Belfast & District Irish Setter Club

Belfast & District Irish setter Club Championship Show 29th September 2024 I was honoured to be invited to judge at this prestigious Championship Show. The small hardworking committee were most welcoming, and had pulled out all the stops to ensure their two shows were a success. So many thank yous for the wonderful gift which now can be seen by everyone who visits my home. The rosettes were incredibly beautiful, and I trust will be displayed with pride by their new owners. I really appreciate the pleasing entry, as I am aware of the costs involved by exhibitors in order to compete at these two weekend shows. My thanks to the Ring Stewards, Caroline and Linda, who worked hard to assist with the flow of classes once judging began. The Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisbon, is an excellent venue. The rings were huge so every exhibit had the opportunity to freely demonstrate movement. I was looking for a balanced, unexaggerated Setter, having the true Irish shape, with chest as deep as possible, up to muscular loin, and a firm topline sloping gently downwards from the withers. Occasionally at shows, viewing from the ringside, some dogs appear to have straight ‘English Setter’ type backs, which is totally incorrect. The Irish Setter must always have a gentle sloping topline, this sets them apart from the other Setter breeds. All exhibits were presented in pristine condition. We stayed for a long weekend, and can recommend Belfast as a great place for a holiday. Everyone we met was helpful and pleasant. We loved the Giants’ Causeway, the Titanic Experience, and especially the craic! Dogs entered 28, present 26 Bitches entered 22, present 15 BIS : Sh Ch Quensha Take a Bow RBIS : Clonageera Take a Chance JW DCC : Sh Ch Quensha Take a Bow RDCC : Kerryfair Just Be BCC : Clonageera Take a Chance JW RBCC : Gwendariff Pink Champagne IKC BPIS : Gwendariff Skys the Limit BVIS : Irish Sh Ch Corranroo Just One Kiss with Riversett CJW18 Jun Ch Class 1. Baby Puppy Dog (2) 1. Hughes’ Brabrook Golden. Such a well schooled baby, 5 months old, developing on the right lines. I really liked his long lean head, and very steady movement. Best Baby Puppy 2. McKelvey’s Allardus of the Victorious Pure at Edenaveys (Imp. Nel) (ATC RAF). Another well behaved baby. Everything present and correct at this stage of development. He seemed to be enjoying his big day out. Class 2. Minor Puppy Dog (2) 1. Walker’s Gwendariff Hanky Panky. 7 months old. This very promising puppy really took my eye when he entered the Ring. True setter shape and long lean head. Coat of deep rich colour. Initially he was distracted by something in another Ring, and he appeared determined to investigate further. Once settled he moved well. Later I had no hesitation in awarding him BPD and RBPIS I will follow his show career with interest ! 2. Graham’s Gwendariff Not on your Nelly, also 7 months old. A well built puppy with good front angulation and plenty of bone. Coat coming along nicely. At present finer in head than 1. Class 3 Puppy Dog (1) 1. Tupper and Rosie’s Alofrana ’s Welsh Crusader, 11 months old, rather a raw, tall puppy. At present he appears ‘leggy’ and needs to let his body properties catch up with his height. Correct top line. Shown in gleaming rich chestnut coat and condition. Very well schooled. Time is on his side. Class 4 Junior Dog(1) 1. Jacobs and Bernard’s Forfarian Fancy Footwork. A really chunky youngster, just a few days out of Puppy. Excellent bone, firm short back, good angles, and possesses a clean flowing outline. Shown in hard muscular condition. Class 5 Yearling Dog (2, 1 abs.) 1. Richardson’s Bardonhill McIntosh Red at Montgreenan JW. Super young dog, just the type I was looking for. Most handsome head with gentle expression, and raised brows. Good depth of brisket and lovely reach of strong arched neck set smoothly into well laid back shoulders. Firm, gently sloping topline, leading to strong hindquarters, good turn of stifle used to advantage on the move. He has straight short hocks and very neat arched feet. Liked him a lot. Class 6 Novice Dog (1) 1.Tupper and Rosie’s Alofrana ’s Welsh Crusader, From Puppy. Class 7 Graduate Dog (1) 1. Desmond’s Clannrua Cu Chulainn (ATC AY0914482) A very gentle dog who is definitely ‘demonstrably affectionate,’ as he greeted me with exuberant affection. Pleasant balanced head, dark eyes and low set ears. Straight front, stands well over the ground, firm topline, but falls away a little over the croup. Stepping out well in harmony with his handler. Class 8 Post Graduate Dog (2) This was my headache class. I have admired these two boys from the Ringside many times, and I wished that I could have given them both red cards. They have good overall conformation, stunning heads and are sound all through. 