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AttractionsATTRACTIONS at IRELAND'S NATIONAL GAME & COUNTRY FAIRThe objective of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland is to organise events with real family appeal for all those who live work or play in the Irish countryside.Apart from the fantastic in situ attractions offered by the Birr Demesne(see www.birrcastle.com), the Fair has a wide range of competitions, displays, demonstrations, trade stands and exhibits to appeal to anyone who lives, works or plays in the Irish countryside. Quite uniquely the Fair is supported by all the main Hunting, Shooting, Fishing and Countryside organisations including the NARGC, FISSTA, IFA Countryside, HAI, CAI, and the Deer Societies.  Fair Directors Albert Titterington and Philip Lawton with Des Crofton (Director NARGC); Noel Carr (Secretary FISSTA) and Lyall Plant (CAI) at the press launch at Birr. All three organisations are mounting enhanced exhibition stands at the fair and encouraging their members to make the event the best fair ever mounted in southern Ireland. The NARGC - Ireland's largest countrysports organisation at the Birr Game & Country FairDirector Des Crofton looking forward to the Fair said "The NARGC will again be a major exhibitor at the Irish Game & Country Fair which takes place this year on Saturday and Sunday, 27th and 28th August respectively, in Birr Castle Demesne. NARGC will have a stand where officers and staff of the Association will be on hand to offer expert advice on all facets of shooting, conservation and on the full range of activities and benefits of being an NARGC club member.A new and improved merchandise shop will be in our marquee with an extended range of merchandise available at extremely competitive prices. On hand to help purchasers will be Margaret Neile, Shane O'Connor and Ernie Beck who will be backed up by other NARGC personnel. Jimmy Tyrrell's fly-tying demonstrations will be with us again as will Jim Corcoran's taxidermy exhibition. These two displays are always popular with visitors to the NARGC stand. An excellent display of Red, Sika and Fallow deer heads will adorn the marquee throughout, reflecting the NARGC's formal move to represent the interests of the growing number of club members who now hunt deer. Safety education has always been high on the NARGC's agenda and this will be evident from the strong presence of Jim O'Connor and Chris Lyndsay who will conduct gun coaching clinics during the two days of the fair using a laser training system. Information on the intricacies of running a Grey Partridge project will be provided by Derek O'Brien and Paddy McCartney from the Dublin RGC Partridge Project, which is funded by the NARGC. There has been growing interest in wild Partridge since the success of the Boora Grey Partridge project which was a joint venture between the NARGC and the Irish Grey Partridge Conservation Trust and managed by the NARGC. This has spawned numerous club projects around the country. There will be an outdoor live game bird display hosted by Cloghan and Kilcormac Gun Clubs where many varieties of pheasants will be exhibited alongside Red Legged Partridge, Quail, ducks etc. Jimmy Christie from the Cloghan Club and Kevin Sadlier from Kilcormac Gun Club will be there to offer their extensive advice and tips in successfully rearing birds. They will also demonstrate a variety of game rearing and gamekeeping aids in use with both clubs. Eastcoast Dog and Gun, a gun dealership from Wexford, will provide an interesting display of Joker hunting knives and proprietor Paul Walsh will be on hand to give advice on the most suitable knife for your needs. Mike Johnson of MacEoin General Merchants in Dingle will be on the stand with his array of shooting and game keeping equipment including, traps, incubators, decoys, feeders etc. Mike has a wealth of knowledge and will offer his expert advice on how to get the best from your equipment. NARGC's Simon Devereux will introduce the NARGC's latest training aid and show attraction – the NARGC Laser Shooting Simulator where both young and old, shooter and non-shooter can try their shooting skills on a realistic 6'x8' screen. Simon will also take charge of the usual stand raffle which this year sees a very big increase in the number and quality of prizes - A Browning Shotgun (Lakelands); 32" Flat Screen TV (NARGC); Joker Hunting Knife (East Coast Dog & Gun); GAMO 10x50 waterproof binoculars (Millards); 16 Egg Manual Incubator (MacEoin Gnrl Mrchts); Overnight accommodation with evening meal for two and breakfast (Kinnitty Castle Hotel). Last year the vintage rifle display proved most popular with visitors to the stand and this year will see the return of this most interesting item. Among the rifles on display will be German Mausers, Lee Enfield's and a Remington Rolling Block rifle – one of the original Creedmore guns. Vintage experts John Kavanagh, Michael O'Connor, Mike Gannon and Eamon Tynan will there to