Irish Greyhound Board Announce First-Ever National Greyhound Gathering Day
Celebration of Retired Greyhounds, July 28th at the Irish Kennel Club National Show Centre Dublin
The Irish Greyhound Board, Irish Kennel Club and GAIN Food are delighted to announce the first ever National Greyhound Gathering Day on Saturday, July 28th from 11am to 3pm at the IKC National Exhibition Centre, Cloghran. Retired racing greyhounds from across the country will be celebrated in an event that will showcase them as loving and low maintenance pets while offering an entertaining day out for spectators. The Greyhound Gathering offers a platform for owners and trainers to introduce both their active and retired greyhounds to the general public, greyhound adopters to trade tips and those interested in adopting these much loved animals will be introduced to owners of active and retired greyhounds on the day.
Throughout the day there will there be greyhound shows and novelty classes such as Best “Handled by Gent”, Best “Handled by Lady” and the most coveted, Best “Available for Adoption”. Novelty Events on the day will include Flyball and Agility. These spectacular events will be open to all greyhounds but they will need IKC training prior to the event. Training for the events will be at the IKC Centre, Cloghran, Dublin (near Dublin Airport).
Barry Coleman, Welfare & Racing Operations Support Manager of The Irish Greyhound Board said, “The IGB we are always looking for ways to ensure retired greyhounds are looked after in the best way possible and we endeavour to find the right greyhound for every family that is interested in adopting a retired greyhound. The National Gathering Day is a great way to showcase greyhounds as great pets and great fun!”
Nick Hammond of the Irish Kennel Club said, “The Irish Kennel Club is not only a registration body for pedigree dogs, it also manages and licenses canine events throughout Ireland such as dog shows, field trial events and the popular agility and obedience shows. On the day, it’s hoped to stage "Flyball" for greyhounds, an event that requires speed and agility and is an exciting spectator sport. The IKC is delighted to be involved in this initiative with our partners the IGB and sponsors Gain. The National Greyhound Gathering Day will be a fun day for dogs, owners and spectators with a competitive edge and also highlight the benefits of retired greyhounds as an ideal new family member to potential new owners.”
Willie Rigney from Gain said, “We at Gain are delighted to sponsor the National Greyhound Gathering Day. It is a pleasure to work in conjunction with the IKC and the IGB and great to see the concerted effort that is made by all involved to create awareness around retired greyhounds as pets. At Gain we urge everyone to come along on July 28th for a fun day out and witness these greyhounds enjoying a whole new aspect of retirement. There will free goodies, trade stands and representatives from GAIN, IKC and IGB to help with any queries.”
Compulsory Show Classes on the day include
- 12 to 24 months - Dog and Bitch
- 24 to 48 months - Dog and Bitch
- 48 to 72 months - Dog and Bitch
- 6 to 9 years “Veterans” - Dog and Bitch
- 10 years + “Golden Oldies” - Dog and Bitch
Novelty Classes on the day include:
- Best Provincial – Dog and Bitch
- Best “Handled by Gent”
- Best “Handled by Lady”
- Black Beauty – Dog and Bitch
- Non Black – Dog and Bitch
- Best “Out of Irish/UK/European Sire”
- Best “Out of Australian Sire”
- Best “Out of American Sire”
- Best “Available for Adoption” – Dog and Bitch
- “Greyhound I would like to take home”
The National Greyhound Gathering is open to all registered greyhounds which are twelve months or older and leading. Entries may be made in advance but are also welcome on the day.
For more information please go to www.greyhoundsaspets.ie . Entry forms are available by contacting Barry Coleman, IGB Welfare Manager on 061-448001 or by emailingbarry.coleman@igb.ie.