1.Parsons Quensha Thinking Out Loud at Bransett JW. A well balanced, substantially built dog, enjoying his time in the Ring. Masculine, gorgeous head, dark eyes and raised brows giving quizzical and soft expression. Good stop, and squarish muzzle. He is not overdone in any way. Well off for bone and muscle. Sound body properties throughout. Great conformation and angulation. Correct tail set. Shown in wonderful condition, with full feathering. Moved with style and enthusiasm, holding his topline steadily as he benefitted from the large ring. 2. Kolbach’s Kerryfair Zoom In on Password, a really typical Irish Setter, very racy. Smaller than one but most definitely in conformation proportionate. Super head, masculine without coarseness, balanced body, good depth to brisket and well ribbed back. Straight dark coat. He was well behaved, and did all that was asked of him. Moved out well. I would have liked to have seen him in my lineup. Certainly a dog full of quality. I predict that these two dogs will change places many times in the years ahead. Class 9. Mid Limit Dog (2) 1. Rutherford-Judge & Prangle’s Clonageera Touch of Gold. A sound, well balanced, racy Irish Setter. Excellent bone and muscle. A touch too strong in head for my own personal preference. Well muscled neck, good shoulder placement, straight front, deep chested and strength through the loin. I enjoyed seeing him move with verve, striding round the huge ring. Shown in full dark straight coat with abundant feathering. Must have a very bright future. 2. Walker’s Gwendariff Ucant Touch This JW. A very smart dog, shown in tip top condition. Elegant head, correct eye shape, raised brows and enough stop, with plenty of work in his fore face. Pleasing body properties with well sprung ribs, and especially good angulation and short hocks which enabled powerful driving action on the move. He has the most fabulous arched feet. Class 10 Limit Dog (6,1 abs) 1. Chorley-Newton & Chorley & Flinders Kerryfair Just Be I adored this dog as a puppy and he still melts my heart. His head is to die for ! Certainly ‘most handsome and refined in looks’. He has the most soft expression, a true typy elegant Irish boy. Great profile when viewed in outline. Slightly arched neck set smoothly into shoulders, he has a firm correct topline and the best tail set. Stands true in forehand and moves off propelling effortlessly from sound hindquarters. In an ideal world he would have less wave to his coat. However the perfect Setter has yet to be born. I’m delighted he and his owners, travelled to Belfast, and I was pleased to award him the RCC. 2. Murchison’s Kerryfair Please Please Me Corphin. This dog is unexaggerated, balanced, and sound all through. He has many breed attributes, including correct outline, deep brisket, leading up to well muscled loin and he has ample bone. He moved very well in the big Ring, covering the ground with reach and drive. 3. Walkers’ Gwendariff Flags Are Flying Class 11 Open Dog (1) 1. Ellrich’s Sh.Ch. & Ir. Sh.Ch. Gwendariff Absolutely Marwe’llus.(IKC) WW24, CW24 Such a sound, free moving dog. He has an elegant, refined head and expression, with correct dark eye. Pleasing shape, with topline sloping gently to his croup and correct tail set. Good angulation fore and aft. Super bend of stifle and muscled hind quarters. Looking at the catalogue I see that he is the sire of the BPIS, also Minor Puppy Dog Winner, and the winner of Yearling Dog. It is good to see that he is passing his winning attributes to his progeny. Class 12 Champion Dog (3) 1. Bott, Allen & Morgan’s Sh. Ch. Quensha Take a Bow This dog just seems to get better and better. I like his overall type and he is an absolute joy to go over. I’ve judged