recount the history of these very nostalgic pieces. Paula Malone, Secretary to National Director Des Crofton will organise a children's art competition for 6-8 and 9-12 year olds with prizes of a children's blow dart gun and a fishing rod and reel sponsored by East Coast Dog & Gun and Millards respectively. The competition will involve the children colouring images of game species. The hugely popular on-stand game cookery demonstrations will be held over the two days of the Fair and these will be conducted by game and fish chef, Emmett McCourt. Emmett lectures in the Catering College in Derry and demonstrates his culinary skills under the Go for Game campaign at all three Great Game Fairs of Ireland. Other presences on the NARGC stand will include National Chairman Tom O'Donnell, National Director Des Crofton, Compensation Fund Administrator Chris Gavican, Safety Officer Jim O'Connor, Secretary Barry Sullivan, Game Development Officer Ger Burns and many more - all of whom will be there to meet club members and to provide advice and information on the full scope of our activities. The NARGC looks forward to meeting you all." And from the ROI's largest Shooting organisation to its premier Angling one FISSTA the Federation of Irish Salmon & Sea Trout AnglersThe Chairman of Ireland's Premier Angling body - FISSTA (Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers) Mr. John Carroll, is delighted to announce once again their participation in the Irish Game Fair at the very special venue of BIRR CASTLE on August 27th and 28th 2011. "This annual event is the highlight of our country sports season where we meet our angling fraternity to discuss and monitor the mid season salmon and seatrout runs and returns from the great salmon and seatrout rivers of Ireland. It is a very special time for FISSTA to promote the salmon youth angling programmes which are run by over 80 clubs on the island. The youth flycasting exhibition at the fair will again feature a flavour of our voluntary club work with a demonstration from this season's finalists under the guidance of Ireland's expert flycaster and champion Robert Gillespie who will kick off the events in the main arena on Saturday 27th at 10a.m."Anglers from all the main rivers and clubs of Ireland now gather in Birr to participate at The Irish Game Fair at Birr Castle to meet and exchange notes on developments in salmon and seatrout angling and conservation. The fair has built up a huge following over the past few years as a venue where clubs and businesses can promote their brand of sport angling to a fast growing market of angling entusiasts who are planning and placing bookings for the 2012 season. This is where all issues are raised and addressed by club members who travel to what is now Ireland's premier country sports event for in the countryside calender for anglers. The Great Game Fairs of Ireland partnered with the premier magazine Irish Country Sports and Country Life which features our quarterly newsletter allows us to spread the FISSTA message of angling to a very broad country sports fraternity who support us in our everyday work. We are most grateful to Albert Titterington his excellent team at the fair and magazine for providing such professional fora and for their fullsome support and cooperation in helping FISSTA to bring salmon and seatrout angling to a wider public. Ends. FISSTA Stand at Birr Fair - Newcomers Fishing AdviceThe FISSTA stand is hosting a one-stop advice centre where newcomers can get the following information and guidance;
The Birr Game Fair is one of the principal focal points for this year's National Salmon and Seatrout Month which runs for the entire month of September. The aim of this initiative is to raise the awareness of the life cycle of the salmon and seatrout at a time when they are leaping the waterfalls and weirs as they make their return to the spawing beds. FISSTA hope to create as many opportunities as possible to reach new audiences across the country and introduce the joy and thrill of the wild Atlantic salmon habitat to them. It will do this at Birr Game Fair by hosting the youth flycasting demonstration under Robert Gillespie's expert guidance and by hosting some expert 'observations; and 'teach-ins' at a FISSTA club river near you during this coming month of September. Further information: Secretary: NOEL CARR, Teelin Road, Carrick, Co. Donegal. Tel/Fax 074 9730300. Countryside Alliance Ireland at the FairCAI will have in its marquee the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, World renowned stick maker Lindsay Carlisle, a display on the history of grouse in Ireland, Bada UK promoting tick awareness and CAI advice and membership services. CAI is offering every person attending the fair the opportunity to win a day - shoot it, pluck it, cook it, at Belle Isle ( includes overnight stay with their partner ) when they sign the entry form at the CAI marquee.Kildare Regional Game Council & IFA CountrysideThe KRGC in association