club should take a leaf out of their book ............... good drag, dog food for the winners and hot & cold food for us at the presentation in Annie Macs ........MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm ! Should be a rule about this !


The rain held off for the senior drags where they raced for 10 miles over good terrain, with plenty to see from the start and finish. At the finish, 2 dogs showed, Mayfields 'Magics Choice' and Northern Hunts 'Black & Tan'. 'Magics Choice' added yet another victory to his title when he pulled away from 'Black & Tan' and crossed the line first with a 6 length lead. 'Black & Tan' followed to take 2nd place for Gary & Adam O Sullivan. The next pack showed and Ian Freynes 'McGuigan' held off Toffee Woman to take the 3rd ticket.

Senior Results;
1st Magics Choice, Mayfield
2nd Black & Tan, Northern Hunt
3rd McGuigan, Clogheen
4th Toffee Woman, Griffin United
5th McQuade, Fairhill
6th Midday Lass, Douglas
38mins

Senior Maiden Results
1st Valdor, Fairhill
2nd Shane, Griffin United
3rd Westgate Tally, Mayfield
4th Tomahawk, Clogheen
5th Santa Ponsa Julie, Fairhill
6th Busy Lad, Douglas
38mins 50 secs

Puppy Results;
1st Judys Girl, Mayfield
2nd High Maintenance, Clogheen
3rd I Want You, Northern United
4th Nina, Northern United
5th The Buffer Boy, Clogheen
6th Skylark, Northern Hunt

John O Leary Memorial Drag

Grenagh, Co Cork
24/05/09 Pups at 3pm, seniors at 4pm

Senior Results;
1st Magics Choice, Mayfield
2nd Not Now Man, Clogheen
3rd It's Hard To Say, ICDA
4th McQuade, Fairhill
5th Toffee Woman, Griffin United
6th Harold Scott, Northern United
29 Ran, 28mins

Senior Maiden Results;
1st Foxy Jack, Southern Harriers
2nd Tomahawk, Clogheen
3rd Echo, IHT
4th Quiet Nook, ICDA
5th Valdor, Fairhill
6th Shane, Griffin United
25 Ran, 27mins 40 secs

Puppy Results
1st Skylark, Northern Hunt
2nd Sheares Park Lad, Southern Harreirs
3rd Blue Machine, ICDA
4th Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers
5th High Maintenance, Clogheen
6th Jasper, Northern United
26 ran, 15mins

Gary O Sullivan Memorial Drag, 16/05/09

Senior Results;
1st Is It It, Douglas
2nd Dairy Tune, Kerry Pike
3rd It's Hard To Say, ICDA
4th Blue Rocket, ICDA
5th Black & White, ICDA
6th Duggans Lad, Southern Harriers

Senior Maiden Results;
1st McQuade, Fairhill
2nd Rocky, ICDA
3rd Brandy, ICDA
4th Ben, ICDA
5th Quiet Nook, ICDA
6th Westgate Tally, Mayfield

Puppy Results:
1st I Want You, Northern United
2nd JCB, ICDA
3rd Berlin, Clogheen
4th Skylark, Northern Hunt
5th The Stig, Fairhill
6th Blue Rose, ICDA

International Drag Hunt, 10/05/09

International Drag Hunt at Grange, West Cork


The big day finally arrived for all anxious trainers of the 4 grades of racing where each of the finish of these drags, were not to be missed. Approximately 28 senior pups, 29 maiden pups, 55 senior hounds and 98 senior maiden hounds were entered to participate in this major event.

The senior pups were slipped at 3pm. It was a great finish to the line where a group of hounds were battling hard to over take each other. In a nail biting finish, Pat Learys 'I Want You' just beat Gary Freynes 'Berlin' by a whisker, and Cillian Dohertys 'The Stig' followed closely to take the 3rd ticket. In the puppy maiden race, the honours went to Timmy McCarthys 'Sheares Park Boy', who put all of his efforts into holding off clubmate 'Toffee Boy' who took 2nd place, followed by Charlie Cotters 'Schinazarde' of Carrigtwohill.


The senior maiden race was a lottery for any gambler ! Of the 98 hounds entered, 72 lined up. Running an open course over 45 minutes in warm weather was sure to make any hound fatigue, but not at this finish. The honours went to an overjoyed Pat & Marion Harrington with their talented hound 'McQuade' of Fairhill. He just held off ICDAs 'Randy' who took 2nd place and 3rd went to Tim Herlihys 'Shane' of Griffin United.

Above; A delighted Pat & Marion Harrington with the Senior Maiden Winners Cup




Well down to the most important race of the day, the senior drag. Of all the top quality hounds, it's hard to pick out just one. 'Merlin', Magics Choice, Is It It, Callums Ryan, Black & Tan.............the list is just endless, but who would you have betted on to come up trumps in front. . . . .

Reports from the roads tell us that Gary Sullivans 'Black & Tan was stuck in almost all of the drag, though she never managed to finish in the first 6. Denise & Leslie 'Magics Choice' was stuck in all of the drag, crossing roads 5/6th, Paddy Carrolls 'Callums Ryan' ran a great race, although he didn't manage to get a ticket either. At some roads Michael John Buckleys 'Merlin' and John Callaghans 'Is It It' were in leading bunch but seen in the middle of the pack at other roads.



So, yes fair to say, it was a long and tiring drag for most, but the finish gave the best of the hounds their justice. Going to drags every week, you could nearly pick the first 6 because of their determination and strong hearts. I think there's nothing more annoying than a hound who does nothing all year, come to these major festival drags, and win. Thankfully this didn't happen at this International, the places went to talented hounds who weekly put on top class performances at practise and club drags. This is not to take it from any of the competing hounds who weren't in the first 6, it's just my opinion.



