COMBINED CANINE Club normally holds its all breed championship show on Easter Saturday. The outbreak of foot and mouth at the beginning of the year had necessitated the show being delayed until the last Saturday in September. The postponement was regrettable but one thing is for sure, the show was well worth waiting on.

As usual, this committee had worked hard to make the IKC Show Centre at Cloghran as attractive as possible. Outside there was an international style layout to the rings, which befitted an international show. The majority of the outdoor rings ended under cover in large tents, which also provided sheltered grooming areas for the exhibitors. Every indoor ring was carpeted (these helped dogs and owners alike to stay on their feet) and each judges table was enhanced with a posy of flowers, which also contained the judges national flag. The back wall of the hall was festooned with the national flags of all the judges; quite an international team had been assembled as this show also gives out FCI CACIBs as well as Green Stars. The main sponsors for the show were Beta, Frontline and Pampered Pets.

The Utility Group was judged by Michael Forte winner of the group was Michael Clancy’s Tibetan Spaniel,
Ch Milbethan Toddie. Second in the group was Messers Betts, Clarke, Frost and Scanlons Miniature Schnauzer,
Gb and Ir Ch Clarkmars Freddie Starr.

Several International Champions were made up on the day. My apologies in advance if I have left anyone out but I need you to tell me your news. Philip Behan won GSB and the fourth crowning CACIB with his Chow, Ir Ch Mingfield Princess Chloe. He also won BOB in German Spitz Klein with Windfall Twinkle At Mingfield. Jean Jacque Caillabets Doberman, Gb & Ir Ch Vincenza Distant Thunder won his fourth CACIB. Maynard and Marlene Collins won the fourth CACIB with their Griffon, Ir Ch Fennymore Good Time George. Ann Kingston won BOB and the fourth CACIB with her Japanese Shiba Inu, Ir Ch Spanlow No Satohime Of Glenvalley so she too can prefix her name with the title, International Champion.

Mrs J Steinbock from Israel awarded prime spot in the Hound Group to Gerry and Francis Larkin’s homebred Standard Long Haired Dachshund Larkhund Millie. Eighteen-month-old Millie, who has already won first in her classes at WKC and Darlington, beat her half brother, Gb & Ir Sh Ch Larkhund Dark Destroyer to the BOB spot while his son, Swans ford Leader To Larkhund won RGSD. Second in the group was Tony and Mary Mulvaneys Afghan Hound, Tejas Simply The Best at Chayzoe. Mary handled Taco, who has at least four other group wins to his credit, in the ring, Tony was otherwise occupied handling Trish Fosters Finnish Spitz, Kilconnell Poika Tovorla. I think this must have been one of the rare occasions when Finn was silent when at a show; perhaps other exhibitors will club together to pay Tony to handle Finn in the future (only kidding Trish!!). Third in the group was Lorraine and Jim Armstrong’s Beagle, Armadale Artisan; they also won GSB with Dexters sister, Armadale Angelica who was made up at Drogheda. This winning twosome also completed the double at Carlow where it was Angelicas turn to get a group placement, a second. Group four was Mrs Ann Whites Saluki, Abberann Pagan Warrior who was handled by Anns husband Nicky. they also completed the double when Ir Ch Caryna Simone won GSB.

Best in Show at the Combined Canine Club Ch show went to Tony Thornton and Paula Winston’s Boxer,
Benton Celtic Fusion. RBIS was Michael Clancy’s Tibetan Spaniel, Ch Milbethan Toddie,
also pictured is judge Mrs Bernie Ladd and Mervyn Webb of sponsors Beta.

Mrs J Steinbock also judged the Terrier Group. Group one was Bob Deardon and Ruth Robinsons Kerry Blue Terrier, Dasumianco Face Value. Second in the group was Mr Damien Geoghegans Lakeland Terrier, Ch Eskwyre Return Fire who was handled by Philip Greenaway. Third was Mrs Tina Squires West Highland White Terrier, Bellevue Total Eclipse handled by Geraldine Fitzpatrick while in fourth spot was Galvin and Vickers homebred Airedale Terrier, Thorconn Tiger Lily.