him before as a youngster, and my opinion of him has not changed. Expressive face, dark eye, and raised brows giving intelligent expression. Lovely low set ears folded neatly close to his slightly arched neck. He has simply the best front assembly. For me he is the epitome of the silhouette shape of an Irish Setter, having a brisket as deep as possible that sweeps up to his muscular arched loin. He has well sprung ribs leading to wide, muscled hind quarters, good bend of stifle and short hocks creating enthusiastic driving movement. Shown in full coat and glorious condition. A very well deserved CC and BOB. 2. Donnelly’s Forfarian Mind Yer Manners Ir Sh.Ch. Another dog of correct shape and balanced outline. He has the most wistful, kind expression indicating wonderful character. Strong body properties and excellent rear angulation which was used to advantage when moving effortlessly around the ring. Shown in hard muscular condition. A quality example of the breed. 3. Toms’ Ir.Sh.Ch. Int. Sh.Ch. Toberbilly I Wish You Luck Jun.Ch, JD, Cen.W,CW23v Class 13 Veteran Dog (3) 1. Murchison’s Password Paperback Writer for Corphin VW An all round honest dog of correct breed type. Balanced throughout. Gorgeous head with melting expression, and a touch of white which makes him look so elegant. Liked his overall classic shape and he was shown in great condition. His movement was straight and true. 2. Hughes Sh.Ch. Jun. Ch. Corradeelish Pheasant at Cloonminda Sh. Ch. Jun. Ch. At ten years old this dog is beginning to show his age. However I believe his grey hairs add to his distinguished appearance. His head corresponds to the Breed Standard as it is long and lean, with oval skull, and unshelled almond shaped dark eye, giving such a kind expression. Fabulous strong neck into smooth shoulder placement, good front assembly. He has a very straight light chestnut coat, displaying lots of feathering. He reminded me of so many dogs from the past. 3. Clannrua Chestnut Jun. Ch. CVW 23 Vet Ch. Class 14 Baby Puppy Bitch (1) 1. Clannrua Fiarua (ATCRAF) Notes say : Naughty but very nice. Only five months old, very pretty baby. When challenging for BBPIS she decided to be more co-operative and I could see that she has a lovely shape, slightly sloping topline, and looks most promising. Will look forward to watching her progress. Class 16, Puppy Bitch (2) 1. Roffey’s Gwendariff Skys the Limit Most beautiful puppy, just oozing quality. Prettiest of heads and intelligent expression. Oval skull with pronounced occiput. Good forehand and depth of chest for her age. Sturdy straight legs, and the best feet. Correct gentle topline. Her gleaming coat is a fabulous rich chestnut colour, with feathering developing nicely. Moved happily and with confidence. BPIS. 2. Loughlin’s Rohanmor Faith of the Heart. At ten months old she decided to give her handler a hard time, however once she starting moving she settled down. She was handled with patience and I was eventually able to go over her. Lovely bone, correct sloping topline and angulation. Moved true. Over time I do hope her confidence grows. Class 17 Junior Bitch (1) 1. Borthwick’s Danish Aria on Lotushill NAF this young lady looked a picture standing so well for her handler. She possesses a very elegant and attractive long lean head She is not exaggerated in any way. Good forehand, well ribbed but still essentially racy, with firm back and sloping topline. Coat coming in. Class 18 Yearling Bitch (4,1 abs.) 1. Rutherford’s Clonageera Take a Chance JW. Completely new to me, and she quite took my breath away. Full of breed type. So elegant, I just loved her. Not a big one but well made throughout, compact, balanced and in proportion, good angulation front and rear, well sprung ribcage and muscled quarters. Very feminine and racy, yet has just the right amount of substance. Her long lean balanced head, finishes with a squarish muzzle, good stop and raised brows, with low set ears. Her unshelled almond shaped dark eyes look straight into your soul. She has such a serene expression, and it was so pleasing to see chiselling on her fore face. Her gentle topline flows from the withers to her croup and can be felt under her rich dark chestnut coat. She drove off short hocks effortlessly powering around the Ring. No hesitation in awarding her the CC, RBIS and BOS. 2.Neill & Ellrich’s Ferasheen Perfekt in Pink Gwendariff JWW23. Mature bitch, larger all over than 1, but still maintains raciness and balance, ’in confirmation proportionate’. Nicely defined head, pronounced occiput, with good stop and raised brow creating kind expression. Well built body with plenty of bone and substance, good ribs with spring and depth, strong quarters, moved well with drive. Shown in dark gleaming coat and feathering. 