Following what seemed like an age the CluainUltaigh Shows dogs and bitches returned to the ring at theTralee and District Open show with Fearnach Blue Rhpsody at CluainUltaigh winning both his class and best of breed with Milesend Corndolly winning her class. It was a nice day out at a very friendly venue.
On Sunday 19th February Fearnach Blue Rhapsody attended the Sullivans Quay Open Show at the Cork Marts, this time Fearnach Blue Rhapsody was in top form won his class, best of breed and won the group , unfortunately he did not achieve a placing in the Best in Show Ring but it was valuable practise for him and it was his 5th Group Win.
Over the weekend of the 9th and 10th March, Ruthe and Heather travelled over to the N.E.C. in Birmingham to attend 'Crufts'. Three of the CluainUltaigh exhibits attended the show, Benji, Shadow and Lacey. All 3 showed their little paws of but unfortunately this year we achieved no placings, though the experience gained by all who attended will stand them in good stead for future. Ruthe really enjoyed the day and had a great time after the showing part of the day was over wandering around all the trade stands. Many thanks to all her fellow exhibitors who made the day a very pleasent day with plenty of laughs and chat.
left Milesend Corndolly Above Semitar Spice Dream at CluainUltaigh |
St Patricks Celtic Winners Show was the next outing for the show dogs and Ruthe, under Judge Paul Lawless (Revloch). The rain held off for the morning and to our delight Semitar Spice Dream at CluainUltaigh (Beinji) won the Open Class and Fearnach Blue Rhapsody (Shadow) won the Intermediate Class under Judge Paul Lawless. Neither achieved a placing in the Green Star Challange but Shadow did get quite a few extra looks from the Judge but was edged out by two Champions.
Photographs taken by Patrick Fortune who has kindly lets us use them.
Following the Celtic Winners Show the CluainUltaigh Show Dogs hit the trail and travelled over to The Shetland Sheepdog Club of Wales in Cwmbran that evening. This was a lovely show in a very pleasent venue. The judge was Mrs Kay Hateley (Mohnesee), first up was Fearnach Blue Rhapsody at CluainUltaigh who showed himself very well in the Yearling Class and was placed 3rd in a nice class. Next up was Semitar Spice Dream at CluainUltaigh in Post Grad who again showed himself well and again he was rewarded with a 3rd place in a strong class. This was a nice reward for all the travelling that had taken place. Many thanks again to Judge Kay Hateley (Mohnesee).
Following a two week break off we went again to the U.K. for a double headed weekend of shows with the CluainUltaigh Shelties. The first show was The Scottish Breeds, held in Royal Highland Excibition Hall, Edinburgh, a lovely venue and for the first time our Tom Tom actually found it. First off as usual was Fearnach Blue Rhapsody at CluainUltaigh in Yearling and to Ruthe's delight he was placed first in the class. In Post Grad Semitar Spice Dream at CluainUltaigh was placed third, once again a nice set of results. It was such a thrill to see Shadow in the line-up for the challange, he was unfortunately unplaced but the experience gained will be invaluable for the future.
Many thanks to Judge Johnny Anderson (Lundecocks).
On the 1st April after travelling south to South Shields near Newcastle the show dogs attended the Northern Counties Shetland Sheepdog Single Breed Championship Show. A lovely venue with a very relaxing atmosphere and plenty of space for all. As usual Fearnach Blue Rhapsody at CluainUltaigh was first in to the ring in Yearling, this time he achieved a 3rd place in an excellent class. He was followed by Semitar Spice Dream at CluainUltaigh who achieved a Reserve (4th) in a strong class.
Many thanks to Judge Mrs K. Main (Shenachie).
Above. Shadow in the Yearling Ring. Right. Benji in Post Grad |
On Saturday 5th May The CluainUltaigh Show dogs and Ruthe attended the Fermoy International Show and had a mixed day, Shadow being placed in his class but Benji being placed first in the Open Class and in the Challange achieved Reserve Green Star and then gaining Reserve CACIB, which has been upgraded to CACIB, his first International Point.
Once again the CluainUltaigh Show dogs hit the road to the U.K. and they attended the East of England Championship Show near Peterborough on Sunday 8th July. Despite the weather we really enjoyed the show and the venue again was really nice if a bit crowded. The judge on the day was Irene Beaden (Myriehewe) who was extremely professional with all the dogs and exhibitors. Again we had mixed fortunes, with Fearnach Blue Rhapsody at CluainUltaigh (Shadow) gaining a reserve (4th) placing in his first outing in Limit, which in our opinion was an excellent result for him and Ruthe in an extremely strong class. Ellenyorn Heaven Sent to CluainUltaigh (Ashleigh) in Post Graduate delighted us with a 3rd place and qualified herself for Crufts in again an extremely strong class.
