Tiger Lilly steals the show in Barryroe

BY MARTIN WALSH

GETTING to the Barryroe Show was relatively straightforward for the Hynes family from Aherla with one of their animals – a Jersey calf – ‘Tiger Lilly,' short for ‘Rathard Tiger Lilly,' as it appeared in the event catalogue, who was out for what was her second showing.  

All went well as they took up their spot and prepared for the day ahead. But, ‘Tiger Lilly' had other ideas and, whether it was the hallowed turf of the Barryroe GAA headquarters, she found instant comfort and decided to rest up.  

As time moved on Paula Hynes got somewhat concerned when ‘Tiger Lilly' didn't respond to her call to arise from her slumber on the fertile sod: ‘She was like that yesterday but eventually got up,' Paula told a gathering crowd.  

Others tried to get ‘Tiger Lilly' on all fours, but to no avail. Was it stage fright ahead of her Barryroe debut? Nobody was quite sure.  

Ballineen's Chris McCarthy offered his assistance and tried to lift ‘Tiger Lily,' but she was having none of it and shunned his advances. Concern, just like the crowd of growing onlookers, was increasing.  

On-site veterinary surgeon Micheál Sexton was summoned to the rescue. Unlike previous years, show day in Barryroe last Saturday was a beautiful warm sunny day. Micheál's quick diagnosis revealed ‘Tiger Lily' was suffering from heat stress.

A cold wet towel was placed on her back and water added to the towel at regular intervals to bring down her temperature. It wasn't long before ‘Tiger Lilly' was up and about and ready to parade in the ring. 

Stage fright? – if only – she may not have won any ribands on this occasion, but ‘Tiger Lilly' won over many hearts; perhaps even Chris McCarthy's!