with IFA Countryside are providing a multifaceted stand with a wide range of features to appeal to the shooter and angler. Gun safety and security will feature, as will game management and taxidermy including a selection of game birds and books on wildlife.IFA Countryside will have their very special membership package on offer. Irish Fly Fishing & Game Shooting MuseumThis has been the consuming passion of Walter Phelan for many years and is a wonderful collection of the tools, tackle and artefacts used in fly fishing and game shooting in Ireland in the past. The museum is located at Attanagh near Abbeyleix and Durrow and is well worth a visit. As a country with a great sporting history it is invaluable to both the researcher and the sportsman to have such a treasury in the care of someone who has built up such a comprehensive knowledge of Irish tackle and firearms manufacturers as well as the literature of the sports. However there will be the opportunity to see some of the interesting exhibits at Birr including a fantastic display of guns by Ireland's premier gunmaker John Rigby. Walter will be on hand to explain them all the aspects of the work of the museum.Cochise HorsesThe action packed arena programme of the Irish Game & Country Fair features one of the widest range of entertainment to be seen at any event in Ireland. Since 2007 the performance of the phenomenally well trained horses from the Cochise Stud has been one of the demonstrations of that thrilled the crowd. This stud is run by Derek O'Byrne White the well known horse trainer, who has both entertained and awed crowds throughout Ireland with the results of his exceptional training skills and horsemanship. Derek will be at Birr again this year with those well trained horses including a mare which is just back in Ireland after being crowned Champion of Champions at the recent European Championships. The display of the agility of the Paso Fino horse is demonstrated beautifully by the unique 4 beat gait of this exceptional mount and anyone with an interest in horses cannot fail to be impressed. www.cochisestud.com. Fresh from a successful appearance to the tremendous crowds who attended Shanes Castle Derek O'Byrne White from Cochise has brought another fabulous attraction to Birr in 2011 the legendary American and internationally acclaimed Horse Whisperer Franklin Levinson. Anyone with an equestrian interest simply cannot afford to miss Franklin's breathtaking ability to communicate with horses.  Legendary American Horse Whisperer Franklin Levinson From one legendary animal whisperer to another -Keith (The Dog Guru) Mathews and a World Record attemptOne of the stars of the dazzling main arena programme at Birr Castle will be the BBC's Dog Guru Keith Mathews - now a star on the international stage with his uncanny 'canine' ability.Keith's exclusive appearance is a real coup for the Great Game Fairs of Ireland. Already the leading figure in canine care and the most widely recognised trainer in Ireland, Keith is now wowing audiences across Europe as well. And not just in dog training, but in almost every aspect of canine expertise, dog psychology and obedience training, behaviour modification, grooming, showing, nutrition and breeding to name but a few. But the REALLY BIG NEWS FOR BIRR is that Keith will attempt to break his own World Record for having the most number of dogs and their owners in the Main Arena for a fun filled masterclass. All anyone has to do is turn up with 'Fido' on a lead. And of course its also an opportunity for everyone to be part of canine history! Keith will be giving main arena displays on both days of the Fairs as well as conducting one to one clinics with pet owners on the Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine stand. His new training video - a must for all dog owners will be available to purchase along with his other latest releases His presence at the Fairs will further enhance the reputation of both events as among the largest and certainly the most varied 'doggy' events in Ireland. Added to his unique ability in dog training is the indisputable fact that Keith is a born entertainer, who will have the main arena crowds enthralled with his masterful displays. I have no doubt that our Shanes Castle and Birr audiences will learn a lot from Keith while at the same time enjoying a display choc a bloc with sheer entertainment. Keith's success is characterised by his no nonsense hands-on approach. He is often consulted when all other avenues have been explored and failed. He has that rare quality, instant rapport and an apparent mystical bond with dogs and Keith will be on hand to chat to dog owners eager to learn from this renowned expert. With the International gundog retriever team and individual events; the All Ireland Game Fair Novice Gundog Handling Championships; puppy, novice and open spaniel tests, novice retriever and minor breeds tests; the Terrier & Lurcher Championships – show and racing; and horse and hound displays; plus a wide range of trade stands featuring everything the dog owner could possibly want and now Keith, these really are events not to be missed by anyone with any sort of interest in dogs.  