The Munster Pointer & Setter Association held it’s Summer Open Stake on the hills around Moycullen Co Galway on Saturday 2nd September 2006. The judges for the day were Johnny Mullins and Anthony Mulhall. The day started off badly with a strong wind blowing light rain and patchy fog around the ground. However this soon cleared and we ended up with a very pleasant sunny day to the extent that I got a touch of sunburn. The ground wasn’t actually that high above sea level and must be one of the most picturesque trial grounds in Ireland, the view, once visible, taking in most of Galway Bay looking out towards The Burren. The damage to the ground had been done over the previous few day and there was evidence of heavy rain fall and full water courses. No self respecting snipe would inhabit these grounds and grouse would be on the higher places. Birds were scarce and none were made use of until the very end of the second round.
1st Lisdvogue Prince Pat Reape’s Red Setter Dog
2nd Owen Lane’s Red Setter.
Jump :- The old dog showed just how tough he is, finishing off a long run in heavy going, even though he had taken a bad tumble. He ran at some pace, was nice and flat and handled well. When I got him out for the second round he was favouring his right front leg and I withdrew him.
Judy :- I am concerned that Judy hasn’t had enough birds of late but her quartering and especially her drive just get better and better. She had an interrupted first round when her original bracemate failed to handle and then had an amazing run in heavy heather/rushes. Amazing in that she had very flat lines in terribly broken ground. She was drawn against the same dog, Gerald Devine’s young English Setter in the second round. Even though the idea was that second rounds would be short we were run for a full fifteen minutes so the judges were liking what they saw. Neither of this pair are very big and both were lost from sight on occasions due to the height of the cover towards the end. They gave a very creditable display and would have been in contention for top honours had they been lucky enough to have a bird. Well pleased with run but disappointed with outcome.
