Cork Field Trial Association Open Stake

On the 25th of November, the Cork Field Trial Association held an Open Stake for A.V. Spaniels on the lovely ground of AWBEG Sports Shoot, Quitrent, Kildorrerey, Co. Cork, by kind permission of Mr. Stuart Greaves. 

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.