Puppy All Ireland 2009

The long awaited big day arrived for puppy trainers at Reenascreena, Co Cork yesterday, where 32 pups lined up to run the longest open course yet. It really was a long tough course for these young hopefuls, running on a mixed terrain of hard and soft ground. At just under 40 minutes, this years puppy All Ireland course gave no advantage to any favoured hound,as it was a sure test of stamina, determination and the ability to just complete this open course.
Left; Puppy slip


All hounds were slipped at 2:30pm and it was definately one of Timmy McCarthys 'Sheares Park' hounds who led them climbing uphill in the 2nd field, he was lifting it and set a savage fast pace for his followers. At the divide it was 'Mossgrove Quietly' of the county who led this road. They were all moving at a very fast pace
Above; Anxious trainers calling their hounds to cross the finishing line.....

At the finish, they seemed to take minutes to show before they would cross the last road 2 fields out from the finish. I don't know what happened but there had to have been a check between the 2nd last road and the last as only 9 pups showed in a line running toward the last road. They had a few lengths between each other and the leader was identified as Timmy McCarthys 'Sheares Park Boy'. Once they crossed the last road the call went up. Fast Finishing 'Sheares Park Boy' upped his speed but was under pressure from Eamonn Murphys 'Blue Machine' of the County. Trainers screaming for their hound just to give that bit more as now they were running together. 20 lengths from the line and Eamonn Murphys 'Blue Machine' got a burst of speed and pulled away from 'Sheares Park Boy' to cross the line 1st snatching this years Puppy All Ireland title. 'Sheares Park Boy' still held on to take runner up prize for an elated Timmy McCarthy of Southern Harriers. ICDA also took the 3rd ticket with 'Mossgrove Quietly', with 4th place going to Gary O Sullivans 'Skylark' of Northern Hunt.


Above; All Ireland Puppy finish (especially for Eamonn Murphy who was at the Cork/Kerry game)


Above; Sarah O Keefe of ICDA with 2009 Puppy All Ireland Winner 'Blue Machine'




Above; L-R 2009 Puppy All Ireland placed hounds....

Puppy All Ireland Results;
1st Blue Machine, ICDA
2nd Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers
3rd Mossgrove Quitely, ICDA
4th Skylark, Northern Hunt
5th Speedy, Southern Harriers
6th I Want You, Northern United
32 Ran, 39mins 35 secs

John O Callaghan Memorial Drag

Above; L-R First 6 placed hounds

The John O Callaghan Memorial drag was run 15 mins after the Puppy All Ireland at Reenascreena. It was an all in drag with 42 competing. These experienced hounds did it over 3 minutes faster than the pups. And on the finish it was a battle between Gary Sullivans 'Black & Tan' and Mick Dineens 'Bluebell'. I'd say these two are probably the eldest competing hounds in this country! Two fields out it showed 'Bluebell' was being hardly chased with 'Black & Tan' at her heels. In the finishing field I think 'Black & Tan' veered slightly right, before straightening up toward the line. Getting closer to the call 'Bluebell' just had that bit more to snatch first place as she came straight to the finishing line.

So the honours went to Mick Dineens 'Bluebell' and Gary Sullivans 'Black & Tan' snatched the 2nd ticket. ICDA took the 3rd ticket with 'Blue Diamond' and 4th place went to Clogheens 'Bobbys Choice'.

Left Mick Dineen with winner 'Bluebell' and above is the finish.

Results;

1st Bluebell, ICDA

2nd Black & Tan, Northern Hunt

3rd Blue Diamond, ICDA

4th Bobbys Choice, Clogheen

5th Blue Boys Son, ICDA

6th Echo, IHT

42 Ran, 36mins.

All Ireland Pre Presentation of Prizes

The build up to the All Ireland got under way last night at the Glenryan Tavern, off Blarney Street in Cork. Members from both the City and County attended this event and what a night it was. I think the best part of hound trailing is the social gatherings. Like all sports, there's always going to be bickering and competiveness between each club, but when we're all out together, no matter what club, or what part of the country you're from, everyone treats each other as equal with an atmosphere and attitude of celebration and enjoyment. It's like one happy family !!! (either that or we don't get out often enough !!!)