Keith Mathews Master Class at the Ballywalter Fair Ferrets with Ireland's "Mr Ferret" Tony CarinduffThe one man who has done more to bring the sport of ferreting to public notice and popularity is Tony Carinduff – this year celebrating 33 years of attending and displaying Ferrets at virtually all of Ireland's game or country fairs. Tony Carinduff explains the finer points of ferreting to Brian Cowen and Lord & Lady Rosse at Birr in 2007. With his wife Margaret, Tony has taken his ferrets the length and breadth of Ireland and introduced literally thousands of young people to his ferrets and hundreds to the sport. As well as dispensing knowledgeable and sound advise on ferreting built up over a lifetime in the sport, Tony is also famed for the lavish hospitality dispensed on his stand. Falconry at BirrFaconry is one of the oldest of the countrysports with its beginnings stretching back to 2200 BC in the Far East, though it's true origins are unclear. It was brought to Europe by Germanic tribes who introduced it to Roman culture.It thrived during the Middle Ages as both a method of hunting food (small game etc.) and as a sport in its own right among the nobles of the time. Falconry also flourished in the Middle East and Asia where the crusaders learned much from their Arab counterparts. However in Europe in the late 18th century, with the advent of guns and their use in hunting, the sport dwindled and was limited to a few who continued the practice. The skill of the falconer and the amazing aerobatical prowess of the birds continues to inspire awe amongst Game Fair crowds. This year we are fortunate to have Trevor Roche from Dublin Falconry with his team of three assistant falconers to put on impressive free flying demonstrations and a large static exhibition. Trevor has been involved in Falconry since he was eight years old. And as he says himself, his passion for flying, hunting and displaying Birds of Prey is everlasting. His huge experience and expertise is second to none having flown many species of Hawk and Falcons including; Kestrels, Sparrow Hawks, Red Tails, Harris Hawks, Peregrine/Saker Falcon Hybrid, Peregrine/Prairie Hybrid, Peregrine Falcon and Tiercel, Eagle and Snowy Owls. At present Trevor is flying a young female, parent reared, Finnish Goshawk, a beautiful creature, and flying at 2lb-6oz, she's the real deal. Well mannered and impeccably behaved, she commands the highest respect. Another beauty is his Peregrine/Prairie Hybrid Tiercel. He is a small Falcon, but packs a big punch. He flies at 1lb-2.5oz. and is a little game Falcon. www.dublinfalconry.com  Trevor Roche From Dublin Falconry The Irish Hawking ClubAlthough Game Fairs and especially those organised by the Great Game Fairs of Ireland have led the way in bringing the noble art of falconry to thousands of people it is likely that falconry has been practised in Ireland before the twelfth century and written references abound from the twelfth century on.Ireland supplied the nobility of Western Europe with peregrines and goshawks until early modern times and the aristocracy of several nations brought their hawks here to hunt. An Irish Hawking Club was formed in 1870 at a meeting in Great Brunswick Street chaired by Lord Talbot de Malahide and the Maharajah Prince Duleep Singh, a familiar figure in falconry circles across two continents, pledged 50 pounds to its founding. We are delighted to welcome a static display by the Irish Hawking Club to Birr enabling the public at Birr to enjoy one of the largest display of Birds of Prey at any event in Ireland this year. Huge Tented Village of Trade StandsWide range of trade stands for the whole family to enjoy including a Gunmakers Row; a Fisherman's Row and a Gundog Row – all bursting with products necessary for your sport. Food Hall and Mouthwatering Game Pies Sporting ArtThe tented village will have a number of works of art on display including major exhibits from the Three Sisters Gallery, Limerick and by talented Liverpool wildlife artist David L Prescott who is developing quite following in Ireland. Fair Director Albert Titterington with artist Louise Barrett and the portrait of Master McGrath Unveiled at Birr Castle will be the well researched portrait of the most famous Irish dog of all time the great Master Mc Grath taken from a photograph of the great dog at the entrance to Brownlow House in Lurgan by Louise Barrett. She and her sisters will also be displaying an extensive range of equestrian and hunting paintings from their Three sisters Gallery nr Limerick. More attractions...The National Woodcock Association of Ireland (NWAOI ) will again be represented at the Birr Game Fair on the Irish Countrysports and Country life magazine stand, courtesy of Albert Titterington. On our stand we shall have a variety