Well , it’s that time of year again and we look forward to the Game Fair at Birr on Saturday and Sunday the 28th and 29th of August 2010 . This year there is a difference for us stickmakers , as we go into competition for the first time ever on an all Ireland competition basis. An invitation has been extended to our colleagues from the North of Ireland to join us in an historic first for the Birr Game Fair ; an invitation they have gracefully accepted !This competition will be open to all and will consist of fourteen classes including two for novices only , which , I must stress does not exclude novices from the other twelve , so let your creative juices flow ! (As we stickmakers always say ! ) Some basic rules and guidelines will apply . The competition willtake place on the Celtic Stickmakers CLub stand on Sunday the 29th of August 2010 . Entries will be taken from 10:00am Sunday morning , with final entries accepted up to 12:30 pm . Entrants will be allowed a maximum of three sticks per class . There will be an entrance fee of one euro for each stick entered in any class . No sticks are to be removed from the show before 4:00pm on the day without special permission . The sticks will be judged by Mr Tom kavanagh and Mr lindsay Carlisle on the day . There will be rosettes for first second and third places in each class . Mr Albert Titterington of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland has generously donated a perpetual trophy , a tankard , and two hundred euros for the best stick in show ! Also the reserve stick in show will receive a tankard and rosette . I must take this opportunity to thank Mr Albert Titterington and his team for his kindness and help to us over the years in Birr and for being a motivator in getting this competition up and running . They say competition is healthy and I know this one will be just that , but we will also be striving to ensure that it will be fun and enjoyable for everyone involved ,so if stickmaking appeals to you come to Birr for the Game Fair .If we cannot make the stick be assured we can talk the stick ! Enjoy !