The Northern Ireland Hound Show, held under the auspices of the Northern Ireland Masters of Hounds Association, took place at Gosford Forest Park, Co. Armagh, in conjunction with the Armagh County Agricultural Show.

The Armagh Show continues to be a fantastic day out for all the family, offering something for everyone—from livestock classes and rural crafts to local food, trade stands, and countryside displays. It was the perfect setting for this year’s hound show, bringing together rural traditions and community spirit in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

Despite persistent rain, the Hound Show maintained its high standard of competition and camaraderie. Judges Stephen Lambert, former Master and Huntsman of the Heythrop, and—rather uniquely—his daughter Mrs W. Chanter MFH, currently of the Heythrop, approached their roles with great care and distinction. Their shared Heythrop heritage brought a depth of experience, with Stephen having served from 1981–1988 and Nessie holding the Mastership since 2009.

Entries came from five local packs and four from the South, making for a strong and diverse field.

Kildare took the Unentered Doghound class with Token, while East Down earned early local pride, winning the Unentered Couples class with Halifax and Hamish.

In the Old English Doghound class, Louth brothers Tomboy and Toby 24 prevailed over East Antrim’s Poacher 20.

South Tyrone secured the Entered Doghound Couples class with Raffa and Rayburn 24, edging out Louth, and Iveagh claimed the Stallion Hound class with Granger 23.

As lunchtime approached, Kildare Radar 23 was crowned Doghound Champion, with Iveagh Granger 23 taking Reserve Champion.

In the Unentered Bitch class, South Tyrone Hosepipe took top honours, followed by East Down’s Hasty and Hazel winning the Couples class. Iveagh returned to the top in the Entered Bitch class with Grapevine 23.

The Old English Bitch class went to Ballymacad’s Tactic 21, and South Tyrone claimed another win in the Couples class with Bootlace 23 and Pencil 24.

The prestigious Two Couples class was won by Kildare, whose Harmony, Drastic, Dribble, and Hasty (all 24 entered) made the trip north worthwhile.

South Tyrone Bootlace 23 then secured the Brood Bitch class, setting up a competitive Bitch Championship.

In the closing moments of the show, Iveagh Foxhounds’ Grapevine 23 was named Champion Bitch, with Kildare Drastic 24 as Reserve Champion.

It was Countryside Alliance Ireland’s privilege to present the overall winning hound with the CAI Salver—a proud moment that celebrated dedication, breeding excellence, and the enduring heritage of country sports.

Despite the rain, the show was a resounding success. Sincere thanks go to Susan Vance Walford, Faith Stewart, Liz Brown, and Noel Fitzpatrick, who stepped in superbly during the organiser’s recovery from injury. A special commendation goes to Noel for his faultless performance as Ring Steward.

We’re already looking ahead to 2026, and hoping for blue skies to match the bright spirit of this year’s show.