John McFadden with fellow members of Glenravel & District Sheepdog Society, presenting a cheque to Susie McKeown (left) and her daughter Cora of the Angel Wishes charity.
Glenravel & District Working Sheepdog Society met recently for their annual trial event - this year marking 75 years of what is understood to be the oldest running trial on the island of Ireland.
To mark the fantastic milestone the organising committee decided to donate all the proceeds of the trial to a local charity Angels Wishes. The very worthy local organisation was set up in 2016 by a Northern Ireland mum, in memory of two children, Helen aged 3 and Brian aged 10, who both sadly passed away with cancer related conditions.
Angel Wishes support all children throughout Northern Ireland with cancer related conditions.
This year's 75th meeting of the society kicked off with the local novice class on Friday night (28 July). Seamus Gallagher and Dan took the top spot with JP McFadden and June in a close second. Poddy Mc Killop and Becca took 3rd spot on the evening.
Winner of the Novice Dog section Seamus Gallagher at the Glenravel & District Working Sheepdog Society's 75th anniversary trials at McFadden's Farm.
The main trial got underway on Saturday morning at 8am with Peter Og Morgan in the judging seat. The sheep remained very consistent from the start of the trial to end with the mule hoggets proving hard to pen and shed. Shannon Conn and Rick took top prize in the Intermediate with 61 points, with Paudie Mc Killop and Tide taking a close second on 60 points.
James P Mc Kee and Becca put up an excellent run in the Open Trial scoring 90 points. A little later Alastair Lyttle put up the winning run, scoring 93 points to take top spot in the Open Trial. Tommy Long and Gem took 3rd on 88 points.
Alastair Lyttle who won this years Open Trial receives his prize from Colette McFadden.
Before prize giving John Paul McFadden thanked all the sponsors and everyone who helped make the fundraising trial a huge success for 2023.
Following the event Glenravel & District Working Sheepdog Society were delighted to present a cheque to the Angel Wishes charity for £5,095.00.
John McFadden presents a cheque for £5095 to Cora McKeown of the Angel Wishes charity.
Full trial report below.
• Local Novice
1st - S Gallagher and Dan
2nd - JP McFadden and June
3rd - P McKillop and Becca
• Intermediate
Shannon Conn, winner of the Intermediate section, receives her award from Collettee McFadden.
1st - S Conn and Rick (61 pts)
2nd - P McKillop and Tide (60 pts)
3rd - K McDowell and Fly (46 pts)
• Open
1st - A Lyttle and TWM (93 pts)
2nd - JP McKee and Becca (90 pts)
3rd - T Long and Gem (88 pts OLFD)
4th - L Conn and Tess (88 pts OLFD)
5th - J McCloskey and Dollar (84 pts)
6th - J Maginn and Jess (83 pts)
• Special Prizes
Best Outrun Lift Fetch - K McCullough and Cap
Neill McQuillian Memorial Cup - P McKillop and Tide
Highest Pointed 2 Dogs - J McCloskey
Highest County Antrim Dog - E McAuley and Tam
The McNaughton family from Loughgiel who presented the John McNaughton Memorial Cup in memory of thier late father who was a lifelong member of the Glenravel & District Working Sheepdog Society.
Young Handler Award - S Fegan
The Roger Crawford Cup - E McAuley and Tam
John McNaughton Memorial Cup (new Cup) - A Lyttle and TWM