National Drag hunt a success

Sixty-seven dogs from all over Ireland took part in the All-Ireland Drag Hunt, which took place last weekend in Kill.

Speaking after the event, chairman of the Irish Northern Drag Hunt Association, Raymond O’Reilly, said the weekend was a success.

“It was a brilliant weekend, with a great turnout,” he said. “We were honoured to host it and delighted with how it went.”

While people travelled from all over Ireland, the majority were from counties Cavan, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Kerry and Cork.

There were four heats, with 15 dogs in each heat. From each heat, the top six canines went on to the senior category to compete for the James Mooney All-Ireland Perpetual Cup. This was won by Ned, Mark, Niall and Ned Jr Crudden from Newtownbutler, who are part of the INDHA Club, which is made up of members from Monaghan, Fermanagh and Cavan.

The remaining entrants competed for the Jim Cochrane Memorial Cup, which was won by Shelia Cummins from Cork; while the puppy class was won by Mick Crowley and Cork, and Damian Mone Knocks, Fermanagh, who were presented with the Phil Smith Memorial Cup.

Raymond says that, while the competition was a success, it was difficult to organise.

“The competition took part on land belonging to about 15 farmers, so we all had to ask all of them if could we hold the event on their lands. It's also getting harder every year to get people to do jobs like lay out the aniseed oil [scent], which the competitors follow. We also gave out €2,424 in prize money, which was donated from local businesses. We'd like to thank everyone who took part, especially A&P Farms and Lappan House Farms.”

Money raised at the gate on the day of the event was also donated to MS Cavan, which Raymond says is a charity close to the hearts of the club.

“We've raised €1,100 so far, with more money coming in. A couple of club members lost a family member to MS so we're glad to give them a donation.”