Cork City Chairman Pat Mahony got the ball rolling with his speech of gratitude and praise toward Cllr Michael O Connell (Chairman) & Maureen Rabone (Director) of the Gurranabraher Credit Union for their sponsorship again this year for both the Puppy & Senior All Ireland 2009. Mick Dineen, chairman of the County, also said his piece and paid tribute to the Gurranabraher Credit Union for sponsoring the All Irelands Drag Hunts this year again, and then started talking about how eventually both the City & County will join forces................. And he talked about this for a long time ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz !!! (We get the hint Mick, you want us to pull all the drags for ye !)

Cllr Michael O Connell then took the stage and thanked both sides for their huge efforts in keeping this sport alive and part of our culture. He himself is not a stranger to the drag hunting scene as he spoke of his memories up in Mayfield 31 years ago.

Above; Maureen Rabone & Cllr Michael O Connell of the Gurranabraher Credit Union & Brenie Rall & Marie Keating of the Cork City Harriers Association
To be fair, I think when the sponsors are invited to these nights, they normally have a glass of water and have the getaway car running outside for their swift exit...... not this man. He really made a good impression on everyone, and sat with the rest of us joe soaps with his wife Catherine and co worker Maureen and just blended right in, as if we meet up like this every other week. They really let their hair down, and enjoyed the night as much as the rest of us. Above; Michael O Connell with wife Catherine and Maureen Rabone of GCU
Corney Mahony, Dan Cunningham and Paul Devereaux of The Glenryan put on a great night for us. Plenty of hot food and a dj with karakoe who would have left the hounds up to sing if they were there !!! I mean he let Pat Mahony up !!! Then came the 3 divas Denise, Triona and myself. I reckon the dj should have kept our voices for last call, we'd empty the pub in minutes !!
A great night enjoyed by all and best of luck to everyone tomorrow at the Puppy All Ireland at Reenascreena, Co Cork at 2:30pm.

Douglas Drag 13/09/09

Glorious sunshine and clear blue skies with temperatures reaching the early 20s awaited us at Douglas for a change. It was tough on the hounds as we haven't had hot weather in months. However the usual senior suspects still ran this course like any other day and dominated every road. Gary Freynes 'Not Now Man' led almost every road and was well stuck in this drag. 2 roads from the finish seen the same leader with 'Pats Pick' 2nd, 'Foxy Jack' 3rd and 'Magics Choice' 4th just 12 minutes to the finish. At the finish 'Not Now Man' put on a show finish. Two fields out and when the call went up 'Not Now Man' led and managed to hold off the fast finishing 'Magics Choice' to the line. 'Not Now Man' took first place 2 lengths ahead of 'Magics Choice' and 3rd place went to 'Foxy Jack' followed by 'Pats Pick' in 4th.
Above; Bernie Rall with senior maiden winner 'Stracken'

Senior maidens followed and another finishing performance put on by Bernie Ralls 'Stracken' where he crossed the line 1st place fields clear of Damian Wades 'Tomahawk' and Tim Herlihys 'Shane' who took the 3rd ticket just half a length in front of 'Westgate Tally' of Mayfield. Bernie Rall has secured the championship senior maiden title now with 'Stracken' hopefully making this a double for his family as his daughter Denise has currently a 12 point lead over John Callaghans 'Is It It' of Douglas in the senior championship table with 'Magics Choice'. With two senior drags to go, it could go either way. Best of luck to both.....


Above; Jan from Slovakia with Norma Mahony enjoying the drag ............

Senior Results;
1st Not Now Man, Clogheen
2nd Magics Choice, Mayfield
3rd Foxy Jack, Southern Harriers
4th Pats Pick, Mayfield
5th Harold Scott, Northern United
6th Newtown Raven, Griffin United

Senior Maiden Results;

1st Stracken, Mayfield

2nd Tomahawk, Clogheen

3rd Shane, Griffin United

4th Westgate Tally, Mayfield

5th My Son My Son, Mayfield

6th Barney Fairhill

Puppy Results;

1st I Want You, Northern United

2nd Judys Girl, Mayfield

3rd Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers

4th Sheares Park Lad, Southern Harriers

5th The Buffer Boy, Clogheen

6th Blue Breeze, Southern Harriers

Clogheen Drag 06/09/09

Another week, another drag bringing us closer to the end of the 2009 season. Tremendous improvement in the weather. Instead of it lashing rain with westerly gale force winds , it seemed to change every 5 minutes, from easterly to southerly winds, giving us a different view of the black clouded scenery every time we turned to avoid it !!!!!


