Garvagh charity show a success

In spite of some early morning rain the event attracted a large crowd of spectators from across Northern Ireland.

The show field was a buzz of activity all day long with a variety of entertainment. Trade stand spaces were fully occupied with a variety of attractions, clothing stands, bric a brac and food stalls. The marquee was well filled with a full range of arts and craft stalls.

There was a good range of entertainment for the children, the Corbally farm exhibit being hugely popular. The Pet Dog Show was well supported, sponsored by Garvagh Veterinary Clinic and judged by partner Alan Brown. There were classes for the most obedient dog won by Millie, the best groomed dog was Marbles and Hugo was awarded a prize for the dog that wags its tail the most!

Many of the older attractions created a huge level of interest, there was a good turn out of stationary engines and in contrast there was the massive and immaculately turned out steam engine 'Bonnie Doon' owned by James Patterson. Built in 1914 she looked and sounded still perfect.

Musical entertainment for the day was supplied by Alistair Coyles and Herbie Connor with Mark Culbertson in charge of the sound system. The club’s own vintage threshing mill and baler were up and running under the guidance of Tom Stewart, James Smyth and the McClarty family.

At the top end of the field a very successful Clydesdale horse show was hosted with a total of 20 horses entered. The quality of the horses was superb with a nice entry of young March born foals on show.

The judge for the day was Nigel Taggart of Bellaney Clydesdales. His top three selection for the honours were Sandra Henderson's mare Croaghmore Daisy as Supreme Champion, Geoffrey and Leslie Tanners filly as Reserve Champion and Victor Scott's gelding as Male Champion.

The Clydesdale horse society shield was awarded to Freddie and Adele Lyle with Cloghan Jolene.

Finn Todd from Castlerock retained his title as best young handler. John Weir brought his farm cart and Clydesdale horse Roeshall Apollo from Ballyclare. There was also great admiration for the Victorian Wedding Carriage and Friesian Stallions owned by Tommy and Frankie Erwin from Fintona.

Results -

Brood Mare (Tom Fleming Cup): 1st David Patterson, Agivey First Hope; 2nd Dessie Simpson, Macfin Vera Lynn

Best Foal (O’Connell Garage Cup): 1st Pat O'Boyle, Roesgift Evie; 2nd Geoffrey and Leslie Tanner, Downhill Sunshine; 3rd Dessie Simpson, Ballyoglagh Tillie

Yeld Mare (Robert Scott Cup): Sandra Henderson, Croaghmore Daisy

Three Year Old Gelding Class (Mervyn Stewart Cup): 1st Victor Scott, Glebeview Dan; 2nd Victor Scott, Glebeview Jack

Two Year Old Gelding (Nevin Smith Cup): Victor Scott, Glebeview Charlie

Two Year Old Filly Class (Hugh / Avril Scott Cup): 1st Hanna Bros, Macfin Highland Queen; 2nd Darren Ryan, Hillview Amazing Grace; 3rd Matthew Patton, Masteragwee Bonnie

One Year Old Filly Class (Farlow Engineering Cup): 1st Geoffrey & Lesley Tanner, Cloghan Maisie; 2nd John Cross, Castletown Carla; 3rd Freddie and Adele Lyle, Cloghan Jolene

Show Champion (Jack Linton Cup): Sandra Henderson, Croaghmore Daisy

Reserve Champion (Nevin Smith Cup): Geoffrey & Lesley Tanner, Cloghan Maisie

Male Champion (Bells Supermarket Shield): Victor Scott, Glebeview Charlie

The committee express their sincere thanks to all the exhibitors, vendors, musicians, street collectors, judges, sponsors and all those who came along to support the event and made it another memorable Garvagh Show!