Great results for Western Region at Stradbally

As usual a large contingent from the Western Region made their annual trip to Stradbally for the AIRC Festival which was held on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June.

Saturday morning seen the competitions get underway and as usual members from the region performed extremely well & collected several prizes.

In Show Jumping Avril Burke of Benbulben RC was 1st in the Intermediate Show Jumping while Anna Burke of Benbulben RC was 6th. Sally Mahon of Donegal Gaeltacht RC took first prize in the Open & Advanced Open Power & Speed 3rd in the Open & Advanced Open Show Jumping, while Colm Kelly of Corrib RC was 5th in the Open & Advanced Open Power & Speed and Anna Burke & Finola Murphy both from Benbulben RC took 1st & 2nd respectively in the Veteran Rider Show Jumping.

In Dressage Donna Murray from Dalysgrove RC took 1st prize in the Intermediate Section 2, 6th in Intermediate Section 1 and 4th in the Intermediate Final. Sally Mahon from Donegal Gaeltacht RC was 3rd in the Open & Advanced Open and took 1st place in the Open & Advanced OPen Final.

While in the Show Ring Aisling Hughes of South Roscommon RC was 4th in the Lightweight Hunter Section 1, Jane Gaffney of Benbulben RC was 2nd in the Middleweight Hunter, Catherine O’Sullivan of Castle Carraig was 2nd in the Lightweight Cob, Reserve Champion Cob, 1st in the Coloured Horse Up to 158cms and Champion Coloured. Maria Griffin of Castle Carraig RC ws 6th in the Coloured Horse Over 158cms. Rachel Parry of Corrib RC was 2nd in the Advanced Primary Performance Hunter and Aoife Mulry of Ballinasloe was 5th in the Intermediate Working Hunter.

The success continued on Sunday with a fantastic win in the Team Show Jumping Challenge for the Benbulben RC team of Kean & Louise O’Hara, Fiona Tansey & Sharon McGowan. In the Intermediate Team Show Jumping Lorcan O’Connor, Katy McAleenan, Emma Lawrence & Zara McGovern of Benbulben took 6th place, while Avril Burke of Benbulben RC added yet another red ribbon to her collection winning the Intermediate Power & Speed.

In the Dressage arenas Sharon McGowan from Benbulben RC was 2nd in the Intermediate Prix Caprilli, Jane Gaffney of Benbulben RC was 5th Advanced Intermediate & 2nd in the Advanced Intermediate Final. Aisling Hughes from South Roscommon RC was 6th in the Advanced Intermediate/Open/Advanced Open Dressage to Music while Anna & Rachel Burke from Benbulben RC were 4th in the Fancy Dress Pairs.

In the Show Ring Marjorie Hardiman of Tonabrockey was 6th in the Connemara class & 3rd in the Connemara Performance and Patricia Warren of Donegal Gaeltacht RC came 3rd in the Novice Showing.

Donegal Gaeltacht RC win Team Show Jumping Championship Qualifier

On Sunday May 17th Benbulben RC hosted the Western Regional Quaifier for the A.I.R.C Team Show Jumping Championship in Tubberbride Stables. Twenty teams took part on the day in what proved to be a nail biting competition.

After the first round, just three teams were on a 0 score, Benbulben Amber, Donegal Gaeltacht 2 & Tynagh but it was still all to play for and with teams jumping in reverse order in the second round, the pressure was on right to the end.

Donegal Gaeltacht put in another faultless performance in the second round which seen them finish on 0 faults and secure their spot in the RDS.

Benbulben Amber finished in 2nd place on 4 faults which secured them a place at the Wild Card Qualifier in Stradbally.

Donegal Gaeltacht Team 2 winners of the Team Show Jumping Qualifier. L-R: Laura Schneider, Shaun Brennan, Sally Mahon & Carmel Ferry

Results of the Team Show Jumping Championship Qualifier are as follows:

1st – Donegal Gaeltacht 2: Shaun Brennan on Falcarragh Kili, Carmel Ferry on Pepe Lad, Sally Mahon on Graf Landlord and Laura Schneider on Burinex

2nd – Benbulben Amber: Jane Gaffney on Somhairle Bertie Wooster, Avril Burke on Rookery Apache, Edwina Ruane on Kilathurley Elvis and Breda Perrin on Erronagh Sky.

