Alan Bartley (Hon secretary)
Premier County Field Trial Association
The Premier County Field Trial Association held its Autumn open stake for pointers and setters under IKC rules on the Slieve Bloom Nature Reserve on the 8th of September 2022. This event was kindly sponsored by our good friends at Connolly's Red Mills.
This was an eagerly awaited event due to the fact that the ongoing habitat management by the NPWS on the Slieve Blooms is having a very positive impact on the Red Grouse numbers. This increase in numbers has been developed over a very short number of years. This wonderful bird just needs a little help to survive, and habitat management plays the biggest part.
Competitors and spectators were greeted with a beautiful Autumn morning. We were spoiled with glorious sunshine throughout the day. There is something very special about watching these magnificent dogs quartering the heather in search of game as their coats glitter in the sun with breath-taking views behind… as far as your eyes can see.
This trial saw most breeds represented with Irish Red setters, Irish Red and White setters, English setters and Gordon setters taking part from all parts of the country. A long walk out the hill to get the wind correct for the dogs saw the trial set up with enough ground in front for every dog and their handler to make their mark. The very experienced judges of Mr Pat Dooley and Mr Aidan Dunne were happy to get started. There was action from the very start with Declan O Rourke’s Gordon setter dog having a nice find on a snipe. The judges had finds on both snipe and grouse over the course of the first round. Some very good hard running dogs were in their books for the second round.
But lunch was first… which was enjoyed looking out over the breath-taking views from The Cut car park. Lunch finished and the draw was done for the second round. Out we marched, both man and dog eager to return to the hill. Again, the dogs had more to give us in their second run and things got very exciting when Hugh Brady’s Irish Red setter bitch, The Morrigan, had a lovely find on a single cock grouse right in front of the judges…never a bad thing. Now, she had added herself to the list of dogs with a find. Once the second round had finished the judges were happy to call time and we returned to the car park for a well-earned cup of tea while awaiting the results.
Mr Dave Bells Irish Red Setter dog, Sheenmel Dream.
This win saw the Clarecastle man’s dog earn the last few championship points needed to award him the status of being an Irish Field Trial champion. Sheenmel Dream is a very hard running and brave dog. He competed in heavy ground over both rounds. He had a great find on a pair of grouse in the first round. In his summing up, Mr Aidan Dunne (judge) explained that this was enough for the win. Congratulations to Dave and Carmel on this wonderful achievement with their very own home bred dog.
Mr Billy Grace with Upperwood Resolution of Capparoe - an English setter dog.
This is a very silky-smooth running English setter dog. He had a lovely find in the first round by a walking path. The cock grouse ran quite a bit before showing himself… this didn’t help Billy’s nerves! This dog was well able for the task presented. He rode out with a high head when asked to produce this runner.
Mr Hugh Brady with Ballydavid The Morrigan, an Irish Red Setter bitch. Very exciting fast lady to watch with high head carriage. This is always easy on the eye - a delight to watch. She had a cracking find on a single cock grouse in her second round, right in the middle of the beat.
Such was the standard of dog work on the day that the judges, Mr Pat Dooley (Wildfield Pointers) and Mr Aidan Dunne (Moadhog Irish red setters) awarded all dogs with a classification of “Excellent”.
The Miss Biggles Perpetual Cup and Red Mills dog food were presented after the judges summed up their award winners and their views on other dogs that ran extremely well.
Our thanks to Red Mills, as their loyal support to Pointer and Setter Field Trailing has developed a strong relationship over their many years of involvement.
Yours in sport,
Alan Bartley (Hon secretary)
Premier County Field Trial Association
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See our range of Federal bullets.
]]>While the company we know today as Federal Ammunition came into being in 1922, the story begins several years earlier. On September 15, 1916, brothers Harry and Louis Sherman formed the Federal Cartridge and Machine Company.
The brothers ventured north with a wealth of technical knowledge and patents to launch a new company. They secured funding from several businessmen to establish the new ammunition plant on 31 acres of land in Anoka, Minn.
