in the political climate of the time the recently founded Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club
(whoUp to 1920 all dog events in Ireland were held under licence from the English Kennel Club. However numbered
amongst its members General Michael Collins and Dr. Oliver St. John Gogarty) decided to hold a Breed Show
outside the jurisdiction of the English Kennel Club. This Show was held on a Saturday evening on 16th October
1920 at Longrishe Place, Summerhill, Dublin.
On that occasion a dark curfew was in operation in the
City and many of the exhibitors who attended risked arrest or even death. Also in attendance were the Under Secretary for Ireland Sir James McMahon and from the Vice Regal Lodge
in the Phoenix Park, Captain Wyndham Quinn. The Judges on the day were Con O'Herlihy and Dan Nolan both from
Castleisland Co. Kerry. A remarkable occurrence given that the participants were on both sides of the divide but
were bonded by their dedication to their sport. Michael Collins competed with his dog named Convict 224 in a
class for the Wyndham Quinn Perpetual Cup presented by the aforementioned Captain. The names of the dogs bore
testimony to the political persuasions of their owners e.g. Munster Fusilier, Trotsky, Markavich, Dawn of
Freedom and of course Convict 224. This trophy is still awarded to this day and has since been joined by the
Michael Collins Perpetual Cup presented by himself to the Club.
The popularity of the Kerry Blue or
the Blue Terrier as it was known increased dramatically in the Dublin area as 'The Big Fella' gained
admirers and it became the Macho symbol of the Young Blades in the early twenties. The success of this event led
the Club to the ultimate act of defiance and on St. Patrick's Day 1921 in the ancient Concert Rooms in North
Brunswick Street they organised a Show which included other breeds in opposition to the English Kennel Club
licenced Show at Merrion Square. This Show proved so popular and successful that the official event held at
Merrion Square proved to be the last event licenced in Ireland by the English Kennel Club. This was the catalyst
that led to the formation of the Irish Kennel Club. Several prominent members of the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier
Club placed an ad in a newspaper convening a meeting to form a Kennel Club for Ireland and the first An Ard
Chomhairle meeting was held on 20th January 1922.
After its Constitution had been ratified the
freedom fighters of only a few months before showed themselves to be more sensible than some sections of the
Community by electing as their Chairman Mr Justice Henry Hanna - an ardent opponent of Irish Independence - but
a first class dog fancier. This decision proved to be a wise one as he moulded a motley assortment of well
meaning but inexperienced dog fanciers into a force that laid the foundation for the present day Irish Kennel
Club. He is quoted as saying: "Somewhere, somehow, and by someone, a beginning must be made - Having laid a
sure foundation, we now propose to build a worthy superstructure - it was not without its own difficulties. We
humbly think that the foot prints we are leaving behind may encourage other Irishmen to believe that they need
not be dismayed - if they, as we with honest endeavour and goodwill, join hands in a united effort".In 1936
Judge Hanna retired for health reasons and was followed by another legal gentleman, Mr Henry B. Fottrell, who
held office until his retirement in 1978. He was succeeded by Mr J.G. (Sonny) Plunkett who held office until his
untimely death in 1987 - then came Mr Bill O'Herlihy, son of Con O'Herlihy who was one of the judges at
the first Show. He in turn was followed by Mr Tom Creamer, the present Chairman. The title of Chairman was
changed to President in January 1998.
Secretaries down the years have been Mr W. Cahill, Mr H.B.
Fottrell, Mr L.G. Quirke, Miss M. Fox (Quirke's assistant who served the Club for over 40 years), Mr D.J.
Smyth, Mr R. E. Martin and presently Mr Tony O'Neill. The Irish Kennel Club had its first offices at 23 Eden
Quay, then moved to 71 Dame Street, on to 23 Earlsfort Terrace via 4 Harcourt Street and now resides at Fottrell
House, Harold's Cross Bridge dedicated to the memory of Henry B. Fottrell who guided the Irish Kennel Club
for over 56 years. On 30th December 1985 the Irish Kennel Club became a company limited by guarantee and is
governed by a Board of Directors (General Purposes Committee) elected by its members who are dog enthusiasts
from all walks of life. Many of the members play an active role in the Irish Kennel Club through its voluntary
committees. |
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