of interesting items to display coupled with plenty of information on the Woodcock. Booklets on woodcock identification, a display of woodcock wings to demonstrate the age differences between adult and juvenile birds and a super framed print of a sitting woodcock will be raffled over the two days. So do call and become a member, renew your membership or just call and say hello, We will be delighted to meet you. Ireland's largest sporting organisation back canine World Record attempt at BirrThe largest country sports organisation in Ireland, the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) has announced that Ireland's premier Game Fair at Birr on 27 and 28 August is their flagship event for 2011 - and they aim to support a World Record attempt at the Fair.This was the news from Game Fair Marketing Director Albert Titterington who confirmed that the NARGC's main arena presence and large display stand would be more impressive than ever before to fully reflect this important decision. And Albert Titterington said that the NARGC were supporting The Dog Guru Keith Mathews' attempt to break the world record for the largest dog training masterclass in the Main Arena at Birr. Albert Titterington said: "I am delighted that the country's largest country sports body sees Birr as the best event to promote their message to a vast audience and I am particularly pleased that they are also supporting Keith's world record attempt. Each day, the NARGC will present a trophy to the Best Gentleman, Lady and Child handler who will be in the Main Arena with Keith. Not only will they help set a new world record, but they will have a memento of the historic occasion as well." NARGC National Director Des Crofton said: "As Ireland's largest shooting organisation the NARGC recognises the important role that dogs perform in so many ways for people. Obviously our members are likely to have at least one dog as a shooting companion but many other people throughout the length and breadth of Ireland derive much happiness and pleasure from their pets simply as companion dogs while more have proven their worth in search and rescue and as therapy for the elderly and for many ill children.  "When we heard that the Dog Guru Keith Mathews was attempting to set a World Record at Birr for the largest canine training class we wanted to get involved. We felt it particularly appropriate, as Keith is not only well known with an international reputation for helping people enjoy their dogs by assisting them with training and problems, but for his own prowess in training gundogs for field trials and the shooting field. The NARGC's Margaret Neile has an enviable record as a canine judge and will participate in the judging. I know that she is eagerly anticipating this event at Birr." The Victorian Poacher remains at largeConstable Lawton of our local police constabulary has informed us once that the notorious Victorian Poacher, reputedly identified as Stephen Mc Gonigal, remains at large, despite being seen exclusively at the Great Game Fairs of Ireland.There were several unsuccessful attempts to apprehend him at both the Ballywalter & Shanes Castle Game Fairs, where not only was he seen by thousands of people, but he had the sheer cheek to actually show how he went about his disreputable business.  He was last spotted sporting a long black coat, knee high black boats and a flat cap and had with him a suspicious looking small, blue grey coloured whippet type dog. Incidents seem to take place at these Game Fairs where rabbits were captured by an old method known as long netting, in front of record audiences - how audacious is the man! All this is full public view - but apparently the law is powerless to apprehend the so-called Victorian Poacher. The small whippet type dog was involved in the incident and was spotted alongside the Victorian Poacher carrying a rabbit while being pursued by a certain Constable Lawton at high speed from the main arena. Our sources inform us that the Victorian Poacher is now making his way to Birr Castle Co Offaly, in time for another spectacular two day Game Fair from the Great Game Fairs of Ireland. He will no doubt make some attempt at poaching game in front of more record crowds using his old methods and more modern methods alongside his tiny whippet. The watching crowd will no doubt be held spellbound by the animal's high speed rabbit catching display.  