The Anoka Union newspaper described the project as a “massive munitions plant” where “all kinds of cartridges will be made.” A few months after construction on the plant was finished, the corporation was reorganized as the Federal Cartridge Co., with plans to manufacture shotshells for foreign and domestic military contracts. The end of World War I upended that plan.
Because of ongoing conflicts with investors, the Sherman brothers left the company in early 1917, and only a small quantity of shotshells were ever made by the factory’s 20 employees before it closed.
The Federal Cartridge Company building sat idle for two years, much to the disappointment of Anoka residents who had anxiously awaited the jobs and the economic benefits the ammunition factory would have brought to the city. And that might have been the end of the factory and Federal Ammunition, if not for the intervention of a 34-year-old businessman from Minneapolis named Charles Horn.
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Connolly’s RED Mills is the primary sponsor for this event and their support allows the IRSC to invite experienced international judges to officiate, hire photographers to take high quality image and videos of the action for use to commemorate the event and promote the breed. All-in-all Connollys’ support allows the IRSC to deliver a high-quality event. Bill Connolly’s participation with his crack team of setters is particularly welcomed by the Club.
Over the three editions of the Championship to date, it has been notable that the number of dogs awarded the ‘EXCELLENT’ classification has been significant which speaks highly of the dogs competing and the overall current quality of Irish Red Setters as top-class hunting dogs.
The Championship also permits an insight into the best working lines of Irish red setters and allows enthusiasts or newcomers the opportunity to appreciate the top contemporary setters.
The IRSC has been trying to organise a European Championship on grouse and our efforts have been disrupted by the COVID pandemic. It is proposed to run the inaugural event in early August 2022 in the North of England, and we look forward to attracting dogs from across Europe to this event. We are also looking forward with anticipation to the next European Championship on Snipe in October 2023.
Your goal should be maximising this year's hunting season opportunities. Last season is the best starting point for planning this season. Review last duck season objectively and determine which hunting spots performed best. If the weather has changed, determinate an alternative spot.
Since the last thing you need is your wheels falling apart or smoke coming out of the engine in the middle of the season, service your vehicle on time and make sure it’s reliable. And don't forget to have a spare tyre with you. Even a quick check of oil, filters, and air pressure reduces the risk.
Make sure your gun licence is not expired.
Make sure your shotgun is well cleaned and ready for the season by following these steps: Unload ⇒ Clean ⇒ Lubricate ⇒ Wipe down ⇒ Reassemble ⇒ Final check
Check out our range of cartridges, bags and gunslips.
Having waterproof and windproof clothing during the season is extremely important under constantly changing Irish weather conditions. Investing in a high quality outdoor jacket, trousers and boots is worth it as it will protect your health in the long run.
Prepare for the worst conditions throughout the season and make sure you have some extra clothes with you. An insulated jacket with a hood will keep you dry and warm. We recommend waterproof, windproof and breathable Deerhunter Gamekeeper jackets in turf or timber camo.
Don't forget to take an extra pair of socks with you. Even though wool stays warm when wet, having an extra pair of socks with you might be a better option.
As the eyesight of ducks is more powerful than human's eyesight, a well-camouflaged hunter has more chance not to spook out the ducks. Keep in mind that ducks will not land if they know you're there!
Jackets | Trousers | Gloves | Beanie, Cap | Facemasks & Neck Tubes
We also recommend that you have your Deerhunter Camo Hide with you, as the leaf blind materials feature die-cut leaves which helps the net blend into natural environments.
First aid kit is a must-have item and it needs to be easily accessible. As hunting involves close contact with knives, grass, sharp rocks, and slippery surfaces, the potential for injury is always present.
Use repellants and head nets to keep all of the bothersome midges and other insects away. Good shooting glasses will protect your eyes, and if you wish to protect your hearing, even disposable foam earplugs are better than nothing. If you wish to go to a pro level, check out 3M hunter headset or Champion electronic hearing protection with microphone and speakers.
Always have enough food and water with you, and a bit extra, just in case.
Keep it well wrapped and "quiet". Plastic wraps or crunch sounds might not sound too loud for your ears, but that might be a warning signal for ducks. Quality energy bars are handy for not taking too much space. For your dog, we recommend Engage Replenish power bars to re-energise and reward your dog.
