JHA of Ireland finals

Photo by Shows Dogs Ireland

The Junior Handlers Association of Ireland final, sponsored by Masterfoods, was held at the National Show Centre in Dublin on 2nd December, where the 17 finalists were put through their paces by judge Melanie Harwood of the famous Minaret's Poodles, herself a former Junior Handler.

Melanie chose Kelly Lawless, handling an Australian Silky Terrier, as the Junior Handler of the Year for 2007 who was cheered on by her proud parents Paul and Jean. This was Kelly's second year to take the title, having won last year under Gwen Huikeshoven from the Netherlands. Kelly has also been having great success in the breed ring this year with the family's Australian Silky Terriers and Belgian Shepherds having just returned from the Amsterdam Winner Show the previous weekend where she handled their Silky male to Best of Breed and Group 3 and Groenendael female to Best of Breed. She will now represent Ireland at the International Junior Handling Final at Crufts next March.