Emerald Newsletter April 2010

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Emerald Newsletter Contact Details Northern Ireland Countryside Alliance Ireland Larchfield Estate Balliesmills Road Lisburn Co Down, BT27 6XJ Tel: 028 9263 9911 Republic of Ireland Countryside Alliance Ireland Courtlough Shooting Grounds Balbriggan Co Dublin Tel: 01 690 3610 April 2010 Volume 10 Issue 1 Saturday 27 th March 2010 was a dry and breezy day in Waterford which saw over 5,000 marchers protest outside the Green Party Conference in opposition to the proposed Dog Breeding Establishments Bill and the Animal Welfare Bill. The demonstration, organised by RISE! (Rural Ireland Says Enough) clearly showed the strength of feeling of the country sports fraternity who were there in force to promote and defend our traditional rural based pastimes. Proposed legislation, especially that which prohibits activities of profound cultural importance should be considered only if it can be proved to remove a demonstrable harm. There is no evidence that hunting has created any harm. There is however, considerable evidence that the motivation of many who support a ban on hunting is driven by politics and prejudice. Those in Government should tackle the real rural issues such as plummeting farm incomes, the erosion of rural services, the increasingly unaffordable cost of basic commodities and the increasing social exclusion experienced by our rural communities. Politicians must not underestimate the strength of feeling of the country sports community; we are a force to be reckoned with and will defend with all our might the future of country sports for generations to come. Five Thousand Demonstrate in Waterford Pictured L-R: Lyall Plant, Michael O Donovan, Club Secretary, Colman Howard, Club Chairman, Eoin Howard, Member and Lord Waterford ( Pic Rebecca Howard )

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Newsletter from Countryside Alliance Ireland

Transcript of Emerald Newsletter April 2010

Page 1: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

Emerald Newsletter

Contact Details

Northern Ireland

Countryside Alliance IrelandLarchfield EstateBalliesmills Road

LisburnCo Down, BT27 6XJTel: 028 9263 9911

Republic of Ireland

Countryside Alliance IrelandCourtlough Shooting Grounds

BalbrigganCo Dublin

Tel: 01 690 3610

April 2010 Volume 10 Issue 1

Saturday 27th March 2010 was a dry and breezy day in Waterford which saw over 5,000 marchers protest outside the Green Party Conference in opposition to the proposed Dog Breeding Establishments Bill and the Animal Welfare Bill. The demonstration, organised by RISE! (Rural Ireland Says Enough) clearly showed the strength of feeling of the country sports fraternity who were there in force to promote and defend our traditional rural based pastimes.

Proposed legislation, especially that which prohibits activities of profound cultural importance should be considered only if it can be proved to remove a demonstrable harm. There is no evidence that hunting has created any harm. There is however, considerable evidence that the motivation of many who support a ban on hunting is driven by politics and prejudice.

Those in Government should tackle the real rural issues such as plummeting farm incomes, the erosion of rural services, the increasingly unaffordable cost of basic commodities and the increasing social exclusion experienced by our rural communities.

Politicians must not underestimate the strength of feeling of the country sports community; we are a force to be reckoned with and will defend with all our might the future of country sports for generations to come.

Five Thousand Demonstrate in Waterford

Pictured L-R: Lyall Plant, Michael O Donovan, Club Secretary, Colman Howard, Club Chairman, Eoin Howard, Member and Lord Waterford ( Pic Rebecca Howard )

Page 2: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

A Message From Lyall Plant

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Welcome to the Emerald Newsletter, Countryside Alliance Ireland’s member’s communication designed to reflect the breadth of our current work programmes and to keep you up to date with the many important issues that we face.

We have worked hard to make the content of the Emerald Newsletter as current, informative and enjoyable as possible – but please do let us know what you think! The frequency of this communication will be two issues per year and together with our monthly Emerald e-route e-mail newsletter forms the basis of a comprehensive member’s communication strategy.

If you have access to e-mail facilities, and the great majority of our members now do, I thoroughly recommend that you subscribe to the Emerald e-route by visiting our website and subscribing. It too has changed and is an excellent mechanism for getting important information to members quickly.

The week before Easter at Stormont proved somewhat irksome for all responsible country sport enthusiasts. Firstly, the Environment Committee voted by 4:3 to ban the use of snares in Northern

Ireland and secondly there was the launch of the Green Party’s consultation to ban hunting with dogs. The use of snares in Northern Ireland has come under the scrutiny of the Environment Committee during the review of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill and those members of the Committee who were present voted to ban their use. At present, snaring is subject to legal restrictions and when properly practised is an effective and humane form of pest and in particular, fox control.

Vermin control is necessary in order to ensure that damage to game, wildlife and livestock by fox predation is reduced to acceptable levels, particularly at vulnerable times of the year e.g. nesting and lambing time.

If snaring is banned, we will face a huge battle to prevent increased fox predation of ground-nesting birds and leverets. Countryside Alliance Ireland opposes any attempt to ban the use of legal snares in Northern Ireland and we urge you to write to the Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, to oppose the Environment Committee’s recommendation (see page 5).

Brian Wilson (The Green Party’s only MLA in Northern Ireland) has launched a consultation on proposals to ban hunting wild mammals with dogs.