3rd – Letterkenny 1: Shauna Boyle on Ardnaglass Boy, Keary Smith on Trial and Error, Anne Chambers on Condors Lucky Star and Damien Gallagher on Drumnacart Lass

4th – Springmount 2: Joanna Hyland on Star Amir, Janna Duane on Fair Lady, Marita Shannon on Nautica and Norman Tierney on Enzo De Reve.

5th – Benbulben Green: Emma Lawrence on Benny Ace, Zara McGovern on Olmars Mandys Clover, Melissa Monaghan on Icefore Cruise and Sharon McGowan on Somethings Gotta Give.

6th – Benbulben Black: Katy McAleenan on Larkhill Rose, Anna Burke on Rookery Sparkle, Seanna Kane-McCaffrey on Two Rivers and Deirdre Dolan on Nisquellay De May

Team Show Jumping Championship Qualifier

Association of Irish Riding Clubs

Team Show Jumping Championship

West Regional Qualifier

at

Tubberbride,

Colooney,

Sligo

By Kind permission of

Kerins Family

May 17th 2015

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

10.15  Course open for inspection

11.00 – 12.25 approx  First round Intermediate Riders

12.25 – 12.35 approx  Course Walk AI & Above Riders

14.00 Lunch break

14.30 approx Second round

17:00 approx Presentation of Prizes
(The winning team must be mounted)

The winners from today’s qualifier will go forward to the championship final at the Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show in August.

The runners-up from today’s final will go forward to a ninth “Wild Card” Qualifier to be held at the Riding Club Festival in June.

The organisers of today’s event would like to thank the following:

Sponsors: Horseware Ireland

Hosts: Kerins Family

Judge(s): Noeleen Kerins & Martha Saba

Course Builder: Richard Kerins

Safety Officer: Darragh Ruane

The organisers would also like to thank all of our volunteers/stewards who have given of their time to help build and steward this competition.

PLEASE NOTE:

Teams must have declared their reserves on the official entry form 30 mins before the start of the competition. Reserves cannot be added or altered once the competition has begun.

All team members must wear numbers on the day, please remember to bring your number bibs, a limited number of bibs will be available to purchase on the day.

Please ensure one member from each team declares the team and collects the team numbers from the enquires desk in the kitchen prior to 11am.

FORMAT:

The first two members of each team will jump a 0.90m track while the remaining two riders will jump a 1.00m track.

Round 1: Competitor’s will jump in strict numerical order as shown in the programme, with the first rider from each team going first followed by the second rider from each team and so on.

Round 2: Team order based on total Team Faults

N.B A 45 second rule will apply from when horse/rider gets the bell.

There will be two rounds with the best three scores to count from each round.

In the event of a tie for first place only, the nominated captains will jump-off against the clock. In the event of a tie for a placing lower down, the teams will be separating by adding the times of the best three scores of their second round. The fastest accumulated time finishes higher than the rest.

BENBULBEN TEAM RED
1    Finola Murphy – Barna Mist
21  Damien Tansey – Brighten up your day
41  Fiona Tansey – Cloon silver cloud
61  Vanessa McDonald – Vanessa’s Pride

CORRIB
2    Moria Glesson – Mo’s Maggie
22  Martin Shaughnessy – Putchacuans Flying Coloures
42  Jean O’Conner – Leilani
62  Colm Kelly – Monard Rose Of Castlerea

TIR CONAILL
3    Charlie Vial – Captain Corelli
23  Ultan Doherty – The Farriers Friend
43  Shane Harley – Diamond Lillie
63  Stephen Greene – Indian Puzzle