After an anxious age of 47 minutes, three top class finishing hound, Magics Choice, Is It It and Merlin, showed on the finish more or less together. It was a nerve wrecking moment for all three trainers. The call went up and these 3 upped their pace to the finishing line. In a driving finish, Denise & Leslie Kepple 'Magics Choice' put all his strength into every stride to pull away from 'Is It It' and be crowned the 2009 Senior International Winner for his overwhelmed owners, and once again finished very strongly in style. John O Callaghan 'Is It It' repeated last years All-Ireland where he finished a strong 2nd place, and Michael John Buckleys 'Merlin' tried his best to narrow the gap before jumping the line for 3rd place. Well done to all.

Senior Results;
1st Magics Choice, Mayfield
2nd Is It It, Douglas
3rd Merlin, Clogheen
4th Toffee Woman, Griffin United
5th Harold Scott, Northern United
6th Kempest, ICDA
Above; A delighted Bernie, Denise and Leslie with the 2009 Senior International winners cup



Senior Maiden Results;
1st McQuade, Fairhill
2nd Randy, ICDA
3rd Shane, Griffin United
4th Euro Star, ICDA
5th Scamp, ICDA
6th Ben, ICDA

Senior Puppy Results;
1st I Want You, Northern United
2nd Berlin, Clogheen
3rd The Stig, Fairhill
4th Montego Boy, ICDA
5th Mossgrove Quietly, ICDA
6th The Buffer Boy, Clogheen

Above; Just a few of our Cumbrian visitors enjoying the celebrations.....!
Maiden Puppy Results;
1st Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers
2nd Toffee Boy, Southern Harriers
3rd Schinazarde, Carrigtwohill
4th Emerald Magic, ICDA
5th Rob The Drag, ICDA
6th Blue Breeze, HTA England

Hounds For Sale

If anyone has a hound (bytch/dog), that they're interested in selling, please contact either myself 00 353 86 1567991 or Tristan (Stan) at 00 353 87 4152481 to discuss this further. If they're coming from England we'll organise transport fees etc. Or you can e-mail myself at nocallaghan@whelansgroup.com or cildoherty@gmail.com

Griffin United Re-Run, 05/05/09

Griffin United Puppy Re-Run

Unlike the original course, this drag was to be run in reverse because of farmers instructions, but it didn't make any difference to the 22 pups that were slipped. The first road was after 1 long field, and the next/last road was 2 fields before the finish.

Above; First road crossing

A group of hounds showed before the finish and Pat O Learys 'I Want You' pulled away to steal first place from Southern Harriers 'Sheares Park Lad' with a 10 length gap. The 3rd ticket went to John Ahernes 'Jasper' followed closely by Mickey Briens 'Judys Girl' of Mayfield

Above; Finish

Results;

1st I Want You, Northern United

2nd Sheares Park Lad, Southern Harriers

3rd Jasper, Northern United

4th Judys Girl, Mayfield

5th Buffer Boy, Clogheen

6th High Maintenance, Clogheen

22ran, Time 16mins 35 secs

Mayfield Senior Drag, 04/05/09

Mayfield Senior Drag at Whites Cross, 4pm

Senior Results;

1st Black & Tan, Northern Hunt

2nd Tallyman, Northern United

3rd John T, Griffin United

4th Harold Scott, Northern United

5th Duggans Lad, Southern Harriers

6th Dairy Tune, Kerry Pike

22 ran, 28mins 30secs

Above, Senior Maiden crossing the main divide after 14mins

Senior Maiden Results;

1st Joey, Carrigtwohill

2nd Shane, Griffin United

3rd McQuad, Fairhill

4th Saturday Surprise, Fairhill

5th Lansdale Dazzler, Southern Harreirs

6th Lucey Lou, Clogheen

21ran, 28mins, 25secs

Griffin United Drag, 02/05/09

Senior Drag at Whitechurch
Once again another great drag at Whitechurch where John O Callaghans hound 'Is It It' led this hunt and from the divide and maintained his one field lead to the finish. This strong hound led this course on his own, and crossed the line same, making this finish an exceptional one for viewers, and really stands this hound out in a different league. When the main pack followed it could have been anyone for the remaining tickets. To be fair, Pat O Mahonys 'Harold Scott' put up a good battle to take the lead from this pack and took 2nd place, followed closely by 'Westgate Storm' of Mayfield.

Below is 'Harold Scott' holding off 'Westgate Storm' to the finish.........

Results;
1st 'Is It It', Douglas
2nd Harold Scott, Northern United
3rd Westgate Storm, Mayfield
4th 'Merlin', Clogheen
5th Magics Choice, Mayfield
6th Tallyman, Northern United

Above; Senior Maiden finish at Whitechurch

Senior Maiden Results;

1st Stracken, Mayfield

2nd Not Now Ryan, Clogheen

3rd Tomahawk, Clogheen

4th Barney, Carrigtwohill

5th McQuade, Fairhill

6th Sandyman, Mayfield

Right; Bernie Rall with senior maiden winner 'Stracken' (Johnny Murtagh is back on the payroll!!!)

Puppy Results;

1st Jasper, Northern United

2nd Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers

3rd I Want You, Northern United

4th Judys Girl, Mayfield

5th Get Smart, Northern United

6th Bogart, Carrigtwohill

Lost & Found

I received this e-mail today, if anyone is missing a harrier / hunting hound please contact Jim;

There was a hunt in burnfort (off the cork main road near a place called bottlehill) in North Cork a couple of weeks ago and they lost one of their dogs.The owner of the dog was in the locality and gave his number out but unfortunately the number was lost.If you know of the hunt that was taking place near my area (dog is small, black in colour and looks like has recently had pups) can you please give out my number 087 2656273
Thanks
Jim O'Mahony