CANADA - PAT UA SIAGHAIL
Dear Friends of the Irish Red and White Setter:
It is my distinct pleasure to address you as a member of the Canadian Irish Red and White Club, which sees as its mission, advocacy of this beautiful canine and the promotion of best praxis in relation to it. Chairman Terry O’Leary has kindly allotted me some ten minutes for which I thank him most sincerely, deeply touched for the invite to be among so many Red and White advocates in this historical building.
In the name of many lovely dogs in Canada and their proud owners I bring you greetings in at least two colours .
Beir beannacht ón ár gcroí go tír na h Éireann
Chun a maireann de shíolra Ir is Eibhir
Sé ár gcás bheith míle, mile, I gcéin o
Bhán cnuic Éireann ó.
(Greetings from our hearts to Ireland of our ancestors – we are so far from your fair hills.)
We owe so much to those very special individuals and families who have contributed to the survival of the Irish Red and White Setter and it’s revivification and renaissance over some two hundred years - I wish I could add of wine and roses! This labour of love continues and each of you at home and abroad are a part of it. Despite petty, surmountable irritants, the Red and White is the better for your steadfast support and desire to see, that your breed becomes and remains the best it can be.
I have pleasure without further ado to bring you a brief periscope of the Red and White adventure in Canada.
The Irish Red and White Setters were officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club January 2000.
In 1992 Gail and Leslie Harrison brought Hawklawn Silver Sixpence (Festie) from England and in l993 Festie was bred to Meudon Classic owned by Francis Ed and Nelva King in the U.S.A. This breeding produced a litter of eight puppies.
My husband Albrecht and I, now stepped into the Red and White scene in Canada, for in June of 1993 we purchased Caniscaeli Two is Bran Dil from the Harrisons. Bran was a great show dog and became a wonderful advocate for the breed in Canada. With Bran we went from having people ask, "Is that a Brittany" to "is that a Red and White Irish Setter?" In l995 when Bran took Best in Specialty at the All Setter Specialty over hundreds of Setters, his win was forfeit, because the breed was not fully recognized, indeed, had only just been classified as Miscellaneous by the Canadian Kennel Club. That day dozens attended the specialty in the hope of seeing Red and Whites – three competed. Bran being the showman that he was did not disappoint them - our showman became the salesman par excellence, a MACALLA (son of an echo) of Crufts.
Later that same year Alan and Ann Gormley met Bran at a Red and White specialty they were judging in the U.S.A. and commented on his uncanny similarity to their Blaze - Harlequin of Knockalla. I perceived Mrs. Gormley with a moist eye on that occasion. Bran left his indelible mark on our hearts and on the development of the breed in Canada.
In the spring of l995 the Harrison’s imported Shannonlee Fire Finch (Liam) from Joyce Webb and another litter was produced. This litter produced a second pup destined to influence the history of the breed in Canada - Caniscaeli Shades of Green (Tanner) owned and loved by Lynda Steinacker and Ed Laksmanis. Tanner was a spectacular puppy somewhat finer than Bran. Because of his eye-catching beauty and spectacular wins in the Rare Breed ring he too became a wonderful advocate for the breed.
While awaiting the results of the vote for the Canadian Kennel Club recognition of the breed, Rare Breed exhibitors said that they would be sad to see the Red and Whites go, because they enjoyed their owners, (we all like a little "Plamás") – yet happy, because they were tired of losing to the Red and Whites. Both Bran and Tanner have drawers filled with winning ribbons from the Rare Breed and Miscellaneous Rings.
During our visit to Ireland the summer of l995 we met Canon Doherty, Willie Gaynor, Maureen Daly, Vincent Brennan and Mrs. Cuddy. How about that for the mother lode of blessings? We were treated royally by one and all. A million thanks, míle, míle buíochas. It was our hope to return home to Ontario with a female pup from Ireland, but at that point in time we really had not understood the rarity of the precious breed even in Ireland. We in fact returned home honoured with two pups Sheebhin Snowdrop (Úna) and Bobby’s Girl (Áine) from John Gaine, Gárda and huntsman at Mallow. Both of the females have produced many puppies that, we can boast, have become wonderful hunting (field trial) dogs, loved pets, therapy canines, some fourteen show champions, agility and tracking dogs. Another Red and White, now in fourth year university as a companion and service dog is reported to be most diligent! Jim Logan’s biddable, stalwart two males even haul him round on skis – what no brakes?!
