Wide is the door of a little cottage.
Is farsuing béul a bhothain.

 

 

ANNAGASSAN VIKING FESTIVAL
Sunday  August 10, 2008

Record rainfall figures were recorded on Saturday in the Dublin area; the M50 was flooded and jam-packed with cars. Mopping up operations were in progress. We were wondering if there would be a festival at all! I consulted the AA online route planner and we followed these directions along the back roads, bypassing Dublin altogether and reached Annagassan in good time. The day was bright and blustery. As we drove into the village several Danes were congregating outside the pub, no doubt collecting a few hairs of the dog that had bitten them the night before.

Patricia and her crew were setting up in an adjacent field for the pony rides and we spotted a few Wolfhounds, but the emphasis was on ‘few’. We wondered if many would brave the trip out.

We needn’t have worried because within an hour the roads and fields were commandeered by Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds and a selection of other varieties.

The ring was assembled and the tent set up. Anne produced a boxful of spectacular rosettes for the winners and these were placed on a board outside the ring. Lynda kindly stepped in and took entries amongst a hive of activity. Our judge for the day was Anthony Killykeen-Doyle.

Judging started only slightly late and a great time was obviously had by participants and spectators alike. The owners of the Red Mills stand generously pledged proceeds from their sales on the day to the Society. A big thank you to them.

Here are some of the results: -

Class Owner

• Best Puppy Dermot Alford
• Best Junior William Mullen
• Best Intermediate Shirley Scott
• Best Open Patricia Ridgeway
• Best Champion Anne O’Keeffe
• Best in Show Anne O’Keeffe


Tallest Dog Paul Campbell
Tallest Bitch Anne O’Keeffe
Tallest Puppy Dog Anne O’Keeffe
Tallest puppy Bitch Dermot Alford

Best Junior Handler: G Alford.

Congratulations to all the winners who walked away with their wallets somewhat thicker than when they arrived. Our President had yet again arranged for generous sponsorship.

We would like to make this an annual event and hope that the coming years will show an even greater turnout. It is a beautiful venue with a great atmosphere.

Lois Sinclair
Hon. Treasurer

IWSoI

 

Photos below courtesy of the Annagassan Viking Festival.