The following article is from Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine ( http://www.countrysportsandcountrylife.com). written by Championship Secretary Tom Dunne reporting on the I.K.C. Championship for Pointers and Setters 2003 sponsored by Connolly's Redmills.

Championship Secretary Tom Dunne

On Saturday, 30th August, 2003, we gathered again at Kinnitty Village for the 45th renewal of the I.K.C. Championship. The weather was good, the entry was very big and the only fear was that the amount of game on the hill might not be adequate.

There are always plenty of grouse on this moor, but the last trial there had encountered very little. Even though previous years had shown a lot of grouse, there is always the apprehension that deserving dogs might not get the chance of polishing off a good display with game. Once again the moor came good with a lot of birds met. Whether handled or not does not really matter to me - if a dog has a fair chance, then mine and the Committee's task has been fulfilled.

Fifty dogs entered which was the biggest entry during my term. With one withdrawal on the morning the breakdown was: 17 Irish Red Setters, 3 Irish Red & White Setters, 20 Pointers and 10 English setters. With a large number of Field Trial Champions among the entry, this, again, was a quality card. Along with the large number of Irish dogs from both north and south, there were seven cross-channel entrants who did not come just to make up the entry.

Judges were Tom Dunne of Borrisoleigh and Tom Hayes of Cashel who had judged previously and Davy Byrne, the quiet man from Dublin, whose debut this was. How far does a judge walk during such a two- day trial? Without scientific measuring instruments, it is impossible to say, but anything up to 40 miles is possible. This may sound incredible, but a pair of dogs will travel a long way in fifteen minutes.

The first brace were down at 10.15am, running into a stiff breeze that threatened rain, but, thankfully, never delivered. Birds were scarce to begin with, but showed much better as the day progressed. Lunch saw 13 brace come (and some go!) and the last pair were run at 6 pm. There is never a delay at the end of the first round. By the time the judges return to the cars, a lot of competitors and spectators have already gone down the hill to Kinnitty to change and rest for the morrow. Not true. Forty eight sat down to an excellent dinner provided by Dolly Byme and her very capable staff in the Community Centre. Dinner is in no way formal and, by law, speeches are short. The judges' selection of the most stylish dog of the first day was Paddy Collins' pointer bitch Sugarloaf Zelda who received a most beautiful Duiske crystal bowl, presented by our sponsors- Connolly's Red Mills. This has always been a fun night and so it was this time and only the thoughts of the morrow sent us to bed at some hour!

Twenty six dogs survived the cut, but John 0 Neill who had had bad luck with two of his dogs on the first day, withdrew his remaining bitch as he suspected that she might be breaking down and thus affect her bracemate's performance. I always salute sportsmanship.

With the draw over we went back to the hill and walked a long distance to begin. There would be no return until the end of the third round and a packed lunch was included along with drinks etc.

The second round took a long time, but, eventually, the third round was called. Ten dogs made it this far and none was running for the beer. Again there were ample chances and, I suspect, the tension got to one or two dogs, but, then the prize was great. With the running of the last pair, the judges signalled "trial over" and sat down to consider their verdict.

The crowd returned to the road and the discussion was animated, as always. Confident predictions were made and discarded for who can really see what a dog has done over three rounds except the judges. Certainly the gallery cannot. With the result in my pocket and I not saying, we returned to the Community Centre where the presentation was made.

Irene Titterington (Irish Countrysports and Country Life) presents the winner with a limited edition partridge print by David Miller and a years subscription to Ireland's premier countrysports magazine.

Aside here:- Albert Titterington (whom I refer to as my publisher!) and Irene had made the long journey south for the presentations. Since the beginning of my Secretaryship he has presented the winner with beautiful Grouse prints by Milliken and the judges also with mementoes for their efforts. So it was this year except that he came in person to make the presentation . This year first and second had grey partridge prints by David Miller and all prize winners and judges had a years subscription to Irish Countrysports and Country Life.

Brian 0 Hara who is Chairman of the Field Trials Committee of the Irish Kennel Club was, as always, at hand to present the awards. Brian is regarded by every field trialler as 'a friend in court' so to speak and has done trojan work for the betterment of field trials. He and his lovely wife, Diane, always attend the Championship despite a busy schedule.

After the "Thank You's" the result was announced. The applause suggested that this met with universal approval:-

1st Ms. Jean Brown's IRSD FTCh Luska Finn - Classification :- Excellent

This four-year -old dog by Ranger of Lusk x Ardoon Lusk Girl gave a first class display in the most difficult part of the hill with an excellent find on two chicks and was always the one to beat. He never put a foot wrong in subsequent runs. This win makes him an International Field Trial Champion - just like his sire and Declan 0 Rourke was overcome when he received the Breeder's Trophy.

2nd Mr. Hugh Brady's IRSD Creg Jake - Classification : Very Good

A very good dog, an excellent game seeker. He had a good first round and good clean find in second. However, his overall ground work did not match the winner's.

3rd Mr. Pat Martin's E.S.B. Starlight Princess - Classification : Very Good

Excellent running all through a with good find in the first round. Had a false in second round which cost her and a find again in third.

Hugh Brady with Creg Jake

Footnote: It was nice to see Colin Forde of Limerick who carried the gun on the first day. I best remember Colin as a small boy carrying the gun at a mountain trial in Clonmel when I was a less-than-fit judge (what has changed?) At the end of every beat we walked back to begin the next and he travelled at speed leaving me struggling in his wake. Perhaps he will come next with a dog, but that might create another problem - where would Old Crescent get a replacement for such an excellent scrum-half?

Editors Note: Irish Countrysports and Country Life was delighted to help support the Championships. Like its predecessor Irish Hunting Shooting and Fishing., ICS&CL is pleased to put something back into countrysports. In its two year history the magazine has already been involved in major and minor sponsorships across a wide range of country sports. If your club has an event that could benefit from our support please do not hesitate to contact Albert Titterington on From ROI 048 9048 3873 from UK 028 9048 3873