But that's not all. Rumours are rife that he is bringing along his very own stand to the Birr, no doubt to tempt the unwary public with 'longnetting advice' and much more besides. The Poacher has whispered to his cronies that totally exclusive to the Great Game Fairs of Ireland and a first in Ireland he is actually showing 'The Ways of the Rabbit Catcher' comprising every aspect of rabbit catching throughout history and into modern times. The bounder will demonstrate a day's ferreting, showing just how dogs, ferrets & nets all come together to create a unique team of rabbit catchers. Net making, snare making and trapping will also be on show as well as old poachers' methods and a whole lot more. Needless to say we disapprove of the whole thing and the public are urged to keep on the lookout for the Victorian Poacher and his whippet. He may be armed with a long net, pegs and a few snares, so it is advised not to approach him while he is going about his business - but are encouraged to chat to him during the course of the show. Apart from hearing all about his methods, it might just allow the authorities to make an arrest. You have been warned - the signs are he will be the Irish Game and Country Fair on 28th & 29TH August 2011 at Birr Castle, Co Offaly. The Constable plans to be in attendance to make an arrest but somehow we feel the cunning Victorian Poacher might just get away with his black art one more time - or will he?  The Medieval VillageApart from the hunting, shooting and fishing competitions and displays; the fantastic array of trade stands including the Fine Food & Drinks; Art & Crafts and Tourism Pavilions, the Scientific Museum and world renowned gardens of Birr another major attraction for the whole family will be the enhanced medieval village and market place. Here one can be transported back to the 13c and see how our ancestors lived. The village includes the knights and their ladies from Finglas Living History Group demonstrating swordplay, an armoury, a cook site, fabric crafts, bone carving, armour making (chain mail), barber surgeon, leather worker and silver smith.
The Main Arena Sponsored by www.fieldsportschannel.tv (See Programme under latest news)And amongst the many other attractions in an action packed arena programme will be angling demonstrations by well known Irish lady caster Glenda Powell (the World Lady Casting Champion) supported by APGAI Ireland. Lord and Lady Rosse with Glenda Powell and the Waterford Ladies casting display team A Children's Learning and entertainment extravaganzaMost of all the fair is a family day out with lots of activities for the children to participate in from the medieval village, the have a go at most of the sports (air rifle shooting, archery, fly casting, etc) to the dedicated children's play area. Entertainment and Education for kids at Birr The All Ireland Stick Makers Championshipsorganised by the Celtic Stickmakers ClubThe championship will take place at the Irish Game and Country Fair ,Birr Castle, Co Offaly on Sunday 28th August 2011 Judges : Andrew Jones, Wales Champion will win an engraved tankard to keep and €200 plus The John Mc Clelland Memorial Perpetual Annual Trophy. Second place will win €100 sponsored by Bird Watch Ireland Rosettes in each class jointly sponsored by Bird Watch Ireland and the Celtic Stickmakers Club. Classes
Competition Summaries and Continuous AttractionsClay Shooting organised by the Derrinsallow SyndicateGreat Game Fairs of Ireland All Ireland Game Fair Championships The three Great Game Fairs of Ireland at Ballywalter, Shanes and Birr have the best Clay Pigeon, Gundog, Angling and Terrier & Lurcher Competitions and Prize Funds. They are recognised by Irish Sportsmen and Public as the premier game or country fairs in Ireland. Thus it is fitting that they should stage both the ALL Ireland All Comers And Novice Game Fair Championships These championships are designed to encourage the widest possible competition in that literally any competent shot, caster or gundog handler can win the top prize. This years clay shoot at Birr with one of finest layouts in Ireland promises to be one of the biggest and best ever with at least 2 shotguns to be won including a clay pigeon trap worth €800.and a host of other valuable prizes. 50 Bird Game Fair Sporting Championship The main competition is the Birr Game Fair Clay Shooting 50 Bird Sporting Championship over two days with a BERETTA 682 worth over €3,500 jointly sponsored by David Brennan and the Game Fair Directors The Barbour All Ireland Game Fair Novice Championship The top four novice guns from this competition and the top four guns from the Irish Game Fair held at Shanes Castle Antrim in June will then shoot out for the Barbour Novice Championship with a top prize of a superb Barbour Coat. Please note this competition is for Novice Shooters only previous winners of any of the events at Shanes Castle or Birr Castle are ineligible. The Lakeland Sports & Irish Countrysports and Country Life 25 Bird Game Fair DTL Championship Once again this new championship will have a gun as the top prize. There will of course be daily prizes for 1st 2nd & 3rd scores in the 25 Bird DTL and a special Lady's prize for the sporting shoot Cartridges will be available on the day but participants are more than welcome to use their own. For further information on the shoot call 0872664191 or 0863852097 Want to have your gun valued and/or sold at auction. David Brennan from Ardee Sports is hosting a valuation day by top English Auction House Holts on Sunday. So if you have any guns you