3. Borthwick’s Danish Aria on Lotushill NAF Class 21 Post Graduate Bitch (2). 1. Bott, Allen & Morgan’s Quensha Joker and the Queen This bitch presented a pleasing picture of real quality, with just the right amount of coat so her correct shape was visible to all. Everything was in proportion with no exaggeration. She has such a very pretty head and appealing expression. On the move she was light of foot, moved with ease, and looked as if she could run all day. 2. Vallance’s Lynwood Rather Ravishing at Corcencone. A very sound, quality bitch. She has an ‘old fahioned’ type of head, showing kind, gentle expression. Good angles for and aft, so she moved with extensive front reach and rear drive. Well muscled, and shown in super condition. Class 22 Mid Limit Bitch (2,1abs.) 1. Gutsell’s Joaodaws Rainbows End. A balanced medium sized bitch having an attractive head with kind expression, low set ears and correct eye shape. She has plenty of body with good breadth of chest, strong arched neck and ribs well sprung. Well angulated hind quarters which appealed on the move with powerful strides. Dark, wavy chestnut coat in lovely bloom, shown in full feathering. Class 24 Open Bitch (2) 1. Neill, Stewart and Parker’s Gwendariff Pink Champagne. A top class, eye-catching bitch, commanding attention when standing in the Ring. She has real depth of quality about her, with good bone and substance. Deep chest, strong topline which she holds steady on the move, super tail set, sound straight front and width over her strong quarters. Great bend of stifle and short hocks. Feminine head, with good stop and brows that enable true ‘Irish’ expression. Well made throughout and immaculately presented. Pleased to award her the RCC. 2. Toms Ladysdale Maud Gone to Shilvodan Jun. Ch, JD, CEN, JW Unlucky to meet 1. as I really liked this bitch. At first she was distracted by something outside the Ring, and was unsettled. However, after moving her, I was able to assess her many qualities. She scores in super strong topline, sound body properties and coat in fabulous condition. Her good angulation enables her to move with drive. Her head is lovely, balanced and with melting expression. A quality girl full of breed type . Class 25 Champion Bitch (4,1 abs) 1. Brady & Donnelly’s Forfarian Red or Dead at Ballydavid T.A.F. Irl Ch. Sh.Ch. A very well constructed elegant bitch. Good reach of neck into smooth shoulder placement, super front angulation, pleasing slope to her topline which creates her racy outline. Good length of her pretty head with plenty of work in it, correct oval skull, enhanced by her low ear set, shapely muzzle, fairly square as desired in Breed Standard. She displayed lively driving movement . 2. Sterritt’s Irish Sh Ch Corranroo Just One Kiss at Riversett CJW18 Jun Ch A beautifully shaped bitch with pleasing head and expression, just so well put together combining balance and raciness. Well off for bone and substance. Strong arched neck leading smoothly into well laid shoulders. Lovely depth to chest and spring of rib, muscular back leading to well turned quarters, good length from hip to hock and short and strong from hock to heel, used to advantage whilst driving around the Ring. It was great to see her lashing tail, something of a rarity these days. BVIS Class 26, Veteran Bitch (3, 3 abs.) Class 28, Brace (2) 1. Tom’s very well matched pair. Catalogue informs me that they are not related, but I thought they looked like litter mates . Attractive heads, both with melting expressions. They moved in complete unison around the Ring, keeping in perfect timing with each other. Very well done. 2. Donnelly’s pair, who are related, not moving quite as harmoniously as 1. However an impressive attempt at your first try in Brace. Adrienne Callister (Judge)