IRWS and Falconry    IRWS as Shooting Dogs

Field Trials are the stage on which we measure one working dog against another, and success at field trials is one important yardstick by which we can measure the progress of the breed

During the years 1980 -1990 the the club enjoyed .quite a lot of success in proportion to the small numbers of handlers competing

In 1980 Terry O'Leary's Hickory of Knockalla became the first IRWS to win a stake since Lord Decider in the nineteen twenties

In 1982 the Club sought and was granted permission to hold a Confined Novice Stake. The first Confined Stake was held to assess the working capabilities of the breed  . The stake was judged by two members of the Field Trial Committee Mrs K. Bride and Mr M.Carroll. No one present could claim it was the most polished day's trialling. A number of handlers lacked in experience and handling ability, but they made up for it in enthusiasm and dedication. The judges notes in the summing up that several dogs and handlers showed promise, and the most important aspect of the event was the potential it revealed for the future. Sean Walsh of Dublin with his Red and White Setter dog Hawk of Knockalla, from the kennels of Mr and Mrs W.Cuddy, made a little bit of history by taking the first place and trophy in this event. You can read a report on this first Confined Stake in the Articles section of this website

In 1988 David Byrne's Sugarloaf Millie was entered in seven trials and won five of them, then went on to win the Irish Kennel Club Championship Stake for Setters and Pointers in the same year.

In the 1990's the outcross programme led to more success for the red and whites in field trials, notably for Jim Sheridan's Craigruas, several more IRWS being made up as Field Trial Champions.

Rushfield Rascal, bred by John Kerr, won seven stakes, and became the first Int.FTCh.

FTCh Craigrua Susan won four stakes and was the IKC Field Trial Dog (Setters and Pointers) of the year in 2002.