wish to sell either modern or antique this is the place to get an accurate valuation. MAIN ARENA PROGRAMME sponsored by www.fieldsportschannel.tvSaturday 27th August 201110.00 hrs FISSTA Schools Competition Final 11.00 hrs Long netting Display by Steven McGonigal 11.30 hrs The Horse Whisperer & Cochise Horses 12.00 hrs Pikes & Guns BOT/WOT 12.30 hrs Keith Mathews The Dog Whisperer 13.00 hrs Fair Opening 13.10 hrs Falconry Display 13.40 hrs Fly Casting Display by Glenda Powell 14.00 hrs The Victorian Poacher 14.30 hrs Horse & Hound Display 15.00 hrs Franklin Levinson Horse Whisperer & Cochise Horses 15.30 hrs Keith Mathews the Dog Whisperer 16.10 hrs Falconry Display by Dublin falconry 16.50 hrs Pikes & Guns BOT/WOT 17.10 hrs Dog Mushing Demonstration Sunday 28th August 2011 10.00 hrs Casting Display by Glenda Powell 11.00 hrs Franklin Levinson Horse Whisperer and Cochise Horses 11.30 hrs Free Flying Falconry Display by Dublin Falconry 12.00 hrs Pikes & Guns from BOT/WOT 12.30 hrs Dog Mushing Demonstration 13.00 hrs Long Netting Display by Steven McGonigal 13.30 hrs Casting Display by Glenda Powell 13.50 hrs Horse and Hound Display 14.20 hrs Horse Whisperer - Cochise Horses 15.00 hrs Carriage Driving Display by the Birr Equestrian Centre 15.30 hrs Victorian Poacher 16.00 hrs Keith Mathews - the Dog Whisperer 16.40 hrs Free Flying Falconry Display by Dublin Falconry 17.10 hrs Final of the Redmills Five Nations Lurcher Championships Please Note : Additional acts and changes to timings may be announced in the programme and by the main arena announcer. Continous Events:Medieval & Living History Encampment & Village: This year's fair will provide an exciting and interactive living history village featuring three periods in rural life i.e. the medieval period with knights in armour, an armoury, a cook site, fabric crafts, bone carving, armour making (chain mail), barber surgeon, leather worker and silver smith organised by the Fingal Living History Society while the English group the Best of Times, Worst of Times will put on a complete Elizabethan Household with crafts and household activities of that period plus a pike and musketry display in the main arena. For those who wish to try their hand at archery this is featured in the walled garden.Country Sports: All the major country sports bodies including the NARGC and FISSTA will be there to give advice and information. Gundog Competitions (Saturday): Massbrook Kennels International Spaniel Test (Saturday) and Massbrook Pet Foods National Novice and Open Spaniel Tests organised by the ESS Club of Ireland. Av Novice Retriever & Minor Breeds Working Tests organised by the Irish Water Spaniel Club. Gundog Competitions (Sunday): Massbrook Kennels International Retriever Test and Massbrook Kennels AV Retriever Open Test organised by the Broadmeadows Gundog Club. Also the All Ireland Game Fair Retriever Handling Championships. Terriers & Lurchers – Irish Countrysports and Country Life/ Premier Event Catering ROI Terrier and Lurcher Championships (Sunday); Racing Saturday including the first qualifier for the 2nd annual international Master McGrath Challenge. Also the New Redmills /ICS&CL Five Nations International Lurcher Championships qualifier and final on Sunday. Ferret Display: display by Ireland's "Mr Ferreter" Tony Carinduff. Static & Free Flying Falconry Displays: by the Dublin Falconry team and the Irish Hawking Club. All Ireland Stickmaking Championships organised by the Celtic Stickmakers Club. Have a Go Archery & Air Rifle Shooting Both days. Angling: Game Fair Casting Competitions organised by Glenda Powell & APGAI and sponsored by Atkins Angling. Children's Entertainment Area: Quads, Bouncy Castles, Climbing Walls etc These are just some of the attractions that will make for a fantastic family day out in the magical setting of Birr Castle at the ROI's REAL NATIONAL Game & Country Fair. Contacts : Albert Titterington 04844839167 E: irishgamefair@btinternet.com www.irishgameandcountryfair.com Philip Lawton Tel: 01 8348279 Mobile 087 2472006 E:lawtonics@hotmail.com The Fair is supported by Shannon Development and Failte IrelandTV COVERAGE The Great Game Fairs have already featured on Dog and Country TV and the Fieldsports Channel and Birr is no exception this year when the Fieldsports Channel returns to capture - literally all the fun and the action over two days. With the cameras eager to pick up every detail - who knows - maybe YOU will have that X factor and be caught on camera enjoying the Fair that is simply too good to miss. The Great Game Fairs team are proud to be the organisers of biggest and best Irish Game and Country Fair at Birr Castle and hope to see even more folk than ever before come along to what promises to be a showcase of the best fun and entertainment to be found in the Irish countryside this year. Céad míle fáilte to Birr on 27 and 28 August when the castle doors open at 10.00 am – 6.00 pm daily. |
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