This action from a minority party is an underhand attempt to target all responsible country sports people and we must take action now to safeguard the future of all country sports. The consultation is open to the public and is available on the Green Party’s website – www.greenpartyni.org and we urge you to have your say, before it’s too late, to ensure the Green Party are in no doubt that responsible country sports people do not want their biased, misinformed views inflicted upon them. (see page 7)

The RISE! March in Waterford was a stunning success. Few could have predicted that the March would have enjoyed such phenomenal support and literally thousands of people from all over Ireland travelled not only to show their support for country sports, but also to send a forceful message to politicians in Leinster House that we have had enough.

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A Message From Lyall Plant

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We are fighting for all country sports and we encourage all our members to write to and visit their local TD and tell them “Hands off our Country Sports and our Rural Way of Life” or you lose our vote at the next election.

Firearms licensing is still a contentious issue both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland I have met with the new head of the Firearms and Explosives Branch, John Rafferty, to discuss the problems that are arising due to the lack of resources within the Department. John has assured me that he has submitted a business plan outlining his vision for the future and that with its implementation, our members will be provided with a ‘best in class’ level of service. We have an excellent relationship with Lisnasharragh and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts that the team affords us.

The new Firearms licensing procedures in the Republic continue to cause major problems. We still have post code approvals and interpretation of the guidelines to the detriment of responsible country sports people.

Some draconian measures have been tried by individual Garda districts to pressurise individuals into giving up some of their firearms in order that they can then claim they are reducing the numbers of legally held firearms.

These measures being employed by the Garda Districts were not anticipated by the members of the Firearms Consultative Panel and indeed are at odds with the Commissioners Guidelines. We are aggressively addressing these concerns. The Forestry, Animal Welfare and the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bills have been through the committee stages at Stormont. We gave evidence to the Agricultural Committee in relation to the proposed ban on Tail Docking where we have carried out extensive lobbying for an exemption for working dogs.

I was accompanied by DJ Histon CEO of the Irish Coursing Club and Professor Ian Montgomery to an Environment Committee meeting where we

delivered our evidence on retaining the Irish Hare on the Game Schedule and we will continue to lobby on these important issues.

Our Northern Ireland Members will find two letters complete with stamped addressed envelopes for them to complete and post back to the Environment Minister Edwin Poots urging him to support the retention of the Irish Hare on Schedule 1 and also to ask him not to ban snaring but to introduce a licensing system similiar to legislation that was recently introduced in to Scotland. The second letter is in response to the Green Party Consultation. In both cases please ensure that you put your name and address on the top right hand corner of the letter, sign it then post it immediately. We are doing all we can but we need your help if we are to be successful.

We have negotiated a special 50% discount for our members on entry prices into both the National Countrysports Fair at Moira and the Irish National Country Fair at Ballinlough Castle, when purchased through out offices at Larchfield and Courtlough. When you book through our offices you will also receive a voucher that will allow you a discounted meal from the Hog Roast stand. In addition, you will be able to enjoy the member’s area within our marquee where you can avail of free tea and coffee and chat with the team.

We will also be at the new Game Fair at Ballywalter, County Down which is now being run by the experienced team from the Great Game Fairs of Ireland who also run the Game Fairs at Shanes Castle, County Antrim and Birr Castle, Birr (at which we will also be in attendance). Details of all the Game and Country Sports Fairs are included from page 10 onwards.

As you will see, this newsletter is a Game Fair Special and we urge you to avail of the offers this year and attend these superb events where the CAI team is always delighted to welcome you.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Lyall PlantChief Executive

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ICC response to “Dying Hare” Video

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On Tuesday, 30 March 2010, a disturbingly engineered video purporting to have recorded a “dying hare” at the National Coursing Meeting, February 3, 2010 was released to the Youtube website by the Association of Hunt Saboteurs Ireland. It was also distributed to all TDs as “evidence of the brutality” of hare coursing.

The ICC completely and unreservedly condemns and rejects the claims of the video and most strongly denies the authenticity of the subject matter itself.

A second inspection of the video by ICC officials, members and independent scrutineers including IT and veterinary experts, exposes it as a deliberately orchestrated effort to discredit the hare welfare policies and practices of the ICC, ICC members and supporters.

The video begins with coursing footage from the National Meeting and ends with its subject matter, the “dying hare”. Beside it being patently impossible for the “dying hare” portion to have taken place during the National Meeting, in several frames it most disturbingly reveals the hare is restrained by a wire around its neck (and possibly one limb), the wire then extending to the right of the hare, intermittently being pulled. The hare is highly likely to have been poisoned or partially sedated for effect.

The location and number of paddock stewards, staff, and 24 hour security personnel during the National Meeting make it virtually impossible for the “dying hare” portion of the video to have taken place at the claimed time and there are numerous inconsistencies with the video.

Differences in the quality of the video between the coursing footage and the “dying hare” footage are obvious and the PA system background sound from the coursing portion is completely absent from the “dying hare” sequence. A break-in to the hare compound was discovered on a day previous to the National Meeting, and this was reported to and is on record with the Gardaí.

The location of the damage to the fencing from the break-in is in immediate proximity to the

angle of the camera and the direction from which the wire around the hare’s neck is being pulled. Further claims of greyhounds breaking into the hare compound during the National Meeting are completely without basis and these and other details point to people who will go to any lengths to achieve their aims and have no reservations whatsoever of sacrificing a hare to do so.

