Report by Ivan McAlister
45th Irish Kennel Club Spaniel Championship Introductions by Championship Chairman Tom Brennan
T
he 45th Irish Kennel Club Spaniel Championship was held at Baronscourt Estate on December 28th & 29th 2021 by very kind permission and invitation of Lord Hamilton. This Championship was very welcome and long awaited, as with many other events Covid 19 caused the cancellation of the Championship in 2020. Judges for the two days were Ronan Gorman and Gerry Meehan, with Robin Young taking up the role of Reserve Judge. Head Gamekeeper Stephen Pollock and his team did a brilliant job, having a fantastic supply of game on the ground for both days, which gave every dog equal opportunity to impress the Judges. As has been the case for the last number of years, the Championship was again very kindly and generously sponsored by our good friends Feedwell Dogfoods. There was a card of 34 dogs entered and there were two non-runners. Due to a lower number of qualifiers than usual 74
being run during the season, the IKC Field Trial Committee gave permission for dogs awarded with just one second to qualify for entry into the draw. This year’s Championship also attracted 8 entries from the U.K. Over both days all dogs were able to give a good account of themselves in a mixture of briar and rhododendrons and when game was produced it was dealt with by the first class team of accurate Guns who were Mark Clifford, Willie Megaughin, Justin Shepperd and Ivan Wilson. Stephen Pollock and his team at Baronscourt Estate are renowned for producing quality trials and on this occasion all expectations were met, with one of the most memorable Championships being run in recent years. On day two, when the Judges had seen all the dogs and after making up their books, they called 14 dogs to water for the completion of the 45th IKC Spaniel Championship. Before the presentation took place, Acting Championship Secretary
Spring 2022 Irish Country Sports and Country Life
Anthony Smyth thanked numerous people for their help and involvement, starting with the Host, Lord Hamilton for inviting the Championship into Baronscourt. He thanked Stephen Pollock, his team of Keepers and Agent for the Estate, Matt Stuart for the work which had been done to make this event the success that it was. Anthony expressed our gratitude to Feedwell Dogfoods for their continued support. He went on to thank the Judges and Guns and also Chief Steward, David Doherty and all the Stewards involved over the two days and everyone who took out adverts in the programme. Anthony then moved onto the presentation.
RESULTS 1st:- Gardenrath Mistletoe. Sire:- Echobay Leonardo. Dam:- Lisgarvagh Nina. Owned and handled by Mr. Des Donnelly. 2nd:- Ftch Meadowbeat Neala of Greenbrush. Sire:- Ftch Belvden Collingwood.
