Attractions

The 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.

All the main Hunting, Shooting, Fishing and Countryside organisations will be there representing including the NARGC, CAI, IFA Countryside, FISSTA, The Fishery Boards, The Lough's Agency, The Grey Partridge Project, The Red Grouse Project and the Deer Societies.

NARGC AT THE IRISH GAME and COUNTRY FAIR

Ireland's largest shooting and conservation organisation will again be showing at the Irish Game And Country Fair in Birr Castle on 22nd and 23rd August and the Association's stand promises to be bigger and better than ever with something for everyone.

The NARGC merchandise shop, in the capable hands of Margaret Neile will be well stocked with shooting bits and bobs at unbeatable prices. Whether its a book, a cap or a cartridge belt, you will find it in Margaret's shop. Also, Jim Corcoran will display his own excellent taxidermy work. This display is always a big hit. Jimmy Tyrrell will be in attendance to demonstrate his excellent fly tying skills. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran angler, Jimmy will have a selection of flies to meet your needs. Along with Jimmy will be Ireland's leading fly tier and Master Fly Caster, Peter O'Reilly. Peter is well known in the angling world from his work teaching fly casting and from the many books he has written. Artist Louisa Nally will make an appearance in the NARGC Marquee again this year with her fine collection of paintings and prints, especially of hunting dogs. She is also willing to take on commissions.

The National Grey Partridge Conservation Project will also be featuring in the NARGC marquee, which is not any surprise really as NARGC Director, Des Crofton is also the Manager for the Project. For any information on Partridge and their management, Diane Armitage, the Project's Research Assistant, NPWS Scientific Liaison Officer Kieran Buckley, and Conleth Farrell will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice.

The Leinster Branch of the Irish Deer Society will also make an appearance in the NARGC marquee this year having affiliated to NARGC through County Wicklow Game Conservation Council. The Leinster Branch will put on a fine display of heads and applications for membership are invited on the day. Chairman Ahmed Salman will be in attendance with his crew to offer advice on membership and on deer management.

Mike Johnson of MacEoin General Merchants from Dingle in the Kingdom County is by now a regular fixture at almost all NARGC events and Birr will be no different. Mike always attracts huge interest from game shooters as his stand is always like an Aladdin's cave. Paul Walsh from East Coast Dog & Gun will be there too to show the NARGC/Weatherby limited edition game gun which has already generated enormous interest.

NARGC's Tom Lawlor will be in charge of the live game bird display which is a big favourite with both young and old and Eamon Mahony from Galway will have some Grouse on display. Eamon is doing very valuable work on Grouse release and he will be delighted to answer questions on the subject.

The NARGC Safety Team, lead by National Safety Officer Jim O'Connor, will be conducting a safety and shooting clinic. They will be using a laser system and those who avail of the clinic will be amazed at what they can learn about their own shooting style.

Game Development Officer Ger Burns and his crew will be on hand to give advice and titbits on all game matters. Compensation Fund Administrator Chris Gavican will provide information and advice on the NARGC's Compensation Fund and Personal Accident Scheme (PAS) and the extent of the protection provided. There is nothing he doesn't know about the protection of the Fund and PAS. Meanwhile NARGC National Director Des Crofton will be there to provide information and answer queries on a myriad of shooting issues, particularly the new firearms licensing code. He really is an expert on such matters.

This year the NARGC marquee will be host to a game cookery demonstration conducted by well known UK TV Chef Mark Gilchrist. Visit his very interesting web site www.gameforeverything.com. Mark will be cooking a variety of game dishes and members of the public will be able to sample the fare. The cooking facilities are being sponsored by Flogas.

NARGC hopes to see as many gun club members there as possible. The fair is an opportunity to meet new members, renew contact with old acquaintances and friends and provide advice and information on a face to face basis about all matters relating to game shooting and conservation.

See you there!

And from the ROI's largest Shooting organisation to its premier Angling one

FISSTA the Federation of Salmon & Sea Trout Anglers

The Chairman of Ireland's Salmon Anglers - FISSTA (Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers) Mr. John Carroll, has issued the following statement announcing the attendance of the Kerry Junior Anglers at the Birr Game Fair on August 22nd 2009 under the joint sponsorship of ICS&CL magazine and FISSTA.

The group comprise of representatives from over 12 Kerry national schools which the Owneycree Club organises each year under the able management of Chiarman Michael O'Keefe. As part of the awards in participation in the schools angling programme the lucky winners will along with their parent or guardian enjoy the demonstrations of the fly casting by the Fair's experts including the internationally renowned APGAI Ireland team and Director Glenda Powell. FISSTA Chairman John Carroll expressed his gratitude to Albert Titterington on his continued support for this worthy youth angling project. This kind of event enhances the sporting atmosphere at the castle and it is why the Birr Game Fair has gone from strength to strength every year.

The team from FISSTA will have a major presence on the Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine stand in Fisherman's Row.

Kildare Regional Game Council & IFA Countryside

The 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. This is only a small part of their display as they will have 'live action' with demonstrations of stick making and wildlife wood carving as well as a live game bird display and pigeon decoying display and a clay shooting clinic. They will be providing a number of items in the main arena on both days. To add a bit of fun to their stand, they have organised a section to provide water and biscuits to all dogs – as long as they bring their owners to the stand.

The team from IFA Countryside

IFA Countryside will once again be sponsoring the Main Arena programme and will have their very special membership package on offer.

Cochise Horses

The 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. In both 2007 and 2008 the performance of the phenomenally well trained horses from the Cochise Stud was one of the demonstrations of that thrilled the crowd.