None the less 22 senior hounds were set off heading for the red gates, up ovams, sweet shops and vearing home toward Duggans Lane via Faggot Hill. Pat Mahony was 2nd & 3rd at the red gates with 'Ruby' and 'Harold Scott'. 'Harold Scott' has definately found his form lately whilst Triona Longs 'Foxy Jack' was also in the drag all the way round. At the finish it was Pat Mahonys 'Harold Scott' leading them strongly in to the line followed by 'Foxy Jack' and it seemed this would not change. 3 lengths from the line and Tristan O Herlihys 'Quiet Lady' came from 3rd to cross the line first with a full length lead on 'Harold Scott'. To be fair, I think 'Harold Scott', whilst still running strongly, seemed to steer very slightly right(looking down from the line) and 'Foxy Jack' followed. 'Quiet Lady' came straight in her position (up left) and crossed with just over a length to win a great battle on the finish. 'Magics Choice' snatched the 4th ticket for Mayfield.

Pictured above; Tristan O Herlihy with senior winner 'Quiet Lady' and Pat O Mahony with
senior runner up 'Harold Scott'. (Pat it's not for me to say but your hound is giving her some looks, he looks in the gores !)

The senior maidens were more strung out I think. 16 lined up to follow same course. I'm not sure who led what roads, but the finish was a solo performance. Because of the mist and fog, it was hard to make out what hound was coming on it's own to take 1st. It was Bernie Ralls 'Stracken' of Mayfield. He crossed the line at his ease with at least 20 lengths to spare on his follower. Charging for 2nd place came Michael & Leanne Harringtons 'A Lot Of Spots' who had also distanced himself a good few lengths from the chasing pack behind him. Although the first 2 places came independantly, they were running to the line like scalded cats and finished very strong. Michael Heffernans 'Bellman' made up a lot of ground on the call and finished 3rd just a head in front of Noelle McCarthys 'Barney' who took 4th.

Senior Results;
1st Quiet Lady, Fairhill
2nd Harold Scott, Northern United
3rd Foxy Jack, Southern Harriers
4th Magics Choice, Mayfield
5th Tallyman, Northern United
6th Dairy Tune, Kerry Pike

Senior maiden Results;
1st Stracken, Mayfield
2nd A Lot Of Spots, Fairhill
3rd Bellman, Mayfield
4th Barney, Fairhill
5th Westgate Tally, Mayfield
6th Busy Lad, Griffin United

Puppy Results:
1st Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harreirs
2nd Hi Ya, Fairhill
3rd Sheares Park Lad, Southern Harriers
4th Alyson, Douglas
5th Jasper, Northern United
6th Judys Girl, Mayfield

'Ladies Day'

We are hosting a 'Ladies Day' at the Non Winners Drag on the 3rd of October 09. Stephanie of Paradise Beauty & Tanning Studio, Churchfield has kindly offered to sponsor a beauty treatment for 1st prize, and there will also be runner up prizes on the day.
Remember this is just for fun, you'll be at a drag (not Cheltenham !) and the winners will be judged on the most creative hat and /or wellies !!! No point in turning up in hot pants stepping into cows sh** in heels and unable to start your own dog ! So, to give you an idea of what the judges will be looking for, Neil Webster of Cumbria has kindly e-mailed me a photo of their 'Ladies Day' winner Jackie Gill below.....
Good Luck to everyone..........