BENBULBEN TEAM BLUE
4    Joanna Kearns – Westcoast Dreamer
24  Elaine Wilson – Premier Butterfly
44  Deirdre McDonald – Care Bear
64  Aaron Perin – Knockavalley Aine

DONEGAL GEALTACHT TEAM 1
5    Rudy Schneider – He’s a Dandy
25  Mickey McHugh – Simply Mitch
45  John McDaid – Smithy Breeze
65  Emily Schneider – Ray Lady

CASTLE CARRAIG TEAM CASTLE
6    Skye Stago Navarra – Navarra
26  Ailise Corry – Prince Wild and Free
46  Seamus O’Grady – Lichnaun Billy
66  Kieran Walsh – Pride of Boherdeel

SPRINGMOUNT TEAM 1
7    Lucia Canavan – Melodiva B
27  Martina Heffernan – Palmyra
47  Luke Egan – Chicago
67  Marita Shannon – Lady Clamentine

BENBULBEN  TEAM GOLD
8    Katherine O’Brien – Castanetta Mirah
28  Mary McMahon – Aylroe Boy
48  Brendan Dolan – Care Bear
68  Diarmuid Lang – Whats up skippy

SOUTH ROSCOMMON TEAM BLUE
9    Amanda Haugh – Lookout Master Moonshine
29  Ashling Hughes – Fullset Fred
49  Matty Loonam  – Harrys Master Plan
69  Rebecca Goode – Santiago

BENBULBEN  TEAM GREEN
10  Emma Lawrence – Benny Ace
30  Zara McGovern – Olmars Mandy Clover
50  Melissa Monaghan – Iceford Cruise
70  Sharon McGowan – Somethings Gotta Give

BALLINASLOE
11  Michael Dolan – King Buddy
31  Aoife Mulry – Ballydult Stanly
51  Jack Guinan – Banagher Coronado
71  Paula Cosgrave – Lady Ooh La La

LETTERKENNY  TEAM 1
12  Shauna Boyle – Ardnaglass Boy
32  Keary Smith – Trial and Error
52  Anne Chambers – Condors Lucky Star
72  Damien Gallagher – Drumnacart Lass

BENBULBEN TEAM  AMBER
13   Jane Gaffney – Somhairle Beartie wooster
33  Avril Burke – Rookery Apache
53  Edwina Ruane – Kilathurley Elvis
73  Breda  Perin – Erronagh sky

DONEGAL GEALTACHT 2
14  Shaun Brennan – Falcarragh Kili
34  Carmel Ferry – Pepe Lad
54  Sally Mahon – Graf Landlord
74  Laura Schneider – Burinex

TYNAGH
15  John McArdle – Glen Legand
35  Emma Hynes – Diamond
55  Thomas Daniels – Barnaboy Jackeen
75  Oliver Staunton – Ben Beag

BARNACARROLL
16  Sarah Louise Keane – Black Beauty
36  Alan O’Brien – Little Joe
56  Margaret Kelly – Code Red D’Arcy
76  Erin Walsh – Winestone

BENBULBEN TEAM BLACK
17  Katy McAleenan – Larkhill Rose
37  Anna Burke – Rookery Sparkle
57  Seanna Kane-McCaffrey – Two Rivers
77  Deirdre McDonald – Nisquellay de May

SPRINGMOUNT TEAM 2
18  Joanna Hyland – Star Amir
38  Janna Duane – Fair Lady
58  Marita Shannon – Nautica
78  Norman Tierney – Enzo de Reve

SOUTH ROSCOMMON TEAM PRIMROSE
19  Rachel Keogh – Signal Fire
39  Amanda Haugh – Killeheen
59  Megan Farrell – Rhineroe Willow
79  Damien Carey – Dromelga Troy

LETTERKENNY TEAM 2
20  Lisa Moore – Rathdrum Boy
40  Shauna Boyle – Drumdot V-Tec
60  Marina Hamilton – London Jen
80  Cormac McCormack – Lenamore Santa Fe

Good turnout at Ballinasloe RC Show in spite of the rain.