It is a desperate and deplorable agenda. This is a shocking and disgraceful attempt to discredit the dedicated organising committee of the National Meeting and the ICC from a group of people who allege to oppose animal cruelty.

Minister Gormley has been notified of our findings; given he was provided with this footage to investigate the matter. It is well documented how animal rights activists have “sacrificed” animals in the furtherance of their cause.

It is worth noting that the alleged authors of this video are claimed to be Polish and therefore difficult to trace or interview; it is unusual at best that it took two months to “launch” their production on the unsuspecting public.

The timing of the controlled release of this video was clearly designed to generate impact at an opportunistic time. These are the actions of treacherous people who will stop at nothing to achieve their agenda and they must be exposed to the greater public, our elected representatives and the decent people of Ireland.

Legal counsel is being sought and the video and all other supporting information has been given to the Gardaí; who have already been notified of this serious matter of inflicted animal cruelty and trespass.

Additional, confidential evidence and detail will be provided to the Gardaí to assist with their investigation. TDs and other government officials will also be so informed and we encourage anyone with further evidence or observations to contact the ICC immediately on 052 6172481.

DJ Histon CEO Irish Coursing Club

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NI Committee Vote to Ban SnaringThe Northern Ireland Environment Committee during its clause by clause scrutiny of the new Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill voted to ban the use of snares.

We believe that this is an ill concived decision and one which has been driven by the Animal Rights Activists and not on scientific evidence. We presented evidence to the Environment Committee on the use the snares and highlighted that the use of snares is a valuable means for land management.

At a time when the Committee were also placing the Curlew and the Golden Plover on to schedule 5, we are unable to comprehend their logic in this decision to ban snaring as both these birds are ground nesting and evidence has shown the decline in the numbers of these birds is mainly due to predation.

It is the responsibility of all those involved in fox control to ensure their methods are legal, humane and carried out with sensitivity and respect for other countryside users and wildlife. Without snaring, fox numbers will increase because other methods cannot make up the gap in control.

Opponents of snaring claim it is an indiscriminate method of pest control that regularly catches non-target species. This is false. A well-designed snare, set correctly, is a highly effective and targeted method of restraining foxes and rabbits until they can be humanely dispatched. We asked the Environment Committee to refer to legislation as it relates to snaring in Scotland; snares have to be free-running and must have a stop, so they cannot tighten beyond a prescribed width for restraint only. New snare designs are also being developed that will allow any non-target animals to break away. It is estimated that snaring accounts for 30% of all foxes controlled by gamekeepers and shoot managers each year and on some land where it would be difficult to use other methods, this figure is as high as 75%.

Are the Animal Rights Activists going to control predators? Well, the answer is “No” - they will walk

away and start to concentrate on something else like angling.

Enjoy a great Autumn Break at the Midland Game Fair over the weekend of 18 & 19 September 2010. Now regarded as the UK’s largest Game Fair with over 600 exhibitors attending, it really is a show not to be missed.

A luxury coach will be leaving Craigavon on Friday 17 September for a four day trip to the Midland Game Fair at Weston Park, near Birmingham.

The coach will return again on Monday 20 September. Free car parking is available at the coach depot.

The cost for the package is just £249 p.p. sharing. This includes all travel and three night’s B&B and dinner in a three star hotel close to Weston Park.

More information regarding this fantastic offer can

be obtained from Bill Beckett on 028 44 832775 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Midland Game Fair

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Another one in the bag!

The annual end of season dinner hosted at Dolly Mitchell’s bar in Rossin, County Meath, provided another fantastic night in which to celebrate great country game.

More than 400 people who love country sports and country food filled the bar, providing a great atmosphere that made everyone feel welcome from the start.

The event has grown to such an extent that this year, the food was served in a building adjacent to the pub.

The menu which consisted of many types of game and wildfowl was a delight and showcased the terrific season that local gun clubs had around the area.

With over 50 dishes on offer, each was clearly labelled so everyone could identify their favourites and also try some that hadn’t met their taste buds before.

Ranging from sweet and sour pheasant legs, to hare in port, wild boar sausages and woodcock with apple and

onion, this was a menu that meant second servings had to be considered!

The superb feast was free for all to enjoy but could not have been achieved without all the hard work and efforts by the main organisers, local shots and cooks. This successful evening is a must for next year’s calendar; bringing together fellow country sports enthusiasts for great food and great banter!

Pictured Below: A feast of Roast Woodcock, Pheasant Legs in Plum Sauce, Southern Fried Rabbit and Hare in Port

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Main Organisers and Helpers: Back Row L-R David Dillon, Derek Russell, Elaine Keogh, Darren Clarke, John Walsh,

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Call for Ban on Hunting with Dogs

Brian Wilson, M.L.A for North Down is planning to introduce a private members bill to the Assembly which will ban the hunting of wild mammals with hounds in Northern Ireland.

He states that legislation banning the hunting of wild mammals with dogs already exists in England and Wales , so this bill, which he hopes to introduce to the Assembly before the summer recess, will bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK and end fox & stag hunting and hare coursing.

It has been proven that the Legislation as enacted in GB is not working, it is a cruel law, The Hunting Act has done nothing to protect wild mammals from unnecessary suffering, nor does it promote their conservation. Instead, the Hunting Act simply prohibits certain methods of wildlife management despite there being no scientific evidence that they are any less humane than the alternatives.

