‘He’s been in ads for Yves Saint Laurent’: Behind the scenes at a championship dog show

From impeccable grooming to razor sharp handling, Gemma Tipton goes behind the scenes to see just what it takes to win at a championship dog show 

Eddy McCormack from Co Meath and a winning Irish Wolfhound called Feargal. Picture by Noel Sweeney

On a sunny Sunday morning, the Mallow GAA sports complex has acquired the vibe of a music festival. 

A tented village has sprung up around the pitches, and handcarts are being wheeled about.