Annual Newtown Dog Show and Fun Day this Monday
It’s that time of the year again to get your four-legged friend spruced up for the Newtown Dog Show and Family Fun Day. The event, now in its 12th successful year, will again be held in Barry's Field, Newtown, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6.
Funds raised will be split equally between two local groups, Burgess/Duharra Camogie Club and Arra Rovers Football Club, both of whom have such a positive impact upon the lives of the local community.
Competition will take place in 11 show classes this year: Best Large Breed, Best Terrier, Best Working/Utility Dog or Bitch, Best Small Dog/Bitch; Best Gundog/Bitch; Best Rescue Dog/Bitch; Best Puppy under nine months; Best Veteran Dog/Bitch over six years; Best Dog; Best Bitch; Best Child Handler (for owners 12 years and younger).
TROPHIES
Beautiful crystal trophies will be presented to the Overall Show Champion and Reserve Champion, with the Martin McCarthy Memorial Cup also being presented to the Overall Show Champion. Rosettes will be award to first to fourth places in each class. Entry costs €4 per class and €10 for entry to three classes.
There was a record number of entries across the various classes last year, and two show rings will be available again this year to ensure that the event runs smoothly on the day.
To get competition off to a prompt start, the show committee has decided that registration for entries will commence at 11.30pm, with the show itself starting at 1pm.
A draw for a tractor trailer of logs and a car trailer of logs will take place on the day, so watch out for the cards being sold locally, with lines again only €2 each, and three lines for just €5.
ENTERTAINMENT
Sponsors and backers, both old and new, have again been generous in their support and there will be lots of games of skill, interesting stalls, draw prizes and activities for all the family, as well as refreshments both on-site and in the village in both Barry's Coffee Dock and the Skyfarmers Bar/Restaurant. The burger stall on the site, which was such a big hit last year, will also be back.
All the usual favourites will be at the show again, especially with an emphasis on children's entertainment in mind. Among the attractions will be vintage farm machinery and Nenagh Brass Band will be performing – it’s an event that encompasses literally “all the fun for the fair”.
FREE ENTRY
As before, entry to Barry's Field for the show will be free and it is hoped that the bucket collection at the gate will again be generously supported for the benefit of the two very deserving causes, the local camogie club and soccer club.
Burgess/Duharra Camogie Club caters for over 100 girls from U6 to adult senior level, fielding teams in ten different grades.
With all the club's success comes major financial commitments, and, in that respect, the funding raised from the Dog Show greatly helps to alleviate some of the ever-increasing cost of registrations, insurance, County Board levy, hurleys, sliotars and other necessary playing equipment.
Meanwhile, Arra Rovers FC is also a thriving local club that has been in existence for over three decades. The club began in 1986 with a single senior team. In 2002 the juvenile part of the club was started with initially only one team (U10) and now today it has teams covering all ages, ranging from U8 to U16 and youths, and it also has a women’s team. As Arra Rovers are ever expanding, they rely on fundraising to sustain, build and develop the club's future for generations to come.
Even at this late stage, the show committee is happy to hear from anyone who would like to discuss booking the limited remaining space for their stalls. Please telephone committee member Paul Henry of the camogie club (087-2034561) or Dermot O' Halloran of the soccer club (086-6012390).
Mark your diaries for Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, to ensure you don't miss out on the great fun day for the whole family.