Aisling Cudo Is Pingin Ruadh out of Caniscaeli Two Is Bran Díl and Bobby’s Girl was number one Red and White in Canada in 2002 and Aisling Cudo Is Séamus Liam out of Bobby’s Girl and Craigrua Emerald (Lónan) was number one Red and White in Canada for 2003. We imported Lonan in l999 from Jim Sheridan under the guidance of Anne Gormley. Lonan has produced many show champions and wonderful hunting dogs, all of which sport the deep distinct colouring reminiscent of the desire so plaintifly expressed in the writings penned to William and Maureen Cuddy by John Kerr, Ernie Steele, Diarmuid Mooney, Westenra Rossmore and of course the Rev. Noble Huston at Eldron (Drs. Killen – Elliott abode) and Ballynahinch. Aisling Cudo successes are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of those who shared their lines and their lives with us. Our kennel name actually means the vision of Cuddy and Doherty. I would publicly like to acknowledge and thank all those who have supported us and those who initially took the risk of entrusting us with their issue. May I assure you that we will continue to work toward the improvement of the breed in Canada, ever cognizant of the debt we owe from Alpha to Omega on the TURAS FÁDA of an SOITIR DEARGBÁN – FIONNRUA (The Irish Red and White Setters long peregrination).
Alice and Wayne Guthrie of Crossfire bought Captiva Lilt Of Irish Laughter in 1997 from Jill Taylor (no longer in Irish Red and Whites) who had imported a number of Shannonlee dogs from Joyce Webb. Alice also imported Taniswood and has used an Autumnwood dog in her productive breeding programme.
Kim Spelmer of Shireoak bought her first Red and White from Caniscaeli and then imported Shannonlee Snow Dove in 1997 and Shannonlee Wigeon in 2001. In 2003 Wroxham Mozart from Eileen Walker and a Rustasha from Brian and Susan Barry of the United Kingdom joined her kennel and will no doubt enhance her ambitious venture. Of late the lovely Tanner, (Lynda Steinacker) fathered a litter with some very promising issue at Shireoak.
David Crane of Carraigcolo got his first of three registered Red and Whites from us in l998. He imported two males, a Jim Sheridan (Craigrua) and Margaret Sierakowski (Dalriach). David owned a Red and White (Bubbles) over thirty years ago that he got from an Irish medic who lived in Newfoundland. Being an avid hunter he appreciated the hunting abilities of the dog but it was only some time later that he learned that Bubbles was an authentic Irish Red and White Setter. When I spoke to David on the phone some eight years ago, it was his dream to once again hunt with a Red and White. Champion Aisling Cudo is Ruarí Ríogha has not disappointed him! David has had a number of litters and is to be seen regularly on the barrens with his much-admired Red and White hunters. Lost in a freak snowstorm on the barrens some winters ago, his life was saved by Irish Red and White head and foot warmers, protected by his personal clothing shed for his dogs. The Canadian Mounted Police finally found them as the blizzard subsided.
Diane Martineau in Quebec has dogs from the Harrison’s, (Caniscaeli). She breeds, hunts and shows her dogs. She imported Shannolee Whiskey Jack and has made great contributions to the breed in la belle province, whose motto "Je Me Souviens" is most apt when used in connection with Ireland’s Irish Red and White Setters. An avid hunter, Madame Martineau’s Forex is a Canadian super champion with CDX, FDX, and CGC titles to boot! Diane breeds under the Kennel name Fougere. She hunts Ruffed Grouse in autumn and sleds with a team in winter.
Jake and Jonnelle Flatt got their first dog from the Harrisions. Their CH Caniscaeli The Full Monty was number one Red and White in Canada 2000 and 2001. Jonnelle is the proud owner of a number of lovely dual purpose dogs. CH Corranroo Chaos FD was imported by the Flatts and was number one Red and White in Canada 2005. They breed, show and put field titles on their dogs, rightly proud of not a few accomplishments! They have also of late added a Clan Cuddy champion at the mere age of nine months.
Tom and Barb Riedel started their Red and White involvement with our boy Aislingcudo Is Liam Na Meala whom they ‘sacrilegiously’ call Cuddy. We hope Canon Doherty will not take chagrin for we named Aislingcudo Síbín Pádraic after him! Cuddy is now a champion as is Farahwood Roag (Ceallai) from Glenda at Country Paws. Ceallai produced a lovely litter by CH Corranroo Chaos and it seems quite a few show champions are in the making under the Clan Cuddy CKC registered kennel name. Cf. above
There are a number of other individuals who have been involved with the breeding of and importing of Red and Whites. Some individuals have come and gone and some are unfortunately not well known to me. For those people in the breed whose dogs have not been acknowledged, my apologies. I understand the preparation time was too short for some individuals to respond. I do believe that I have given you at least an over view of the developing breed in Canada. We now have representative dogs in most Canadian provinces from Newfoundland to the North West Territory and numerically would reach circa three hundred animals.
