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.