Single-use plastic water bottles can be noisy and are not environmentally friendly, so we suggest that you go for reusable water bottles. Stanley vacuum bottles might be a good option. With this in mind, the Stanley cooler is great for a long stay in the wilderness.
Scouting is essential for being successful in duck hunting. Whether you're a beginner or a pro at duck hunting, binoculars always come in handy.
Hunting in darkness is difficult and not recommended, so make sure you have a flashlight with you. A good flashlight has a great tactical function as well.
Ansmann rechargeable professional headlight is comfortable to wear and its LED is surrounded by an optical reflector system that optimally concentrates the light to ensure a long range.
You don't need us to tell you to be sure that your phone should be charged and put on silent mode. It's always good to have power bank with you if you're away from a power supply for longer than a day. Most smartphones these days have compass and GPS built in.
Practice and master your calls. Calling ducks effectively is a talent that many hunters fail to master, so tweak your abilities and fine-tune the skills you'll need this Autumn.
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It was sunny! Yes, SUN! And the mild temperature made for a most pleasant day as the dogs and handlers worked through the varied ground of rushes bordered by thick, challenging hedges of briars and brambles, dense bracken, green fields again bordered by heavy cover, and finally ending in lovely woodland. Partridges and pheasants were very plentiful, and the guns shot well, providing plenty of game for the dogs.
After deliberation, Judges Mr. Tony O'Brien (A), Mr. Frank Maunsell (B) and Mr. Tommy White (C) reached their decision, and the award winners were announced, as follows:
1st Place and Guns Choice: Mr. Shane Gainley, graded excellent, with his ESS bitch Garrisoncullin Tio, Sire: Churchview Chunnel, Dam: Shona of Levally.
Mrs. Kelleher presented Shane with the Billy Kelleher Memorial Perpetual Trophy, and also a lovely trophy for his Gun's Choice award.
2nd Place: Mr. Rody Culleton, graded very good, with his ESS dog Cummerglen Admiral, Sire: Drumreenagh De Vitry, Dam: Balloonagh Jill.
3rd Place: Mr. John Keeshan, graded very good, with his ESS dog Balley Clear Flash, Sire: FTCH Tearsol Flash, Dam: Rosbeha Fieldfare.
4th Place, Mr. Rody Culleton, graded very good, with his ESS bitch Oftaw Lady Windemore, Sire: FTCH Drumreanagh De Vitry, Dam: Lady Ina Tillystown.
Thank you to Mr. Stuart Greaves for providing the ground and game, to the Judges, to the guns, to the game carriers and all of the supporters and helpers, and to Connolly's Red Mills ENGAGE Dog Food for sponsoring this trial, and continuing to support Country Pursuits.
A special thank you to Mrs. Kelleher and the Kelleher family for attending and presenting the awards to the winners. It was a special moment for everyone who knew Billy.
]]>Cleaning a Rifle
When cleaning a rifle you will need a cleaning kit that matches the calibre of your gun. You will need gun oil and, if it is a gun that has done a lot of shooting or is a centre fire rifle, you will need solvents to remove lead, copper and gun powder residue.
The cleaning kit will consist of:
Step 1:
Take some gun oil or solvent or dip a patch in the gun oil or solvent. Push the patch up through the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle with the cleaning rod. Leave the oil or solvent in the bore for 10 minutes.
Step 2:
Push the bronze brush through the bore several times using the cleaning rod. This will loosen any copper, lead or debris.
Step 3:
With the cleaning rod, and the jag, push the patches through the bore until a patch comes out clean. This will tell you that the bore is clean.
Step 4:
Now you will begin cleaning the action of your rifle, start by removing the bolt. The bolt is removed and then you will spray gun oil all over it. If there is a lot of gun powder residue on the bolt and the action you might want to use solvent on it. We would recommend Hoppe’s Copper Solvent in these cases. Apply the solvent, leave for 10 minutes and then carefully remove all the solvent. Apply gun oil and use a toothbrush to get around the action in those hard to reach spots.