Northern Ireland already has robust legislation that prohibits the causing of “unnecessary suffering” to ALL animals by whatever means. If improving animal welfare, rather than proscribing human activity, is the objective of the proposed bill then it is a wholly unnecessary piece of legislation.

As a responsible countrysports organisation that campaigns for the countryside, country sports and the rural way of life we will respond to this consultation in a factual manner and one that demonstrates that there is no need to seek to impose an unnecessary and unpopular law on the countryside which benefits neither people nor animals.

Firearm licensing laws are unworkable It is now nearly a year since the new firearms licensing laws came into force in the Republic of Ireland.

The Firearms Consultative Panel was set up to advise and consult with the Department of Justice and the Garda Commissioner to deliver a workable solution to provide legislation that would be of benefit to the general public and address concerns that were highlighted in the media at the time.

The Firearms Consultative Panel members (of which CAI is a member) were instrumental in formulating the Commissioner’s guidelines in conjunction with the legislation. Indeed, we believed that the guidelines would provide the shooting community with an open and transparent licensing system in that if you were an upstanding citizen with no convictions and that you carried out your activites at an approved shooting range or were a member of gun club, complied with the Safe Storage SI and

had a valid reason then there should be no reason for the Licensing Officer not to grant you your Firearm Certificate.

However, as you all are well aware this is far from the truth. We are back to the same old post code licensing system where individual licensing officers are interpreting the rules in their own way to the detrimental effect of our members and all responsible shooters.

The only recourse to this is to take legal action against the licensing officer. This course of action has been successful on a number of occasions. However, we are also aware that some cases have fallen. This is a political issue and we will continue to actively lobby to seek changes to ensure that a fair system is in place for the benefit of all. We will be making further representations on your behalf and shall keep you advised.

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It is with great sadness and regret that we learned of the sudden passing of one of Ireland’s leading deer stalking personalities and former WDAI

chairman John ‘’Johnny’’ Creedon who passed away unexpectedly on January 15th 2010. Johnny was chairman of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland from 2005 - 2007 and during his tenure contributed significantly to the association’s development into a leading national organisation. A member of the WDAI for almost 20 years he unselfishly devoted him time to the betterment of Ireland’s wild deer herds, its members and to those who had similar interests.

As a man who had seen a lot of the world through

his many hunting and yachting trips, been involved in deer stalking and bird shooting all his life and a keen wildlife photographer and film maker (which can be seen on www.wilddeerireland.com) meant you where always guaranteed a good story with the Johnny Creedon humour added in for good measure.

Johnny’s passion for deer stalking was only matched by his interest in film making and photography, which saw him win the best amateur documentary in Ireland/UK. His funeral took place in Macroom, Co. Cork on January 21st and as expected was well attended by the shooting and hunting community. As was fitting for this extraordinary sports man the ceremony included a three gun salute by Johnny’s local gun club and a guard of honour by the WDAI.

A man with great zest for life not to mention his legendary story telling will be sadly missed by all hunting and shooting people who were lucky enough to meet him. May he rest in peace.

Damien HanniganWild Deer Association of Ireland

John Creedon - Obituary

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Notice to CAI MembersWe wish to advise our members that ticket bookings are now been taken for entry into The National Countrysports Fair at Moira, Co Down and The Irish National Country Fair at Ballinlough Castle.

Members who pre book discounted tickets through our offices at Lisburn and Courtlough will each receive a voucher that will entitle them to a reduced price roll at the Hog Roast stand. A special members area will be allocated within the Countryside Alliance Ireland marquee where members will also be able to avail of free fresh tea and coffee. This is an exceptional offer and one that should not be missed, so hurry and book yout tickets now

Bits and Pieces

New MembershipsAvailable in

Lusk Pheasant Club

We have been advised by Lusk Pheasant Club that there are a number of vacancies for new members within the club. Membership is open to those who live in the Rush or Lusk area and also for those who are from further afield and willing to travel to partciipate fully in all club activities.

This is a progressive and hard working club who take their activities very seriously and look to their members to conduct all their activites to the highest of standards. A game rearing programme is currently in place.

The Naul Clay Shooting Gounds will be hosting Lusk Phesant Club’s Open Clay Shoot on Sunday the 30th May 2010. The event starts at 12 noon with last entries being taken at 4pm.

It will be a 50 Bird Sporting with re entry allowed. There will also be a two person team flush also with re entry.

Applications forms and further details of the open shoot are now available from the Club Secretary who can be contacted on 086 6010632.

The Ulster Gundog League Invitation to

New Members

The Ulster Gundog League was formed in 1922 to run field trials and working tests for retrievers, spaniels, pointers & setters and HPR’s. The League will be running two working tests and at least eleven trials during the 2010/11 season. The events that are planned are;

* Novice and open retriever working tests* Novice and open spaniel working tests* One open, one all aged and two novice spaniel Trials* A 24 dog open stake for retreivers and three novice trials* Three open stakes for pointers and setters

If you would like to compete in these tests and trials with your dog or have an interest in these competitions, membership of the Ulster Gundog League is just £5 per annum, with a one off joining fee of £7.

If you wish to join, Richard Johnston is the Secretary of the League and can be contacted by email at [email protected] or alternatively by telephone on 07825 760 164.

