Madra Mania 2026

Welcome to Madra Mania

Irelands largest Dog Grooming Event for the professional pet stylist.

Our annual event brings together the largest array of trade stands catering for the Pet Professional and the largest gathering of Irish groomers from across the country.
We fill the two day event with a mix of informative and topical seminars as well as grooming demonstrations by world class groomers.
Along side all of this we host our two day Grooming Competition where ultimately the Irish All Round Groomer of the Year and Best In Show will be crowned.

CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO CLASSES AND CLASS RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Spectator tickets have access to the shopping hall and to spectate at the competition ring. 

VIP all access tickets are for competitors AND people who wish to have access to seminars.  Once your ticket has been purchased you will find a form at checkout to fill in your class entries. 

Class Timetable

Saturday AM

Asian Novice/Open/Champion

Saturday PM

Poodle Scissor Novice/ Open/Champion

Purebreed Scissor Novice/Open/Champion

Sunday AM

Salon Freestyle Novice/Open/Champion

Handstrip Novice/Open/Champion

Gundogs & Setters Novice/Open/Champion

Sunday PM

Beginners

Jackpot

Creative

Model Dog Class

General guidelines and rules

• On arrival at the competition venue you must check in at the competition stewards’ desk to complete your registration and receive your allotted floor space and competitor pack prior to bringing in your dog. Please note dogs may only enter the hall via the “dog only entrance” if applicable, you will be shown this on check-in.
• Novice & “New to Grooming” classes - eligibility must be submitted with entry and will be checked and verified.
• The results of Saturdays Classes will be announced at the end of the day. Class winners on Saturday may be involved in further judging on Sunday for Best In Show etc.
• The results of Sundays Classes plus our “overall” titles, including the prestigious “Best in Show” & “Best All Round Irish Groomer”, will be announced on Sunday after all judging has been completed.
• Competitors must supply and are responsible for all their own equipment. When your class is finished check whether you need to remove everything from the ring or relocate for next class.
• You are required to provide and prepare a suitable dog for grooming within the time frame laid out for the class entered 
• There will be a 10-minute comfort break for all dogs after one hour has elapsed in the morning and afternoon sessions. All dogs must be kept on a lead and be allowed off the table to move around.
• Limited power may be available for drying/fluffing prior to competition but you are to bring cordless clippers fully charged (including spare batteries) to compete with. Electric tables can avail of this limited power to raise tables but will not be able to use it during competition class to adjust table heights. 
• All competitors are ultimately responsible for their own dogs, so please make sure that dogs are kept leashed, watered and exercised. If a separate cage area is provided for your dogs comfort please use it. All cages/crates must have your name & phone number clearly marked.
• Male dogs who are likely to cock a leg are advised to wear a belly band or nappy to catch any accidents!
• Please treat your dogs with respect. If the judges consider a dog is being mishandled, a warning will be given. A second warning will result in disqualification.
• Dogs must be of an age appropriate for competition environment. Suggested age is between 1 year and 10 years. 
• Dogs must appear healthy, in good condition and free of infectious disease and parasites. 
• No pregnant bitches, those that are nursing or bitches on heat. 
• Dogs must be properly cared for with food, water and exercise/toileting opportunities while on the show premises. 
• Dogs must be leashed when not crated or not being groomed.
• Please, clean up after your dog! 