Step 5:
Before putting your gun away spray some gun oil all over the exterior and wipe away any excess with a clean cloth or towel.
Need more help or got a question?
Why not call us on on +353 56 4449013 and we will be happy to help, or email us on info@thegunstore.ie.
See our range of gun cleaning accessories:
]]>Day-1 Open Stake was well supported with following awards being presented:
1st #14, GSB, Wiscombe Tomintoul (Sara Chichester
2nd #51, ISD, Erinvale Mission (Brian Morris)
3rd #50, ISB, Erinvale Maze (Brian Morris)
4th #62, PD, Paardeberg Zephyrus (Chris Roberts; Handler Steve Roberts)
CoMs #45, PD, Goddrib Messina (Sue Langford & Alan Neil; Handler Alan Neil)
Day-2 Puppy & Novice Stake was cancelled given heavy snow fall.
Both clubs appreciate the continued support of Jermemy Hermann and Steve Colmar in allowing Spring access to the estates’ fantastic moorland.
Summer Circuit
The summer trials were held at Swintons, near Masham in North Yorkshire by kind permission of Lord Masham. Judges for the two days of summer field trials were Wilson Young & Paul Dale.
Day-1 weather conditions for the Puppy and Breed Stakes were favourable with some sunshine and light wind conditions.
Novice Stake
1st #60, ISB, Coldcoats Little Pixie (Steve Robinson)
2nd #32, PB, Glencuan Molly (Roy Heath)
3rd #41, ESB, Upperwood Kynn Elle Aurichalcum (Howard Kirby)
CoMs #72, ISD, Sheenmel Glen of Patchcroft (Martin Webber)
Breed Stake
1st #16, ISB, Erinvale Jenna (Billy Darragh)
2nd #12, ISB, Bownard Cherry Cherry (Donna Clarke; Handler Colin Forde)
3rd #60, ISB, Coldcoats Little Pixie (Steve Robinson)
4th #59, ISB, Tiqun Pippa (Steve Robinson)
CoMs #56, ISB, Ft Ch Shan-Ry-Con Android (Davy O’Neill)
#61, ISB, Coldcoats Little Lottie (Steve Robinson)
#11, ISD, Dunroon Ginger Storm (Sara Chichester)
Day-2 conditions were very mixed with the morning being held in windy, wet/damp conditions. While the afternoon was held in glorious sunshine.
Open Stake
1st #34, PD, Merlot of Morness (Laurent Hild; Handler Richard MacNicol)
2nd #17, ISB, Erinvale Jessica (Billy Darragh)
3rd #20, ISB, Erinvale Ice Crackle (Penny Darragh)
4th #50, PD, Ft Ch Gerensay Starlight of Bitternboom (John Naylor)
CoMs #56, ISB, Ft Ch Shan-Ry-Con Android (Davy O’Neill)
#11, ISD, Dunroon Ginger Storm at Wisvombe (Sara Chichester)
#07, GSB, Wiscombe Tomintoul (Sara Chichester)
#58, PB, Sparkfield Bonnet of Fernglen (Julia Organ)
#66, PB, Amshot Eric’s Charm (Maureen Thomas; Handler Colin Organ)
Both clubs appreciate the continued support of Lord Masham and Gary Taylor in allowing Summer access to the estates’ fantastic moorland.
2018 Field Trial Diary Dates
Tues 20th & Wed 21st March
Location : East Allenheads-Muggleswick, Co Durham
Judges : Nigel Smith & Sara Chichester
Mon 23rd & Tues 24th July
Location : Swintons, nr Masham, North Yorkshire
Judges : Heather Smith & Nicky-Ackerly-Kemp
These same trials are expensive to run and the ISAE-SP field trials could not be run without the generous financial support as received from both parent clubs. Additionally we are extremely grateful to the continued sponsorship of RED MILLS of Ireland as their support eases pressure on the finances as well as enhancing award ceremonies.
And the clubs are extremely grateful to the judges who sacrificed family/business/sporting time in undertaking the judging appointments during 2017.
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