Statement from IKC and President of The IKC

March 21, 2023

Statement from the IKC:

We are truly sorry that we had to postpone our shows on the St Patrick’s weekend.   This is our traditional date and our outdoor classes have only once had to be cancelled since the Irish Kennel Club procured the National Show Centre in the 1990’s.  The weather changed in the fortnight before 17th March, first we had snow, followed by rain.  Weather is never predictable, but there had been little or no rain for a number of weeks previously, and we had hoped that it would dry out again in time for our shows. Our members want to return to our own venue at Cloghran.   However, other potential venues were contacted last year and they were not available to us to for this weekend.   Accordingly, we put up large marquees for our show rings to give exhibitors the best possible experience, in the circumstances that the indoor hall continues to be occupied by the Irish Health Service.  We wanted to give the shows the best chance of going ahead, and accordingly we did not want to make any decision too soon.  Unfortunately, continuous rain on Wednesday 15th made the grounds unsafe and the decision was taken immediately on Thursday morning to postpone on health and safety grounds, following inspection by members of the board.  Exhibitors were notified immediately.  We would like to thank everyone for their understanding and we look forward to welcoming exhibitors back to Cloghran again as soon as possible.

Statement from the President of the IKC

I endorse the Statement from the Board of the Irish Kennel Club.   I am very sorry that this has happened.   I feel heartfelt disappointment at having to postpone the two shows, and I know our exhibitors feel likewise.   I walked the grounds again yesterday and it was still very soggy underfoot.  It was impossible to walk in half of one of the marquees where a number of the rings were to be situated.  I think that it was very hard for the board, but the correct decision was made last Thursday and it was made at the right time.  We can only learn from what has happened, and apply our learnings to running future shows at Cloghran.

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