Style and elegance from the Cochise Horses

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 displaying his obvious skills as a trainer. 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 2009 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 whisper to another

One of the stars of the dazzling main arena programme at Shanes Castle was the BBC's Dog Guru and increasingly acclaimed "Dog Whisperer" Keith Mathews.

Announcing Keith's exclusive appearances at Shanes Castle 27/28 June and at Birr on 22/23 August, Game Fair Director Albert Titterington said:

"This a real coup for the Great Game Fairs of Ireland. The man behind the renowned Copperbirch Dog Training Academy & Behaviour Centre is a leading figure in canine care and arguably is the most widely recognised trainer in Ireland. 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.

Apart from demonstrating his considerable expertise in training the dog and handler on TV, Keith has had a very successful time with his Labradors in his chosen sport of Field Trialing, by not only making up an Irish Field Trial Champion but also gaining the coveted Irish Kennel Club's Retriever of the Year accolade.

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 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. With International gundog team and individual events; the All Ireland Game Fair All Comers Gundog Handling Championships; the All Ireland Novice Gundog Handling Championships; the dog & gun events; novice and open spaniel, retriever and minor breeds tests; the Gundog Group Show; the parade of gundogs; the Terrier & Lurcher Championships – show and racing; the World of Gundogs Marquee; the dog agility show and demos; the gundog scurry; retriever and spaniel demonstrations; sheep dog displays 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 the BBC's Dog Guru

"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 commented: "I regard it as a privilege to be asked to represent my craft. To be present at the two Great Game Fairs of Ireland is to be present at the summit of excellence."

Albert added: "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."

Irish Fly Fishing & Game Shooting Museum

This 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. However there will be the opportunity to see some of the interesting exhibits at Birr when Walter will be on hand to explain them. 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.

Ferrets with Ireland's "Mr Ferret" Tony Carinduff

The one man who has done more to bring the sport of ferreting to public notice and popularity is Tony Carinduff – this year celebrating 31 years of attending and displaying Ferrets at virtually all of Ireland's Game 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.

The Great Game Fairs of Ireland Fly 2009

When fly tyer Lawrence Finney approached the editorial team of Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine to see if he could produce a special magazine fly he had no idea that he was about to start a tradition. That of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland having a special fly tied annually by one of the number of excellent tyers who keep this traditional art alive.

The 2009 Great Game Fairs of Ireland Fly has been tied by Stevie Munn, the Angling Director of the Northern Game Fair, and can be seen and purchased on his Angling Classics stand at Birr.

Great Game Fairs of Ireland Fly 2009 Tied by Stevie Munn

Falconry at Birr

Faconry 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 Rob Allott from the Prince Bishops Medieval Falconry display team. Rob will not only be mounting a superb static display but also an exciting main arena flying programme.

It really is something that you should not miss as the displays offer a unique and rich mix of history, excitement, expectation and medieval splendour. For further details of the falconry experiences offered by Rob and his team see www.princebishopsfalconry.com

Rob Allott from the Prince Bishop Medieval Falconry team

The Irish Hawking Club

Although 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 Stands

Wide 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

Plus country clothing and fashion to suit all tastes and pockets; a Craft Tent; Art Gallery; a Fine Food and Drinks Pavilion; Sporting Holidays; Renewable Energy; home & Garden equipment – in fact something to interest anyone who lives, works or plays in the Irish Countryside.

The Medieval Village

Apart 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 Fearsome Welsh warriors from Drudion, The Knightsand ladies of Northern Period Production and Lady Rosse has an 'armed escort' from the Limerick Bowmen.

In addition the English group the Best of Times/Worst of times will be mounting a complete Elizabethan household including beautifully designed living accommodation and bed chambers; plus all the other household tasks carefully and authentically re-created plus of course all the weaponry associated with the huge numbers of wars from that period. They will also perform a pike and musketry display in the main arena.

The Eco Village

Although Fair Director Albert Titterington is best known for organising fairs, publishing, his overall involvement in countrysports and his period as an academic and marketing consultant, not many people know that Albert is a graduate biologist and someone with a lifelong interest in the conservation and preservation of the countryside. Albert has published several internationally acclaimed academic articles on such diverse green issues as green consumerism; food scares; organic food; recycling; environmental labelling; alternative energy etc.

In fact he has always espoused and promoted the concept of country sports, farming and conservation interests working in harmony for the preservation of the countryside and our planet. In fact both of the estates where the Great Game Fairs of Ireland are staged provide final living examples of how this harmonious relationship can work.

However in 2009 the two Great Game Fairs of Ireland are going even GREENER with the launch of complete sections focused on developing Ireland's most exciting green living events - ECO FAIRS & VILLAGES.

These exhibition and display areas will be dedicated tented villages sponsored by Eventus Marquues and North Down Marquees respectively, providing a "one stop shop" for all the products and services necessary to buy into a GREENER LIFESTYLE including: Sustainable Living, Home & Garden Design, Energy Saving Design, Renewable Energy, Recycling and Waste Management. It is intended that they provide not only an entertainment but educational facility.

The ECO FAIRS & VILLAGES will be supported by the implementation of greener and more environmentally friendly practices throughout the fair including energy generation, better recycling facilities for packaging and litter, green transport and encouraging greener travelling arrangements.

Miss Earth

The Main Arena Sponsored by IFA Countryside (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 and a team of very pretty young ladies from her Waterford ladies group.

Lord and Lady Rosse with Glenda Powell and the Waterford Ladies casting display team

A Children's Learning and entertainment extravaganza

Most 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

Ireland's Real Game Fairs