The Hound Puppy Group was judged by Mrs Bernie Ladd. First in the group was Mr and Mrs P McKittericks Norwegian Elkhound, Cnoc An Oir True Love. Group 2 was Mrs Lucinda Thompsons Whippet, Barnesmore Sweet Baby Jane while group 3 was Mr and Mrs G Messengers Irish Wolfhound, Vella Orchid Of Tibridarn. Fourth in the group was Mr Eamonn Murrays Beagle, Halistons Helisio.

BPIS was Kerry Davidsons Chow Chow, Lechan Jarvis Best and RBPIS John O’Mahoneys Pembroke Corgi, Chawton Another Dime, seen here judge Mrs Bernie Ladd and Mervyn Webb of sponsors Beta.

Judged by Bernie Ladd the Hound Puppy group was won by McKitterick’s Norwegian Elkhound, Cnoc An Oir True Love. Group 2 was Mrs Lucinda Thompsons Whippet, Barnesmore Sweet Baby Jane.

Alan and Brenda McWhiter won both GSs in Bulldogs with Hubasha Move Me Gently while Spikes kennelmate, Ballylummin Chloe won GSB; this win gave Chloe the final points for her Irish title. Maureen and Jimmy Wade won both GSs in Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen with Deanound Ultime and Famecheck Magique. Joyce Ruigrok and Dan Delaney completed the double in Italian Spinones. Their Italian import, Magic At Sharpshot won BOB while Marcos kennel-mate, Gaesten Ala Piemonte won GSB; Ali was made up at Dundalk. This win means that this year they have won BOB at four shows with four different dogs.

The Gundog group was judged by Mrs Rita McCarry-Beattie. First was Droghedas reserve Best in Show winner, Christine and Colm McLoughlins Irish Setter, Lestannons Gold Finger At Inishglora. Second in the group was Chris Hancocks Labrador Ch Sh Ch Ballyhenry Sea Breeze At Hancourt while in third spot was John and Margaret O’Gormans Pointer, Sh Ch Hurwyn Bit a Lemon. Group four was Liam and Brian Morans Golden Retriever Sh Ch Neck To Neck of Glensheallag.

The Terrier group was judged by Ms J Steinbock . Grp 1 was Deardon & Robinson’s Kerry Blue Terrier, Dasumianco Face Value. Group 2 was Geoghegan’s Lakeland Terrier, Ch Eskwyre Return Fire.

Eve Smail and Sean Carroll won the Toy group under Ann Cuthbert with their Pomeranian Am Ch Pempomfinchs Dandy Creation; Grp 2 was Mrs Sharon Raineys Maltese, Angels Vision for Khanthav.

Overcome

Despite several calls over the loudspeaker system, only one Gundog puppy was present to be judged by Mrs Bernie Ladd; this was Norman and Heather Larges Irish Water Spaniel, Fynder True Reflection of Coleenville. Norman was so overcome with his award that he actually requested that Milo and himself be photographed by the press not once but twice!!!!!. The Terrier Puppy Group was also judged by Mrs Ladd and her choice for the top spot here was Ann Taggarts West Highland White Terrier, Ailwee Kennet of Cooley; Ann also won a third CACIB and GSB with Ir Ch Cooley Broken Promise. Ann also told me that daughter Siobhan had won BIS at the Northern Doberman Club Show as well as the reserve CC at Belfast with her Supetas Positively Perfect For Cooley. Puppy group two was Mrs Margaret Cliffords Smooth Fox Terrier, Migley Bryans Daughter. Third in the Terrier Puppy group was Roy and Marion Greggs Airedale Terrier Bambusa Kingmoss while fourth was Mr and Mrs C F Pratts Irish Terrier, Terrijay Fenestrelle.

