The History Of Lochlorien Irish Setters

My very first Irish Setter was a bitch called Molly, and she adopted me in 1976.  Her registered name was Downside Autumn Haze.  Although she was no show dog, her affectionate and playful nature began my love affair with this beautiful breed.

In 1981 I bought Lola from a local lady and named her Lochlorien Glory Maze ( the kennel club mistook my H for an M!).  So began the Lochlorien kennel.

Lola's dam was Gemstone Diadem, bred by Judy Prior (Priorsbrook) and although rarely shown she did have several champ show placings to her name, including a card under the famous Joe Braddon at the ISAE in 1982.

Lola's sire was Sh Ch Brinara Inula, (Brenda Berry's famous champion).  I soon found she had many half sisters and brothers who all bore their father's stamp of elegance, and it wasn't long before I was persuaded to show her and the first of her red cards was won.

Inevitably I was bitten by the showing bug and followed the natural progression into breeding.   In 1984 Lola was mated to Yvonne Vaughan's Priorsbrook Penrhoss and produced 8 puppies, including Lochlorien Legolas (Ben).  Ben followed his mother into the show ring and was quite successful although he never really enjoyed it the way his mother did.

During her lifetime Lola won many best of breeds and other awards, but the pinnacle of her career were her 2 reserve c.c.'s.  The first under Mrs O Hampton at Bournemouth in 1986 and the second under Mr G Williams at Birmingham in 1987.

Lochlorien Irish Today

George and I currently have, in partnership 3 Irish Setters, Lochlorien Lochlorien Miss Marple Cops Andley (Ellie) , her daughter Lochlorien Prime Suspect For Andley JW Sh CM (Cully) and her daughter Lochlorien Scully Foxes Andley (Mollie). Although we don't often show Ellie these days she still enjoys her trips out occasionally and  particularly likes caravanning. Cully had time off for maternal duties at the end of 2011 but has started back well this year getting a 2nd at the MISS champ show. Mollie has begun her show career well by winning 2nd place at the ISCS show in Lanark thereby qualifying for Crufts. 

  Lochlorien Glory Maze and babies!                                               When I grow up I want to be a showdog.....