Naul Clay Pigeon Shooting ClubWe wish to inform our members that the Naul Clay Pigeon Shooting Club is now open for practice at the following times. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday open from 5.30pm until 8.00pm. Saturday 12 noon to 5.00pm and Sunday 10.30am to 3.00pm. Cartridge and Gun Sales are also available during these times. For coaching and shooting outside of these times call Eddie on 087 2636365.

Eddie is pleased to announce that they have advanced coaching days available with the world renowned firearms consultant, broadcaster, author and shooting instructor, Michael Yardley. There are some days available for advanced coaching for Driven Game and Clay Shooters. Availability is for the first weekend in June.

Page 10: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

NASRPC Fundraiser at Hilltop

Hilltop Shooting Club held a fundraising shoot over Valentines weekend in support of the NASRPC legal fund. The weekend comprised of nine shooting competitions over two days, a dinner dance in the Parkview Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy, and a raffle with substantial prizes on offer.

The shooting covered all disciplines with compact sporting and ABT Shotgun, Precision and T & P rimfire and centrefire pistol, timed & precision rimfire & centrefire gallery rifle, and 50 metre benchrest rifle.

The weather over the weekend was excellent, with both days remaining dry and sunny, but fresh in the shade; the weather on Saturday favored the benchrest shooters with very little breeze around and Paul Hayes from Hilltop certainly took advantage putting in a score of 249/250 taking the 1st place in the Heavy Varmint Class, and won the special cup & a €100 voucher sponsored by Michael Tope.

Gallery rifle was very popular with novices hitting maximum scores, enough to make many of the seasoned gallery shooters blush, the shotgun also proved challenging, with lots of egos dented and bruised, the full results are not available at the time of writing, but will be available by the time you read this on the NASRPC website, http://www.nasrpc.ie

Saturday night saw over 160 people sit down to dinner in the Parkview Hotel, an excellent meal was had by all, this was followed by a raffle, where the 1st prize was a CZ 452 .22 rifle sponsored by Countryside Alliance Ireland. We wish Mr. Kelly

the winner of the rifle the best of success with it, There were over 20 other prizes, all sponsored by companies or individuals, so lots of people took home more than they came with. From a fundraising point of view the weekend was a massive success and the amount raised well exceeded our expectations and is likely to surpass €16,000 so thanks to all of you who contributed or helped.

The NASRPC would like to especially thank the following people, without which the weekend would not have been such a success, Pat & Marion Cooke our hosts, the Hilltop staff for there long hours and

hard work without them we would not have made near the amount we did, the Hilltop committee & range officers who made the weekend safe and fun, Aine & Maeve for the great food, Countryside Alliance Ireland, The Garda Clay Pigeon Club, the LRRAI,Lake Communications, Philip & Edel Shannon, Chubb Ireland, Grahaeme Feeney, Fingal Academy,Crescent Sports, MIA, East Coast Dog & Gun, Dogs Rods & Guns and the many, many more people who helped make the weekend an outstanding success.

Above all the NASRPC would like to thank - you - those who take part in the shooting sports - whose attendance, support and donations made the weekend not just a huge fundraising success but a great weekends sporting. It has been a long winter for everyone and it was great to see so many people, from so many clubs, out enjoying a bit of sport. We look forward to seeing you all again - on ranges all over the country.

Pictures Courtsey of Edward Kelly Image Art

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L to R are Pat Cooke, Declan Byrne and Brian Kelly

L to R Ms Kelly, Marion Cooke and Mary Halligan

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First Trial of 2010 for the ILFA

The Irish Ladies Fly-Fishing Association held its first trial for the 2010 season on Lough Lene near Mullingar on Saturday 27th March 2010. Three further trials will be held throughout the year all over Ireland and the results will be used to select the team to represent Ireland at the Ladies International Flyfishing Championships to be held on Bewel Water Kent in England in 2011.

The first trial of the season is traditionally held in March/April time so the women are used to less favourable weather conditions. But the 8 members who had come from all over Ireland were pleasantly surprised when they arrived at Collinstown to find a blue sky, warm sunshine and a pleasant 10 mile North Westerly wind. Nevertheless they all piled on

the layers and the competition started at 11am Susan Brown Chairman of the ILFA was drawn with Julie Gerry, Captain of the 2010 team. They quickly found fish and within half an hour had 3 fish in the boat. Within another half an hour they’d caught 4 more, most of which fell to a damsel nymph on an intermediate line.

Results were: 1st Julie Gerry 7 fish for 267cm,2nd Susan Brown 6 fish for 258cm, 3rd Jean Johnston 1 fish for 40cm and Top boatman was David O’Neill

The ILFA wish to thank the Lough Lene Angling Association for their help in staging this trial and the local boatmen for their support during the day.

The next trial will be on Lough Melvin on Saturday 17th April. The ILFA plan to run several days throughout the year to introduce women to angling and social days for members and their friends.

For more information on these events or to join the ILFA please visit www.irishladiesflyfishing.com or ring Julie Gerry on 087 2055 094

You must be over 18 to take part in the events.

Andy and Paul’s adventure for CfRCasting for Recovery supporter Andy Elliott plans a kayak paddle from Belleek in County Fermanagh to Limerick City, a journey of approx 250 miles, over 10 days from the 28th May 2010. For those who haven’t got an abacus handy that’s twenty five miles a day on a fully loaded sit on top kayak. Andy, his dog Ciamohé and his friend Paul Hawthorne hope to arrive in Limerick on the 6th June or thereabouts.