By Niamh Macken

The Forecast of heavy rain didn’t stop the Western Region members, from attending Ballinasloe RC Show on the 10th May in the Ballinasloe Showgrounds, as per usual the showground staff had the grounds looking immaculate.

It was the First Leg of the BDSR Showjumping league, Kindly Sponsored by, Tool & Plastic, Gerry Moran Equine Chiropractor & JT Watson Horse Sales UK.

The Primary Showjumping got things underway, on the Paraic Geraghty track, with Dalysgrove Secretary, Christine Rohan, and Sweet Callows Gale, having the only double Clear of the class to take 1st Place, followed by Iona Devon and Salero from South Roscommon in 2nd, and in 3rd, David Cunniffe from Dalysgrove with Multer Tiny Nora.

As always there was a big turnout for the Adv Primary Class, who weren’t going to let the heavy rain stop them, It was Darragh Ruane from Benbulben with The Guns of Dunree, who was closet to the optimum time, Chole Osbnourne and Ears from Springmount coming 2nd, with Dalysgrove’s Dermot Goode and Curragh Pride in 3rd place.

A large entry in the Intermediate, saw only 3 through to the jump off, but it was host Clubs Ballinasloe’s Aoife Mulry and Ballyduff Stanly who had the only clear in the jump off to take 1st place, followed by Dalysgrove’s Donna Murray and Troy for 2nd place, and in 3rd we had Western Region’s Chairperson and Benbulben member Finola Murphy and Barna Mist.

 

In the Adv Inter class, it was Edwina Ruane & Elvis from Benbulben who came out top , followed by Tynaghs Ollie Staunton & Ben Beag in 2nd, and Rebecca Goode and Santiago from South Roscommon in 3rd

The Open Class, Colm Kelly from Corrib and Monard Rose of Castlerea were the only entry, so took 1st place.

The Dressage arena was in full swing from 10.00am in the morning despite the weather, The Primary Class was won by Dalysgrove’s Christine Rohan who had a great day on Sweet Callows Gale, also winning the Primary Showjumping class, in 2nd was Brigid Barron from Castlecarrig on Golden Sinnett, and 3rd went to another Castlecarrig Golden Sinnett combination, Monica Hegarty.

A large Adv Primary Dressage Class, kindly sponsored by Leanorth Sport Horses, saw Alayne Wells and Churchmeadow Mystery from Benbulben take 1st Place, with Aaron Grennan and Rosscon Camille from Mosstown take 2nd, with Benbulbens, Finola Murphy and Barna Mist in 3rd.

The Inter Class was won by Moira Gleeson from Corrib RC with Mo’s Maggie, 2nd place went to Meghan Farrell and Lookout Master Moonshine from South Roscommon, and in 3rd Springmounts Chole Osborne with Ears.

In the Adv Inter Class, it was Mosstown RC’s Thomasina O’Reilly on Rosscon Camille , who came 1st, with Marjorie Hardiman from Tonabrocky coming 2nd on Creganna Belle and 3rd on Creganna Dandini .

Ballinasloe RC would like to Thank, The BDRS Showjumping League Sponsors, Tool & Plastic, Gerry Moran Equine Chiropractor & JT Watson Horse Sales UK. And our own Show Sponsors, Leanorth Sport Horses, Gateway Insurance Athlone, Joe Naughton Auctioneers, Dolans Centra Garage, KPW Print, Ray McSharry, Ballinasloe Credit Union, Horsey Horsey,
The Friendly Fryer, Gullanes Hotel, Peter O’Connor, & our Club members, without whom we couldn’t have put on such a good show.