By l998 a second referendum was held in Canada (the first failed due somewhat to apathy and polling stress) asking the membership of the Canadian Kennel Club to vote on the Irish Red and White Setter becoming a fully recognizes breed in Canada. For the vote to be successful twenty-five percent of the entire CKC membership had to vote yes for recognition and two thirds of CKC membership had to vote in its entirety. To say the least, recognition was a daunting task for a very small Irish Red and White Setter Club of Canada, formed in l997 (Gail Harrison – President, Leslie Harrison – Secretary, Pat Ua Siaghail - Vice- President, Sue Sevick – Treasurer) to undertake. Most of the Red and Whites were situated within l00 km radius and Canada a vast landmass, extends three thousand miles, in three cardinal directions from where the majority of the dogs are situated. We all pooled a substantial number of dollars to put a full-page ad in Dogs in Canada requesting that the membership vote yes. Mrs. Harrison continued to write tirelessly for Breed lines in this widely circulated publication explaining the importance of voting yes for the Red and Whites in the Referendum. The membership was out to as many rare breed and miscellaneous shows as were available, taking every possible opportunity, so that a comprehensive dog fancy could be introduced to the breed.
The membership successfully worked as a team for recognition in 2000. Gail and Leslie Harrison were gratefully acknowledge and thanked at the 2005 National Specialty for officially introducing the breed to Canada and for their sterling leadership as we processed toward recognition of the breed. They have bred at least eighteen champions and their progeny have rightfully made them proud as they have many added titles (CD, FD, GDX, CDX, CGC) on both sides of the 49th parallel. Some are United Kennel Club designations of exceptional merit.
On our last visit to Mrs. Cuddy before she died, she stated that it was most important to let the dogs do the promoting of the breed. As it was also about this time period, that the club members were undertaking the task of looking for full recognition of the breed in Canada, I know personally that I took what she said to heart. People of good heart provided the dogs with "see and tell" visibility at ever opportunity, as they made the pilgrimage towards full recognition and citizenship in the Canadian Kennel Club. Red and Whites continue to have strong and special attraction to North Americans and our whelps are usually 100% promised and committed to before mating.
I would be remiss if I did not extol the positive interaction we have had with other Red and White groups outside of Canada. In the United States Lee Robinson and now President Kathy Pellerito have always welcomed us to their events and we have been pleased that so many Americans have come North of the Border even registering their dogs, with full bonafide three generation pedigrees with the Canadian Kennel Club. They await definitive acceptance and registration with the American Kennel Club, which has so far eluded them despite their best efforts. I can think of at last ten champions made up in Canada with U.S.A. domiciles. Because of time and scheduling conflicts this is the first year when we may mutually miss one another’s National Specialties. We will plan better next time!!
For many years now the United Kingdom Clubs have welcomed Canadian members. Each year the Cohens of Shushana have welcomed us and we have been blessed with opportunity, to accompany them to the National Gun Dog Show in the Severn Hills and to a show at the Crufts venue where we stood shoulder to shoulder with Muriel Iles, Patricia Brigden, Mary Knox and other long time celebrated espousers of the Red and White cause in the United Kingdom.
Over the years we have seen our Tain or quest for Red and White lore and background as a veritable pilgrimage. We find the quest for colour and type continuity, possessing all the qualities of a labour of love, consistent with that respect for tradition we would emulate with great profit. We have been privileged to visit Rev. Noble Huston’s house and church with those famous pedigrees at Ballynahinch and offered a wee prayer at his gravesite. Our contacts with Mrs. Winni Ginn his daughter, Bertha McMullen his granddaughter, Margaret Killen Brittain his relative and a visit to Eldron have deepened our sense of the Red and White "family social history". Huston’s friend Rev. Canon Robinson, owner of the great Brigadier, is buried at Drumsneachta next to Oscar Wildes two sisters tragically burned to death before a ballroom event at Rossmore Castle in 1917. The derelict castle site is in close proximity to where Gyp was purchased in 1918 at Cortolvin Bridge. A host of Red and White enthusiasts who formed part of that early renaissance were equally close at hand – Evatt, Irwin, Fiddes, Black etc. The Diocese of Clogher which (geographically includes Monaghan – Tyrone – Donegal and Louth) boasts of other Red and White adherents of renown – Earley (Bobs of Derry Boy), White of Carnlough, Gillespie (Lord Decider) – Evans of Dungannon – Staples of Tyrone. The Bishop of Clogher, Dr. Mulligan of Monaghan was a friend and mentor of Lough Erne, the home, much lauded for its hospitality, of Vincent Brennan and his very gracious spouse, Catherine. Is it just possible that president of the Irish Red Setter Club, Dr. Pat Mulligan, visited with Waydown Sandy of myth and lore and Marron of Annayalla along for the ride?