The Utility Group was judged by Mr Michael Forte. Winner of the group was Michael Clancys Tibetan Spaniel, Ch Milbethan Toddie who now has two group two places as well as one group three to her credit; Toddie also won the reserve CC at Belfast , 2000. Second in the group and winning his first CACIB on the day was Messers Betts, Clarke, Frost and Scanlons Miniature Schnauzer, GB and Ir Ch Clarkmars Freddie Starr. Freddie has had a super year winning group two at Crufts and then Belfast; he was also group 2 at Drogheda and Carlow. Freddie was not at Dundalk but Paul handled Freddies son, Barzer Celtic Storm for his owner Frank Barry and won third in the group; he won RGSD here at Combined behind his father. Group three was Mr Stephen Lloyds Lhasa Apso, Ch Owenvera Lying Eyes while group four was Mr and Mrs D Mantons Tibetan Terrier Ch Mikudi Metal Mickey.

Winner of the Pastoral Puppy Group was Mr John O’Mahonys Pembroke Corgi, Chawton Another Dime. Group 2 was John and Valerie Geddis Rough Collie, Ingledene Shes Born With It.

Bernie Ladd awarded Best Puppy Toy group to Becks’ Smooth Coated Chihuahua Mister Frosty With Baladora; Group 2 was Rev Smiths Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rosspen Golden Lady.

Winner of the Utility Puppy Group was Mrs Kerry Davidsons Chow Chow Lechan Jarvis. Kerry had to attend a course and Ann Fulton handled Bear on the day. Group 2 was Mrs L Richardsons Miniature Poodle Kelyn Kharisma while in third place was Annie and Billy Cochranes Min Schnauzer, Kinorla Made Ya Look. By the way, belated congratulations to Billy and Annie for their CC win at Leeds with their Giant Schnauzer, Kinorla First Impression. Fourth in the group was Mrs Marion Campbells Boston Terrier, Lisvarna Henny Penny.

The Working group was judged by Mr Fred Cuthbert. He chose Tony Thornton and Paula Winstons Boxer, Benton Celtic Fusion for the top spot. Twenty three month old Nelson has a famous sire Ch Benton Rob Roy; he also fathered the RSGS winner, Ann Ingrams GB & Ir Ch Tirkane Lone Ranger. In second spot was David McKenna’s top winning Bouvier Des Flanders, Shepshadow Showstopper. Group three was Paul and Jean Lawless top winning Belgian Shepherd, GB & Ir Ch Woodlyn Black Jack at Revloch while group four was Mr Michael Moloneys Great Dane, Killhelm Chad.

Winner of the Working Puppy Group which was also judged by Mrs Bernie Ladd was Mr Paul Toppings Rottweiler, Rotsworth Falcon. Second in the group was Mrs Josie Foleys Siberian Husky, Leorient Call Of The Wild handled by Josie’s daughter Anita. Group three was Mr and Mrs J Paynes Boxer, Willow Star Struck while group four was Mr and Mrs J Mahers St Bernard, Guinness At Aldi.

Mrs Ann Cuthbert judged the Pastoral Group. Group one was Mr and Mrs Des Mantons Old English Sheepdog, Allmark Goes Ballistic With Scallywag. Group two was Mrs L Mr D and Miss J Divers Samoyed, Gb Ch Murmansk Magician

Marie Thorpe was celebrating making up yet another Irish Champion. Her Long Coated Chihuahua, Ashaka Brainwave won BOB on the day; Blake was the overall top Chihuahua in 2000 as well as top long coat. This was Maries second champion made up in September as her Meloth Constar gained her title at Drogheda. Ann and Austin Long-Doyle won both GSs in St Bernards with Meadowmead Harmonie and his daughter, Ir Ch Longsdyle Grand Prix. Karen Gilliland won both GSs in Swedish Vallhunds with Starvon Falcon Flyer Over Castleavery and Starvon Bam Bam In Castleavery.

Mrs Ann Cuthbert judged the Pastoral Group. Group one was Mr and Mrs Des Mantons Old English Sheepdog, Allmark Goes Ballistic With Scallywag. Group two was Mrs L, Mr D and Miss J Divers Samoyed, GB Ch Murmansk Magician, Group three was John and Valerie Geddes Rough Collie, Seabounds Shes All That For Ingledene. Maikki was imported from Sweden under the Pet Passport scheme. Just over two years old, she won the Post Graduate class at Belfast; her daughter also won RGSB and was second in the Pastoral Puppy Group. Group four was Finbar and Deirdre Fowlers Bearded Collie, Moonhills Midnight Love At Carlindale. They also won RSB with her daughter, Ir Ch Carlindale Midnight Comet and the dog GS with Ir Ch Moonhills Only The Best At Carlindale.

