If you love dogs (we all do!) then there is only one place to be in Donegal today!
Kinnegar Brewery’s Easter Monday Dog Show promises a fun celebration of man’s best friend in all its forms.
One of Kinnegar Brewing’s best-loved beers, Rustbucket, is named after an Irish Terrier dog called Rusty.
Indeed, several of the independent Donegal brewery’s beer labels feature Zack and Pico, two Black & Tan Jack Russell terriers.
It’s no surprise then that Kinnegar is to host an Easter Monday Dog Show at its Ballyraine premises in Letterkenny today.
“Dogs bring so much pleasure to so many people that they deserve a proper celebration once in a while”, says Kinnegar co-founder Libby Carton.
“With the generous help of several highly regarded local dog experts, we’ve put together a great programme of demonstrations, showcases and traditional dog classes that will both entertain and educate. This definitely isn’t Crufts — it’s a fun family day out!”
Tania Carron and her 4-legged team from Academy Dog Training in Rathmullan will show what dog agility training is all about and demonstrate some acrobatics in an exciting flyball challenge.
Ger Brogan and his ace Labrador Retrievers will illustrate exactly why a Retriever is called a Retriever with an exhibition of retrieving skills.
Jim Sheridan, also from Rathmullan, is one of Ireland’s most respected breeders of Red & White Setters. He’s most at home on a hillside competing in field trials with these beautiful gun dogs. Luckily trials season is finished by Easter leaving Jim free to introduce a showcase of Ireland’s native dogs.
“There are nine native Irish dog breeds”, explains Jim, “and they were recently granted national heritage status. We hope to have a representative of each of the nine breeds on the day. The Kerry Beagle is the rarest member of this distinguished Irish club and is likely to prove the trickiest to find.”
Acclaimed dog judge Martin Potts will be sizing up the canine entries on the day. “This is a wonderful opportunity for adults and children alike to enjoy a day out with their dog. A place the size of Letterkenny is crying out for a dog show”, he says.
Purebreds and mutts, big dogs and little dogs, young and old, pretty or not — they’re all welcome. “There’s really only one requirement for joining us on the day,” explains Kinnegar dog-lover Sean McCarthy. “Your dog must be on a lead at all times and must be well socialised so that he’s able to enjoy the company of other people and dogs without becoming stressed or aggressive.”
Pre-registration is open on line at www.kinnegarbrewing.ie/shop. Pre-registration costs €5 per dog and guarantees entry in up to three classes on the day. You’ll also be able to register on the day at a cost of €10 per dog, but entry in classes will be subject to availablilty. “We’re already seeing strong numbers!”, explains Kinnegar’s Loïc Wall. New to the area, Loïc and his rescue dog Willow look forward to meeting lots of other local dog lovers at the event.
A full list of classes will be published in Easter Week. The schedule will include several age categories, a class for rescue dogs and a class for young handlers. “We’re including a very special class for the Biggest Dog Family”, reveals Libby Carton. “If your dog can bring along his mother and father and as many brothers and sisters as possible, you might be in the running!”
The Kinnegar Dog Show starts at 2pm on Easter Monday with registration open from 1.30pm. Pre-registration is strongly advised. Kinnegar Brewing is at Ballyraine Industrial Estate, F92 R263, Letterkenny. You’re welcome with or without a dog of your own.