Andy and Paul are doing this to raise funds for Casting for Recovery and you can sponsor them by visiting www.boat-angling-ireland.com.

This is a very worthwhile cause so please support the team that is helping women recover from breast cancer.

At going to press we have been informed that Casting for Recovery has been granted Charitable status by the Charity Commission.

The UK and Ireland Programme Co-ordinator Sue Hunter said: “The Casting for Recovery team is very excited that we are now a charity. We have enjoyed the backing of Countryside Alliance in the UK, Orvis UK and Countryside Alliance Ireland up to now. but now that donors who pay tax in the UK can recieve Gift Aid on their donations we hope there will be a very healthy future for this unique and inspiring programme. In becoming a charity the structure is now in place to help many thousands of women in the coming years”.

L to R are John Gleeson, Mary McKee, Margaret Rooney, Madeleine Kelly, Jenny Casey, Tommy Fagan, Susan Brown, David O’Niel (Top Boatman), Jean Johnston, Julie Gerry and Sorcha Weld

Page 12: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

BRAND NEW

BALLYWALTER GAME &COUNTRY LIVING FAIR

SUNDAY 2nd May 2010, BALLYWALTER ESTATE, CO DOWNBRAND NEW LAYOUT INVOLVING THE HOUSE (Public Tours available) and STABLE YARD ( featuring a ShootingVillage with a massive display of modern & vintage weaponry including those by John Rigby, taxidermy andBASC shooting, lazer shooting and game cookery displays); terriers & lurcher displays, racing and show;vintage and classic cars; gundog tests & scurry; falconry; muzzle loading; clay shooting; air rifles; fly castingand fly tying; carriage driving; archery; horse and hounds; hovercraft; children’s entertainments; countrycrafts including stick making, wood turning with pole lathe and net making; conservation exhibits PLUS atented village of country orientated trade stands including a fantastic fine food marquee. Action packedmain arena programme from 10.00 to 6.00 featuring wide range of attractions including the Cochise horsesand Keith Mathews the BBC’s Dog Guru.

For further details see: www.ballywaltergamefair.comor call 028 44839167

Organised in association with the Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle andthe Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine

SPECIALINTRODUCTORY TICKET OFFER:

Adult Ticket £10 Family £25 Parking & Programme FREE PLUS this ticket also gives ADMISSION to Ireland’s premier GAME FAIR at Shanes

Castle, Antrim on 26th & 27th June.

TWO big country day’s out for the price of ONE!

Media Sponsors:ESTABLISHED 1904

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Page 13: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

A Brand New Irish Game Fair

The Ballywalter Game & Country Living Fair is a brand new game fair and will be on Sunday 2nd May 2010 from 10.00 – 6.00. Visitors to this event (organised by the team behind the Fair at Shanes Castle) have been promised that they will see very different Fair to that previously organised at Ballywalter by BASC.

The ambience of the house and surrounds will set the tone of this new stylish and elegant, yet very traditional game fair.

All the old favourite attractions will be there together with some very new ones and the whole event will be focused on involvement, interaction

and participation in a real celebration of traditional country sports and country life all crammed into one day of superb entertainment.

Marketing Director Albert Titterington, said: “The good news is that we have completely turned round an event that was not to run this year. When we were approached, we realised that it would require a great deal of investment, time and commitment, but felt the prize of delivering a successful event in County Down and the first Game Fair of the season would

create a win win situation for the area as a whole, countrysports enthusiasts and the public and traders alike.”

While the house and yard will provide a stylish focus, the main site will also feature an extensive, quality action packed programme plus a wide range of country orientated trade stands including a fantastic fine food marquee plus many more new country sports and family orientated attractions.

For visitors to this new improved event, there is a special introductory ticket offer: adult ticket £10, family £25 & free parking and programme, plus this ticket also gives FREE admission to The Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle, Antrim on 26th & 27th June.

Two big country days out for the price of one!

For further details regarding the new game fair visit www.ballywaltergamefair.com or call 028 ( from ROI 048) 44839167 /44615416 or Email the organisers at [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there.

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Page 14: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

National Countrysports Fair

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The renowned National Countrysports Fair, celebrating fifteen unbroken years, will be held again in the perfect setting of Moira Demesne, Co Down with support from Lisburn City Council and DCAL Northern Ireland Events.

A highlight of the summer sporting calendar, this year the organisers have scrapped the entry fee for children under the age of 16 years when accompanied by an adult. A dedicated Family Area will have public dining and children’s activities, live music, vintage vehicles, pony rides, miniature horses and a free to enter children’s pet competition. Saturday 29 May will feature a special appearance by BBC Radio Ulster presenter and local musician, Hugo Duncan, with his band.

Northern Ireland’s leading country sports organisations will be present, including Countryside Alliance Ireland; whose members may avail of free coffee and a discounted Hog Roast* meal (*Vouchers will be issued with pre-purchased entry tickets only), the Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS), and the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC).

The main arena will feature a varied entertainment programme, including falconry, horses and hounds, pigeon decoying, gundog handling, terriers and lurchers, working gundogs, pony club games, vintage tractors, carriage driving, live music and dance.

With nearly two hundred traders from the UK and Ireland, there will be something for all tastes and pockets, including a superb Food Fair and a Crafts Pavilion.

