FOLLOWING the success of last year’s inaugural Burren Working Dog Show, the chief organiser Stephen McNally and his team of helpers were determined that the 2023 version would be even better – and so it was!
However not even in their wildest expectations did they envisage that the show would have been as much of a success as it turned out to be – raising a fantastic £6,000 for the Cancer Fund for Children as a result. From early morning on show day, it was clear that there was going to be a large crowd of not just working dog enthusiasts but also members of the public who were happy to support this year’s chosen charity which was Daisy Lodge, the charity’s short-break centre near Newcastle. When MC Dudley Parr called the start of the show, the field was filled to capacity with excited children, adults and working dogs with their proud owners all there to compete for the Sean Doran Memorial Trophy for the overall champion show dog.
The atmosphere during the showing and racing was excellent with many people complimenting the organisers on the way the show ran which was, naturally, great to hear. The overall champion and winner of the Sean Doran Trophy was Ralph, a beautiful black Patterdale terrier that was a credit to his owner Brian McCullough. In order for a show like this to be the success it is, it requires a lot of input from a whole range of people and the show organisers would like to thank the four main sponsors, Derryleckagh Contracts Ltd, Magee Joinery Ltd, Concrete Cut N Core and JOH Construction.
They would also like to thank Declan McCann and Burren Gun Club for providing traffic marshals to help with the parking, the McGrath family for organising the racing, making it such an enjoyable event, DWTC for all the help and finally a massive thanks to all who donated prizes for the raffle. “Your generosity was unbelievable and greatly appreciated,” a spokesman for the show committee said. “We would also like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to making the show the success it was. “When the final count came in the amount raised for the Cancer Fund for Children was an absolutely superb £6,000.” He added: “Finally a big ‘thank you’ to all you who attended the show. We are determined that this now annual event will continue to grow year on year, continuing to raise much-needed funds for charity.”