Full results from round 1 of the BDSR Show Jumping League hosted by Ballinasloe RC are as follows:

Primary
1st Christine Rohan, Sweet Callows Gale, Dalysgrove RC
2nd Iona Devon, Salero, South Roscommon RC,
3rd David Cunniffe, Multer Tiny Nora, Dalysgrove RC

Adv Primary
1st Darragh Ruane, The Guns Of Dunree, Benbulben RC
2nd Chole Osborne , Ears, Springmount RC
3rd Dermot Goode, Curragh Pride, Dalysgrove RC
4th Frank Gilmore, Clover, Corrib RC
5TH Rachel Parry, Scout, Corrib RC
6TH Dermot Goode, Flaming Elvis, Dalysgrove RC

Inter
1st Aoife Mulry, Ballyduff Stanley, Ballinasloe RC
2nd Donna Murrary, Troy, Dalysgrove RC
3rd Finola Murphy, Barna Mist, Benbulben RC
4th John Miland, Huntingfield Holly, Dalysgrove RC
5th Mike Dolan, King Buddy, Ballinasloe RC
6th Liam Stapleton, Lady Tessa, Tynagh RC

Adv Inter
1st Edwina Ruane, Elvis, Benbulben RC
2nd Ollie Staunton, Ben Beag, Tynagh RC
3rd Rebecca Goode, Santigo, South Roscommon RC
4th Paula Cosgrave, Lady Ooh La la, Ballinasloe RC
5th Thomas Daniels, Barnaboy Jack, Tynagh RC

Open
1st Colm Kely, Monard Rose of Castlrea, Corrib RC

Great day for the West at National Hunter Trials!

The National Hunter Trials Championships took place on Sunday 19th April in Flowerhill, over a challenging course designed by Oliver Walsh. As usual there was a large turnout of horses & riders from the Region and a very successful day was had by many competitors from the region, with 5 of the 8 classes won by riders from the Western Region and 3 National Titles going to the West.

The day got off to a good start when four pairs from the region featured in the placings in the Advanced Primary Pairs. Dawn Hyndman & Colourado Kid and Denis Kelly on Craigdoo Polly from Letterkenny RC finished 3rd, Tommy Mc Ginley on Carosa Lady from Donegal Gaeltacht RC and Maria Tierney on FTHC Iva Horse Outside from Springmount RC were 4th, Caroline Shiel on Mellow and Stephanie Haiber on Stracomer Super Mario from Benbulben RC were 5th while Galway RC pairing of Erin Morris with Flower Hill Frosty and Ursula Duggan & Kylebeg Classic took 6th spot.

In the Advanced Primary Championship the top three placings went to the Western Region with Benbulben RC’s Stephanie Haiber and Stracomer Super Mario taking the Advanced Primary Championship National Title bang on the optimum time of 7’18”, Brenda Burke & Bonnie Mismatch (IRE) from Tir Conaill RC were second in a time of 7’15” while Natasha Green on Ballyarnett Chancer from Inishowen RC were just a second behind to take 3rd place with a time of 7’14”.

In the Intermediate Pairs the Letterkenny RC duo of Leo Porter on Silver Conquer & Marina Hamilton on London Jen took the top spot, while clubmates Anne Chambers with Condors Lucky Star & Keary Smith on Arther finished 4th and Joanna Kearns on West Coast Dreamer & Katy McAleenan on Larkhill Rose were 6th.

In the Intermediate Championships Francis Mc Nicholl from Letterkenny RC took 2nd place on Trial and Error, Manus Kelly & Falcarrgh Kili of Donegal Gaeltacht RC was 3rd and Shauna Boyle on Ardnaglass Boy from Letterkenny RC was joint 4th.

In the Mixed Pairs Benbulben RC took the top two spots, husband and wife duo Kean and Louise O’Hara took first place riding Seamus Of Annaghmore & Charisma of Annaghmore while 2nd place went to Daire Diver on Stracomer Hidalgo and Derek Kane on Monart.

In the Advanced Intermediate Championship riders from the region took 4 of the 6 prizes on offer. Sharon McGowan from Benbulben RC stopped the clock on the optimum time of 6’36” oriding Somethings Gotta Give to claim the Advanced Intermediate Championship National Title. Tynagh RC’s Thomas Daniels with Barnaboy Jackeen finished 2nd in a time of 6’37”, while Benbulben RC members Daire Diver on Stracomer Hidalgo and Fiona Tansey on Cloon Silver Cloud finished 4th & 5th respectively.