The All-Ireland International Gundog Challenge will commence at 13:00 on Saturday 29 May. A two-round competition, which features spaniels and retriever handlers working as mixed-pairs teams, commences at Moira with round two staged at the Irish National Country Fair at Ballinlough Castle, Co. Westmeath (31 July and 1 August).

An Open Spaniel Working Test, organised by the Ulster Gundog League, will commence at 10:00 on Saturday 29 May in the Gundog Arena. Sunday 30 May sees the Craigavon Gundog Club staging three Retriever Working Tests (Preliminary, Novice

and Open), commencing with the Preliminary Test at 10:00. Schedules for all working tests are available from the organising clubs or from the event organisers. Entries may be accepted on the day, but handlers are advised to pre-enter to guarantee a run and to avail of the reduced price for entry. The Chudley’s gundog scurry will also be staged on both days of the event.

Ballycranmore and Kircubbin Clay Target Club will host the clay pigeon shooting* events, staging a 40 target re-entry sporting shoot and pool trap each day. The overall winner will receive the top prize of a new shotgun. BASC will host a Clay Coaching Line, offering one-on-one tuition to persons over the age of eighteen. *Please note, only fibre wad cartridges may be used, available on the clay ground.Air gun and archery events, open to everyone, are also included in the shooting area.

Terrier and lurcher enthusiasts will compete on Sunday 30 May (entries taken on the day) for the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Midland Game Fair on 18 & 19 September 2010.

The owners of the top terrier and top lurcher will win a package which includes free ferry travel for a car and two adults, B&B accommodation, £100 towards out-of-pocket expenses and free entry into the Midland Game Fair.

Falconers from the Phoenix Falconry Display Team will present an all-new demonstration in the main arena and a family orientated Falconer’s Mews stand.

APGAII and the NI Pike Society will host interactive sessions throughout the event. The angling area will also feature numerous trade stands from Ireland and GB, representing all types of angling.

The Fair runs 10:00 - 18:00 daily. Entry is £10 for adults. On-site car parking is also free. Information on all aspects of the fair is available on the show’s website: www.gamefairireland.com.

The organisers may be contacted on +44 (0) 28 3833 8873 or +44 (0) 28 4483 2775.

Page 15: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

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Page 16: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

The GREAT GAMEFAIRS of IRELAND

Irish Game & Country Fair28th & 29th August 2010Birr Castle, Co. Offaly

Supported by Shannon Developmentand Failte Ireland

For Further details of the 2010 Fairs :T: 028 (from ROI 048) 44839167/44615416

E: [email protected]

www.irishgameandcountryfair.com

Have continued to build on the success ofthe 2009 fairs including adding a new rangeof stands and attractions, new Irish StickMaking Championships; an InternationalFive Nations Terrier Championship; andconsolidating the All Ireland All comers andNovice Game Fair Championships in gundoghandling, fly casting and clay shooting.

See the 2009 Fairs onwww.countrychannel.tv

Irish Game Fair26th & 27th June 2010Shanes Castle, Antrim

Supported by DCAL and Antrim Council

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Page 17: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

The Great Game Fairs of Ireland

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Following the success of the 2009 fairs at Shanes Castle and Birr Castle, the organisers have redoubled their efforts to deliver two even better fairs in 2010.

Once again the quality of the competitions has attracted international interest from exhibitors, competitors and sponsors with such well known brands as Beretta and Barbour being joined as sponsors by Hardy/Greys, Browning and Dubarry. Leading consumer publications such as the Belfast Telegraph and the Farmers Journal have also ‘come on board’. In spite of the recession the prize fund for the competitions at the fairs has remained buoyant and in some cases enhanced by new sponsors. The 2010 All Comers Championships in gundog handling, fly casting and clay shooting has heats at Shanes and Birr and the finals in Birr while the Barbour All Ireland Novice Game Fair Championships finals move North to Shanes Castle.

In 2010 the all Ireland Irish Stickmaking Championship makes its debut at Birr. It is organised by the Celtic Stickmakers Club and judged by leading Irish Stickmakers, Lindsay Carlisle and Tom Kavanagh. This is just one of a superb range of rural crafts that will be on display at Birr including taxidermy, Paddy Murray and his fence building; heavy horses and wood turning and carving. Terrier & lurchers have not been forgotten with the 22nd All Ireland Championships at Shanes Castle and the ROI Terrier & Lurcher Championships at Birr Castle attracting a fantastic new prize structure. Not only that, but both are the Irish qualifiers for a NEW Five Nations International Terrier Championship (with other heats in Scotland, England (2) and Wales).

The six finalists will meet in the main arena at Birr Castle with the winning dogs not only competing for the prestigious title but also for a prize fund exceeding €2,000. 2011 will see a similar championship for lurchers.

The Great Game Fairs of Ireland are also famed for their gundog events and this year the popular dog & gun event at Shanes on the Saturday will be

joined by a novel Cocker v Springer competition with separate competitions for both and of course the minor breeds. Sunday sees an international gundog event with a team from Holland joining other teams in the international team event.

The international theme is further enhanced with Willie Edgar giving the Irish CLA team (sponsored by Calor/CAI) a public outing in the main arena. With a Gundog, terrier & hound group show, a dog agility show, the terrier and lurcher events, the gundog events and a fantastic array of stands selling canine equipment Shanes Castle and Birr Castle is of interest to all serious dog owners.