• All classes will start promptly. Please be in the ring no later than 15 minutes before contest start time. If you arrive after the class has commenced, you will not be allowed to enter the class.
• Pre-judging will be in the 30 minutes prior to your class start time. The judges will check over your prep work and coat length. You can use this time to highlight any issues you have. 
• Dogs are recommended to have 6-8 weeks’ worth of growth to showcase your skills, with no visible set lines. The amount of coat growth is suggested as a guideline prior to competition, this can differ with the individual dog - some dogs may need more time then the guidelines and some less. You want to have enough coat to be able to work with, to show your skills and make a visible difference.
• There should be a visible difference in the dog from the start to the finish of the class.
• The use of chalk is allowed, however no trace of it should remain on the judge's hand after judgement has taken place. 
• Once a competitor has moved up a class level in any previous competitions they are not eligible to move back down. 
• The “years grooming” criteria to enter a class is based off when you first started hands-on training in dog grooming. It is irrelevant if you were a bather, took a year to open your salon or new to a particular class category, etc. If you are unsure, please reach out to us.
• Dogs should be clean, dry, and free of mats and tangles. Nails should be clipped and/or filed, ears clear Plucked/scissored/clipped) and clean. Sanitary and pads may be clipped prior to competition. All other grooming must take place during contest time frame with exceptions as noted for clean face/feet & creative. 
• All dogs with clean shaved face and/or feet can be clipped prior to competition in all classes. 
• Styling products may be used in a dogs coat to aid the grooming process but only if they are deemed safe for animal use. Judges would expect to be able to put a comb through the final result with exception to a poodles spray up.
• Any tutoring, coaching or direction to any competitor, will result in immediate expulsion of the groomer and associated dog.
• Once your time is up, please remove all items from your table. If you wish, place a table cover on the table and leave a comb out for the judge to use. You may only comb your dog before and after the judges evaluate it, and you should attempt to "stack" (pose) your dog during evaluation.
• At judging stage, please only stack your dog when the judge is due to come to you next. There can be a bit of a wait until your judge gets to you. Please allow your dog to rest at this point.
• Judges will Endeavour to give feedback as they go over your dog at judging. 
• The judges’ decision is final – please respect it.

Competing levels

New to Grooming – Otherwise known as Beginners.  Entrants must be grooming no more than 1 year (eligibility must be submitted for verification with entry), this includes dog showing and time spent in training. Upon placing 1st three times, or, the 12 month time limit elapses the contestant must enter the novice class. If you enter this class, you cannot compete in any other class at the event.

Novice - Entrants must be grooming 3 years or less. (Eligibility must be submitted for verification with entry), this includes dog showing and time spent in training. Once you have placed 1st three times in  Novice then you must move up to Open regardless of how many years you are grooming (exceptions may be made if the class had less than 3 entries. Photos and/or Video footage of your groom may be needed to help us decide). Competitors can choose single, or multiple classes. Overall Best Novice and Reserve Novice will be announced on Sunday, this is chosen from all of the Novice First placings

Open – Entrants who have been grooming 3 years or more, regardless of whether you have competed before or not. Once you have placed 1st three times in same class you have to move to champion level. If you have already competed in champion level class, you cannot move back down.

Champion - Entrants who have placed 1st three times in Open level, within the same class category must move into Champion level within that category. Anyone who wishes to at any time may move into Champion level. Breed specialists must enter champion (if you are not sure please contact organisers for confirmation.) If you placed 1st in Open level at your last competition and were due to move up based on previous rules, but have not yet competed in Champion level then you can stay at Open level if you wish. ) If you’ve already competed in Champion level, you cannot move back down.

Eligible classes for the Titles listed below are; Pure Breed Scissor, Poodle, Handstrip, Spaniel & Setters, Asian Freestyle, and Salon Freestyle.

• Best In Show & Reserve BIS is chosen from all the 1st place winners of the eligible classes in Open & Champion level, across the 2 days. 
• “Best All Round Irish Groomer” - You must compete in at least 2 eligible classes in either Open or Champion level on either day, and, you must live and work on the Island of Ireland. 
• “Judges Choice” is open to competitors who compete in only one of the classes detailed above, in Open or Champion level on each day. 
• “Novice of the day” is chosen from all 1st place Novice class winners of the eligible classes on each day. The two 1st place Novice winners then go head to head on Sunday for “Best Novice in Show”.
• The “Handling and Technique” Trophy is awarded to the competitor deemed to have the best approach, technique and handling on each day. All competitors in all classes are eligible.
• The wonderful Mary Toland Award – chosen by Marys Daughters and Grandchildren.
• By entering the IPDGA grooming Championships you hereby give permission to the organisation to freely publish any photos taken at the event.
• We reserve the right to move entries up or down if placed in the wrong category or class. 
• No changing of class classification will be permitted once the class has commenced. If you have entered the wrong class or level and it is learned after the class has begun, you will not be included in the judging on the day. If it is realised after the day of competition and you placed, your placing will not stand.
• Organisers and judges reserve the right to disqualify any dog or competitor in the wrong class.
• If you decide not to compete in a class you have registered for , kindly notify the steward asap so as not to hold up the class start time
• Competitors are responsible for their own Health & Safety, along with that of any dogs they bring to the event.
• Depending on numbers on the day. Some classes may be split or merged.
• Please be kind to your fellow competitors – everyone is here to learn, grow and connect. 