My husband as a boy served for Dr. Mulligan and testifies to his Red Setter acumen. I personally sought his advice on a lectureship here at Maynooth – in vain, as the gender liberation movement was tardy in this the National Seminary of that era. Dr. Mulligan was an authenticity judge on the panel appointed by the Irish Kennel Club in 1975. We were to meet yet another three – Mrs. Cuddy, Dr. Deeney and Tom Kramer to our delight and benefit.
Before moving way south to Kerry and Cork we enjoyed coffee and gateaux at Mrs. Bewley’s near Trinity Gates. She and Maureen Cuddy with Peggy Kelly are reputed to have discussed many a canine event over a half-century thus keeping the telephone lines very busy indeed. Mrs. Bewley adds another piece to the faith coat of many colours intimately pro Red and White. She was a Quaker lady reputed for great generosity of spirit ever reaching out to those in need.
I cannot speak too highly of Ann and Alan Gormley of Meudon. We feted with them and imbibed a little uisge beatha as a toast to the Steeles of Donaghadee and mutual friend Dr. Theophrastus Hennessey. We finally managed to get south loaded down with mementos, pictures, photos generously donated by Trudy Walsh of Ardbraccan to add to a growing collection already weighing down our little Fiat from the Brennans, the Steeles and the Gormleys.
What can one say of the Canon, Mrs. Cuddy, Judy Cuddy and Maureen Daly that is not toutologeous? We were greeted, feted and lodged at Rathmoir and Knockalla with warmth beyond all expectation. Memories and tangible artifacts, photos, letters, show catalogs going back to the Garden of Eden were shared with us. We were treated to live demonstrations and vivid tender scenes where Sammy (CH Sheebhin Ard Na Coille) vied with his fellow Red and Whites to outwit us all. We will remember the musical chair scene to Lá Pilib a Cleite - to the termination of our days. We visited with Father Griffin at Brosna, Kathy Keats in her mountain fastness with her litter of puppies, (some Rome bound), Tom Wall’s family and had time to see a lovely O’Gormon litter and share reminiscences with Willie Gaynor the source of Gaye of Knockalla and Maureen Cuddy’s invaluable close friend. Diarmuid Mooney on vacation from down under shared his precious time with us giving us a critique of Bran, Una and Aine which direction was greatly appreciated and acted upon. To see him judge at The Irish Kennel Club centre will be a highlight not to be missed. Go maire sé i bhfad.
Our odyssey is not yet terminated. We hope these few days together, to have the ear of Terry O’Leary and other Irish promoters of the Red and White, to renew our acquaintance with Dirk Vervenne and Jacqui Coudeny’s of Belgium whom we were fortunate to visit at their Exclusives enclave at Eernegen some years ago – to greet again our good friends at Shushana, Helen and Harvey Cohen, who have always kept us abreast of the U.K. scene. Shall we be lucky and meet that blithe spirit John Kerr whose long missives to Mrs. Cuddy we read with delight at her behest so long ago?
Would that we could meet John Jack Nash of Moanruad fame for we are often told that his like will not be seen again! Despite "instant communication" we have just heard of the passing of that noble soul Ernie Steele. May his gentle spirit rest not too far from the Rainbow Bridge where so many animals he treasured romp with Bran and Sceolang in Tír Na Nóg. Rest in peace Ernie – Síochán Dé Ort Cara Na Síochána Thuidh Is Theas, Rath Dé Ar Claire Dhíl.
As we pursue our abiding deep interest and enthusiasm in and for these Irish Canine Cultural Ambassadors – Irish Red and White Setters – we acknowledge the heritage giving birth to many breeds of Irish linage. We still look forward to seeing in print the book promised by Ernie Steele on Native Irish Breeds and certainly look forward to seeing them on their native turf at Cloghran – tomorrow. May we be blessed with good weather, good craic and good companionship?
Míle Buíochas – achan dea ghuí - Albrecht and Patricia Ua Siaghail - CANADA