The main arenas at both events have been enhanced by an action packed mix of both favourites and many new attractions. At Shanes Castle the Dragoons are back literally with a bang with their newly acquired musketry and even a cannon! The Fairs will have large tented villages of trade stands including Fine Food and Crafts Pavilions and extended Gunmakers and Angling Rows and all the major country sports organisations. Adding to the family fun and education experience will be the medieval and living history villages and with a more serious environmental message – the eco villages.

Full details will be posted on the web sites www.irishgamefair.com and www.irishgameandcountryfair.com and published in the Summer Edition of the Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine or contact the organisers on 028 83 9167 or 028 61 5416 from NI or 048 83 9167 or 048 61 5416 from the RoI alternatively you can email us at [email protected]

The Great Game Fairs of Ireland team acknowledge the support of Shannon Development, Failte Ireland, DCAL, Antrim Council, our media sponsors the Belfast Telegraph and the Farmers Journal.

They would also like to also thank their hosts Lord & Lady O’Neill and Lord & Lady Rosse for providing fantastic traditional Game Fair venues and to Lord Rosse for making his magnificent gardens open to the public during the days of the Fair.

Page 18: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

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Irish National Country Fair The 2nd Annual Irish National Country Fair, again being staged at the beautiful home of the Nugent family, Ballinlough Castle, over the Bank Holiday Weekend of Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August, is set to be a superb event, with over 150 stands, including the undernoted country sports events, competitions and other top attractions.

The Courtlough Shooting Ground team are organising the clay pigeon events, including a 30 bird re-entry sporting shoot, with the highest ten scores each day going forward to the final on Sunday 1 August, competing for a top of range Beretta shotgun. A two person team flush and will run on both days with cash prizes for winning teams.

The popular “Pool Trap” will feature on both days. For beginners, there will be instructors at the “have-a-go” stand. Other shooting attractions will include archery from the Meath Archery Club, air rifle shooting and a self-contained .22 shooting range. Anyone can avail of the shooting events but to participate in the clay shooting a valid firearm certificate must be produced.

The Republic of Ireland International Gundog Team will compete against the Northern Ireland Gundog Team for round two of the exciting All-Ireland International Gundog Challenge on Saturday 31 July, with the team scores from the National Countrysports Fair at Moira Demesne in May being carried over.

Mohill Gundog Club will organise the Retriever Working Tests with the Spaniel Working Tests hosted by the North Tipperary Spaniel Club. Both the spaniel and the retriever Working Tests will be staged on Sunday 1 August with entries available via the respective clubs, or on the day if not over-subscribed.

The trade stands at the Irish National Country Fair will represent the best in Irish and UK country-related products, with the Rural Crafts Pavilion and the Irish Food Festival featuring top local producers.

The entertaining & educational main arena programme will include demonstrations of falconry, gundogs, angling, hunts, hounds, carriage driving

and vintage tractors.

A highlight will be the Irish debut of the Yakovlevs Aerobatic Display Team, flying each afternoon in four Yak stunt aeroplanes and the participation of local pony clubs will ensure a spectacular display at the Equestrian Village.

The terrier and lurcher events will be staged on Sunday 1 August, with prizes of an expenses paid trip to the Midland Game Fair at Weston Park in the English Midlands to the top terrier and lurcher owners.

The Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors of Ireland (APGAII) will host the fishing village and will be demonstrating fly dressing and casting. Peter O’Reilly will be on hand to give his expert advice and local fishing clubs will host distance and accuracy casting competitions.

The Irish National Country Fair has scrapped admission charges for children under the age of 16, who will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. This bold move will help to introduce younger people to the many facets of country pursuits.

The Fair has been designated the CAI Membership event in the Republic of Ireland. CAI members can pre-purchase tickets from CAI on a buy one and get one free offer (Tel: 01690 3610). Other exclusive offers such as free tea and coffee and reduced price meal deals are also available to CAI members who pre-purchase tickets.

Entry is €15 for adults. Car parking is free and just a two minute walk from the fair’s main entrance. Secure car parking is available for competitors who should follow the competitor car parking signs. Ballinlough Castle is conviently located on the N52 between Kells and Mullingar.

Discounted accommodation is available in the area. The show runs from 10:00 until 18:00 each day. Dogs are welcome but owners must clear up any droppings. For more information visit www.nationalcountryfair.ie

Page 19: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

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Page 20: Emerald Newsletter April 2010

2 day mixed programme

1 walked up day1 rough day1 evening duck flight1 goose flight3 night’s bed and breakfastin a country hotelArrangement fee

Cost - £680 per gun

We have great pleasure in announcing that or new 30 minute DVD about game shooting in Scotland is now finished. The DVD follows a group of clients who were with us for a 3 day mixed programme. It is action packed and shows a rough shooting day, walked up day, 100 bird driven day, evening duck flight and an evening goose flight. To receive a copy of the DVD, please get in touch.

BCS SPORTING/Barry StewartOffice – 0044 (0)1738 710266 / Mobile – 0044 (0)7759246731

www.scottishhuntingtours.com - Email – [email protected]

This is just one of many programmes that wehave available.Check out our web site for the full range of sport that we offer, not only in Scotland but England and Ireland also.

SPECIAL PRICES FOR COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE IRELAND MEMBERS