Class Categories and rules:

1. Jackpot Class - Calling all Novice, Open and Champ level groomers. Are you ready to put your skills to the test and walk away with cold, hard cash? €200 Cash! Any style. Any breed. The Winner Takes It All! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this is your chance to shine. Bring your best work, show off your creative or classic style, and claim the ultimate grooming bragging rights. Time allocated Small/Medium breeds (up to and incl. 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours.

1. Pure Breed Scissor - The dog is to be groomed in a style recognised in the breed standard. Colouring is not allowed. Comb attachments are not allowed. Blades longer than a 5f are not allowed. Time allocated Small/Medium breeds (up to and incl. 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours.

1. Poodle – The dog is to be groomed in a style recognised in the breed standard. Depending on numbers on the day, this class may be separated into Toy/Mini and Standard. Face and feet should be shaved before entering the ring. Ear clipping must be done in the ring. Comb attachments are not allowed. Blades longer than a 5f are not allowed. There is 15 minutes extra time for those with a spray up top knot. A helper is allowed to hold the dog during top knot spray up. Time allocated: Small/Medium breeds (up to and incl. 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours.

1. Handstrip (wire coats) - The dog is to be groomed according to the breed standard. Stripping knives are allowed. Pet safe chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed. You are not allowed to use clippers except: Scottish Terrier – chest, head and ears. West -Highland Terrier - chest and ears. Schnauzer - chest, head, inside of back legs and ears. Time allocated: Small/Medium breeds (up to and incl. 45cm) 2.5 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 3 hours.

1. Spaniels & Setters – (Silky coats) to be groomed according to their breed standard. Stripping knives are allowed. Coloured chalk powder/block/spray and cream are allowed. -You are not allowed to use clippers except Cockers and Setters chest and ears. Time allocated: Small/Medium breeds (up to and incl. 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours.

Depending on numbers on the day, Handstrip and Spaniels & setters may be merged.

1. Asian Freestyle :  For any pure breed or crossbreed trimmed in Asian style. This means any interpretation of this style so it is up to the individual’s flair, skill. Add ons such as gems, collars & other accessories are acceptable to enhance but not overshadow the styling. Amongst other things, the judges will be looking at the finish and must be able to check through the dog properly. Temporary or permanent coat dying is not allowed. Intricate carving is not allowed, such as Bows, spirals or wings.  A collar, tutu, simple ruffle, tufts of hair shaped with some hairspray, in total, amounting to max 5% of your groom is accepted. Nappy trim is allowed. Any grooms that have intricate carving should enter the creative classes. Time allocated: Small/Medium breeds (up to and incl. 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours.

1. Salon Freestyle - Sometimes this class is referred to as Workshop. Contestants may enter with any breed that is groomed commercially. Breeds that are usually handstripped can be clipped or scissored; long hair breeds can be clipped or scissored. Pure Breed scissor breeds are accepted in a breed standard trim if at least 40% of the overall groom is clipped, this also includes non-breed standard dogs being put into another breeds style, for eg and not limited to; a poodle or mixbreed going into a Bichon, Bedlington or Kerry blue trim. Colouring is not allowed. Carving is not allowed. Flared legs are not allowed. Seperated “donut” muzzles are not allowed. Dogs with Asian styled grooms should enter Asian Freestyle. Time allocated: Small/Medium breeds (up to and incl. 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours.

1. New to Grooming Class – Sometimes this class is referred to as Beginners. Entrants must be grooming no more than 1 year. (eligibility must be submitted for verification with entry }, this includes dog showing and time spent training) . Upon placing 1st three times, the contestant must enter the novice class.  In this category, all breeds and techniques are used except for colour. If you enter this class, you cannot enter any other class. Time allocated: Small/Medium breeds (up to and incl. 45cm) 2 hours, large breeds (over 45cm) 2.5 hours.

1. Salon Creative - This class is for the groomer who wants to showcase a bit of extra flair one might add to a salon style - to enhance but not overshadow the styling. Amongst other things, the judges will be looking at the finish and must be able to check through the dog properly. Carving, Asian styles, Colour is permitted.   Pet-safe dyes can be used before or added with temporary colours in the ring. Up to 25% of the dog can be coloured or Carved. Accessories are permitted (including feathers, self-adhesive rhinestone, clips. Time allocated: All breeds and sizes: 2 hours 30 minutes.