Tables 2009

Un-official tables 2009

Up dated 14th of September 09

Senior Hounds:
Magic Choice 121
Is It It 109
Quiet Lady 56
Harold Scott 48
Merlin 45
Black & Tan 43
Newtwon Raven 43
Duggans Lad 34
Tallyman 33
Not Now Man 38
Toffee Woman 27
Dairy Tune 27
Busy Future 24
Ryans Girl 20
BobbysChoice 19
John T 16
McGuigan 15
Westgate Storm 13
Ted Baker 13
Not Now Dora 12
Callums Ryan 10
Ruby 10
Midday Lass 9
War Dance 8
Foxy Jack 11
McQuade 6
Pats Pick 8
Midday Surprise 3
Aira Force 1

Senior Maiden Hounds
Stracken 65
McQuade 56.5
Foxy Jack 52
Callums Ryan 51
Westgate Tally 53
Crafty Jack 49
Shane 53
Sunrise Jack 34
Pavoritti 33
Joey 27
Not Now Ryan 25
Quiet Lady 24
Tomahawk 27
Barney 23
Bellman 21
Valdor 20
Busy Lad 19
Bobbys Choice 16
Superman 16
Rainbow Dancer 14
Ranter 13
McGuigan 11
Santa Ponsa Julie 11
Echo 11
Curraheen Drive 10
Langdale Dazzler 10
Untouchable 9
A Lot of Spots 9
Lucy Lou 7
Fresh Blood 5
Saturday Surprise 5
Belle 4
Wayward Lad 4
Midday Lass 3
Weekend Wino 3
Not Now Son 3

My Son My Son 2
Sandyman 1
Sophies Choice 1
Lockie 1

Puppy Hounds:
I Want You 172.5
Nina 107
Shears Park Boy 93
Jasper 69
Judys Girl 65
Skylark 56
The Buffer Boy 52
Shears Park Lad 51
Get Smart 48
Don’t Quote Me 46
Speedy 35
High Maintenance 29
Berlin 24
Scarty Boy 21
Baracca 17
HiYa 17
United Jack 14
Bogart 12
Alyson 9
Inmeway 6
Hi Magic 5
Toffee Boy 5
Rock Star 4
The Stig 4
Hi Quest 4
Roxanne 3
Blue Breeze 3
Shinazarde 2
Max High 1
Towlers Choice 1

Thanks to Marie Keating for supplying the list

More Old Memories ........

Boys of Fairhill 1975
Click on the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX8cX8d1hjk

The Armoured Car

Click on the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6W-7TSfkaw

Michael Forde Memorial Drag 30/08/09

Seniors crossing at the boothouse

Mayfield hosted the Michael Forde Memorial drag at Whites Cross. The crossing at the boothouse bar seen Clogheens 'Not Now Man' driving at a very fast pace, leading this road a full field clear of his followers. Frankie Allens 'Tallyman' came 2nd with a bit of law on the group of hounds behind him. At the last road, they would cross this and enter into the finishing field. It was very tense as now it was John Callaghans 'Is It It' of Southern Harriers and Tim O Callaghans 'Ted Baker' of Fairhill kneck in kneck to the tape. It was a tough decision for 1st place and the judges, after studying the camera, decided on a dead heat. However, Fairhill objected to this decision and the judges drove off to double check this on a tv. After an anxious age of waiting they returned with 1st place going to Tim Callaghans 'Ted Baker' of Fairhill just getting half a head in front of John Callaghans 'Is It It' of Southern Harriers.

pictured above; Tim Callaghan & family with senior winner Ted Baker and left is Frankie Allen with his senior maiden winner 'Superman'

Senior Results;

1st Ted Baker, Fairhill

2nd Is It It, Southern Harriers

3rd Tallyman, Northern United

4th Foxy Jack, Southern Harriers

5th Harold Scott, Northern United

6th Ruby, Northern United

Senior Maiden Results;

1st Superman, Northern United

2nd Shane, Griffin United

3rd A Lot of Spots, Fairhill

4th Tomahawk, Clogheen

5th Not Now Ryan, Clogheen

6th Lucey Lou, Clogheen

Puppy Results;

1st I Want You, Northern United

2nd Sheares Park Boy, Southern Harriers

3rd Speedy, Southern Harriers

4th Sheares Park Lad, Southern Harriers

5th Nina, Northern United

6th Blue Breeze, Southern Harriers

And once again a great social night afterwards at the Anglers Sports Bar.......

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.