The Terrier Puppy Group was also judged by Mrs Ladd and her choice for the top spot was Ann Taggarts
West Highland White Terrier, Ailwee Kennet of Cooley; Group two was
Mrs Margaret Cliffords Smooth Fox Terrier, Migley Bryans Daughter

Special

Winner of the Pastoral Puppy Group was Mr John O’Mahonys homebred Pembroke Corgi, Chawton Another Dime; Jamie also won the Green Star as well. Group two was John and Valerie Geddis Rough Collie, Ingledene Shes Born With It. In third spot was Mr and Mrs Connollys Border Collie, Sankenau Sweet Maree At Huntly while puppy group four was Mrs Noreen Clarkes homebred Samoyed, Icemist Nordic Dancer. I must make a special mention of young Amanda Murtagh who handled her Shetland Sheepdog puppy, Joshren Black Inovation so well in the big ring.

Mrs Ann Cuthbert also judged the Toy Group. The winner was Eve Smail and Sean Carrolls Pomeranian Am Ch Pempomfinchs Dandy Creation; Larry, who was handled by James Newman, won his third and crowning CC at Belfast the previous week. James and Sean were still celebrating winning group two at Belfast with their homebred Ir Ch Belliver Secret Affair who also gained her third and crowning CC on the day. Group two here at Combined was Mrs Sharon Raineys Maltese, Angels Vision for Khanthav who recently won the group at Drogheda. In third spot was Mrs Dolly Kavanaghs Papillon, Denemore Forbidden Treasure who was handled by Sean Carroll; still a puppy, Rio has won the CC and BOB at City of Birmingham, four BPIBs in England as well as four GSs (two with BOB) at the four shows he has attended in Ireland. Fourth in the group was Mrs Olive Taylors Yorkshire Terrier, Massendean Exception.

Mrs Bernie Ladd awarded Best in the Toy Puppy Group to Roy and Audrey Becks Smooth Coated Chihuahuas Mister Frosty With Baladora; Dinky has already several GSs in his name. Group two was Rev Smiths Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rosspen Golden Lady. In third spot was Mrs Marie Renehan and Oliver Noonans Bichon Frise, Warmingham Jaunty Plume; Noa was BPIB at Belfast and BOB and group 3 in the Toy Group at Carlow the previous week. Group four was Mrs Jacinta Mangans Pomeranian Cuann Tiny Talent.

Mrs J Steinbock awarded top spot in the Hound Group to Gerry and Francis Larkins Standard Long Haired Dachshund Larkhund Millie. Second in the group was Tony and Mary Mulvaneys Afghan Hound, Tejas Simply The Best at Chayzoe

A sizeable crowd of people watched as Mrs Bernie Ladd re-examined all seven puppy finalists. She then placed the puppies in reserve order. In seventh spot was the Westie, sixth was the Irish Water Spaniel while in fifth was the Elkhound. In fourth spot was the Rottie while the Chihuahua was awarded third place. Mrs Ladd then declared the Chow, Lechan Jarvis Best Puppy in Show with the Pembroke Corgi, Chawton Another Dime in the reserve spot.

The final task for Mrs Ladd was then to decide who was going to take the title of Combined Canine Best in Show 2001 home with them. Once again the placings were given in reverse order. In seventh spot was the Irish Setter, sixth was the Dachshund, fifth the OES while the Kerry Blue was fourth and the Pom third. The final two dogs were moved around the ring once more and then Mrs Ladd indicated that the top award was to go to Tony Thornton and Paula Winstons Boxer, Benton Celtic Fusion. Reserve BIS was declared to be Michael Clancys Tibetan Spaniel, Ch Milbethan Toddie.

The Gundog group was judged by Mrs Rita McCarry-Beattie. First was Christine and Colm McLoughlins
Irish Setter, Lestannons Gold Finger At Inishglora. Second in the group was Chris Hancocks
Labrador Ch Sh Ch Ballyhenry Sea Breeze At Hancourt