1. Extreme Creative – This class is for those with more than 25% of their dog coloured or with more elaborate carving details. The only limitation, other than the safety and welfare of the dog, is your imagination and creative talents. Pet-safe dyes can be used before or added with temporary colours in the ring. Time allocated: 2hours 30 minutes. 

Depending on numbers on the day, Salon Creative, and Extreme Creative may be merged. You may use clippers, scissors or trimmers to create the design. All products used must be non-toxic and skin safe and the safety and welfare of the dog must not be affected or compromised. The use of chemical lightening (bleaching) products is not permitted. This class is not part of the Irish Groomer of the Year adjudication.

1. Live Model Dog Classes are open to all groomers. Your model dog should be assembled and brushed our prior to the class starting. No pre clipping, pre colouring or pre shaving is allowed.

1. Section A – Breed Standard Style 
2. Section B – Model Dog Creative

1. Pre-groomed Model dog class – Open to all groomers. Bring your completed model dog to the competition for display. There will be a daily winner on each day and then an overall winner on Sunday.

Online Cat Grooming Competition

Think your feline grooms are the cat’s whiskers? Now’s your chance to shine!

How it works:

You’ll submit before and after photos showcasing your work.

Our specialist cat judge will assess the entries based on technique, transformation, and style.

The winning results will be revealed at Madra Mania, where trophies prizes will be awarded to our top Irish cat groomers!

This is a photo-based competition, so no need to bring your feline clients on the day – just bring your best work and get ready to celebrate your talent!

Competition Details

Classes

•⁠ ⁠Cat Deshedding

•⁠ ⁠Cat Clipped / Styled / Lion Trim

Ideal Submission Requirements: Photos & Videos (Before & After)

•⁠ ⁠Both sides

•⁠ ⁠Front view

•⁠ ⁠Rear view

•⁠ ⁠Above view

•⁠ ⁠Before video

•⁠ ⁠After video

Please ensure the use of a tablecloth in a colour that contrasts appropriately with your cat’s coat; for example, avoid dark cloths with dark-coloured cats. The grooming table must be free of tools and fur for all photographs.

Photos of de-shedded hair can be included in final submissions. Matted cats are allowed if shaving follows animal welfare guidelines.

Register at MadraMania.ie when registration opens.

Entry Fee: €15 per entry, multiple entries welcomed.

After registration, participants will be added to a private Facebook group where all required photos and videos must be uploaded. The use of restraints, embellishments, or accessories is not permitted.

Placings for the Island of Ireland: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Placings for International entries: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Golden Scissor Awards

We are incredibly excited to announce that the Golden Scissor Awards will be part of Madra Mania 2027!

The Golden Scissor Awards (GSA) were created to celebrate excellence, achievement, and progression within competitive dog grooming. Designed to provide a clear pathway for competitors to develop their skills and gain recognised accolades, the awards have become one of the most respected achievement systems in UK competitive grooming and is now spreading worldwide. 

The programme was founded to support groomers as they progress through Open and Champion levels, ensuring competitors have the opportunity to build confidence and experience before advancing.

So, how do the Golden Scissor Awards work?

Competitors earn a Golden Scissor Award by winning 1st place in an eligible Open or Champion class in recognised grooming categories, with a minimum of 3 entries for that class to be eligble.

Eligible categories include: 

• Purebreed Scissor
• Poodle 
• Handstrip (Wire)
• Spaniels & Setters (Silky)
• Asian Freestyle 
• Salon Freestyle (Workshop)

If any of these classes are combined or if they individually do not have a minimum of 3 entries, they will not be eligible for The Golden Scissors awards. 

 A Best in Show win is also counted as a Golden Scissor Award.

Once a competitor earns three Golden Scissor Awards within a category and level, they achieve the prestigious title of:

• Grand Champion ( 3x Open level).
• Supreme Champion ( 3x Champion level).

The Golden Scissor Awards are more than just trophies—they recognise dedication, consistency, skill development, and excellence in the competition ring. 

We are honoured to be part of this respected programme and cannot wait to see competitors working towards their Golden Scissor goals at Madra Mania.