The history of Andley Irish Setters

Andley Irish Setters, have been on the scene for nearly thirty years.  My first Irish was purchased from the governor of  Birmingham Prison. Rosie, a result of an accidental mating, was not the best specimen of an Irish Setter but everything I could have wished for in a companion dog.  I took her to ring craft classes and met many exhibitors.  This led to my first show dog  Moyna Evergreen, (Jamie) purchased in 1978.  He was a real gentleman, quality bred by Barbara Birch. Jamie was a gentle dog who won many firsts and a RCC.  I often wonder if I had been more experienced with a job that allowed every weekend off what he might have achieved.

Moyna April Dream, (Pepper) Dream by name and by nature, soon followed Jamie. Pepper had her own mind and would be a dream to show one day and obstinate little ******! other days. Greta Ross once described her as beautiful but naughty and this was her to a tee.

Home bred Andleys started to make their appearance and all have given great pleasure and satisfaction. Their success in the ring has also made all the effort worthwhile.

I have been involved in the administration of canine societies for almost twenty years and enjoyed every minute (well almost) I am currently a member of the committee of the Irish Setter Breeders Club.

In association with my wife Cheryl (Lochlorien) Lochlorien Inspector Morse, has entered our lives.  He is the perfect house guest, and is always tidying the house, he moves things around, particularly underwear. In addition to the pleasure he brings at home he has given great delight in the show ring. One of my fondest memories of Morse is,  when I saw him in the middle of the lawn, Teddy Bear in mouth trying to cock his leg. Still a baby at the front while trying to be a ‘Big Setter’ at the back.

Cheryl and I have recently had an addition to the ‘family’ of reds. Misty (Lochlorien Sunrise) was mated to Sh Ch Shenanagin Some Might Say Its Bardonhill JW, and has produced a beautiful son & daughter, Lochlorien Inspector Frost  and Lochlorien Miss Marple Cops Andley

I have been fortunate enough to award ‘tickets’, and judged bitches at The Irish Setter Club of Wales Championship Show 2002. In December 2001 I had the honour of judging the ISAE Open Show .

George Stevenson