A TRIO of dog handlers, all with a connection to Killinchy, has been selected to represent Northern Ireland in the inter-regional obedience competition at Crufts 2026.
The three – Brenda Patterson from Killinchy, Kellie McCaughan from Comber, and 17 year-old Sophia-Rose Beaumont from Holywood – are part of the eight member team heading to Birmingham in March.
The trio all have strong connections with Killinchy – Brenda, Kellie and Sophia-Rose’s mum, Julie, all attended the same primary school in the village.
Brenda handles Jodie, a Golden Retriever, Kellie’s dog is Murphy, a German Shepherd, and Sophia-Rose handles Amica. Her mum Julie handles Amica, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, in breed confirmation shows.
With rising costs for travel, training, equipment and competition logistics, the trio is launching a community fundraiser.
They hope that their Killinchy roots will inspire local residents, schools, businesses and former classmates to get behind them.
They said: “Killinchy shaped all three of us. It feels incredibly special that our shared primary school and shared community upbringing have come full circle as we prepare to stand together for Northern Ireland at Crufts.”
The group hopes the community will get behind their shared journey as they prepare to represent Northern Ireland on the world stage at Crufts 2026. To support the team or to learn more, visit: https://gofund.me/f7e4906ee