In the Open Championship Emily Schneider on Ray Lady from Donegal Gaeltacht RC finished 2nd while in the Advanced Open Championship the top two placing again went to the Western Region. Brendan Dolan of Benbulben RC picked up his second successive National Title riding Nisqually De May to claim the Advanced Open Championship National Title ahead of last years winner ahead of last year’s winner Laura Schneider on Chloe Lass who took 2nd place for Donegal Gaeltacht RC.

Dalysgrove RC Saoirse Saddlery Dressage League gets year off to a competitive start!

The 2015 competition got off to a great start on Sunday January 25th with the first leg of the Saoirse Saddlery Dressage League hosted by Dalysgrove RC. The Intermediate and Advanced Primary classes in particular were very hotly contested with plenty of inter-club rivalry.

In the Primary section Christine Rohan took the honours for the host club on Sweet Callows Gale, in 2nd place was John Kelehen of Corrib RC riding Lucky Cosmo, while Monica Hegarty of Castle Carrig RC was 3rd with Ginger.

In the largest class of the day, the Advanced Primary Mary Mc Entee from Mosstown RC took 1st place riding Carlough Matchum, Sinead Fenton of Bridge RC was 2nd with Cotterstown Levi & Jackie McGovern from Anvil RC was 3rd.

In the Intermediate class Donna Murray of Dalysgrove RC was in top form taking all 3 top placings, she claimed 1st place on Kiko Temple, 2nd on Temple Lady and 3rd on Troy.

In the Advanced Intermediate Aisling Hughes of South Roscommon RC claimed 1st prize on Full Set Fred, Marjorie Hardiman from Tonabrucky RC was 2nd riding Creganna Belle & Marita Shannon of Springmount RC was 3rd.

In the Open class Mary Mitchell of Tonabrucky RC took 1st place on Western Easter & 2nd on Western Guppies while in the Advanced Open Elaine Murphy from Dalysgrove RC was 1st on Nino Manoso & 2nd on Sullivan.

The next date in the league is Sunday February 8th with the final on Sunday February 15th, entry is pre-entry only by the Sunday before the show. Points are accumulated throughout the league for the final placings.

Western Region 2014 Round Up

The 2014 competition season as usual started off with the Saoirse Saddlery Dressage League hosted by Dalysgrove RC in Creagh Equestrian Centre.

The winners of this were:

Primary
1st – John Kelehen & Lelani of Corrib RC
2nd – Christine Rohan & Sweet Callows Gale of Dalysgrove RC
3rd – Assumpta Shannon & Dandy’s Boy of South Roscommon RC
4th – Carol Gaffney & Dandy’s Boy of South Roscommon RC
5th – Assumpta Shannon & Bailey of South Roscommon RC
6th – Geraldine Donouhue & Lucky Cosmo of Castle Carraig RC

Advanced Primary
1st – Donna Murray & Kikos Temple of Dalysgrove RC
2nd – Donna Murray & Temple Lady of Dalysgrove RC
3rd – Evelyn Coyne & Temple Troy of Corrib RC
4th – Fiona Fenton & Dandy’s Boy of South Roscommon RC
5th – Mary McEntee & Carlough Match of Mosstown RC
6th – Tony White & Casper of Dalysgrove RC

Intermediate
1st – Ximena Lister & Max of West Coast RC and Kevin Clogher & Sin e Sham of Dalysgrove RC
3rd – Valerie Asple & Argentum A of Corrib RC
4th – Bernadette Flaherty& Cheeky La Belle of Corrib RC
5th – Paul Naughton & Temple Lady of Dalysgrove RC
6th – Ximena Lister & Coco of West Coast RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st – Tracy Murphy & Nino Manoso of Dalysgrove RC
2nd – Jean O’Connor & Leilani of Corrib RC
3rd – Grainne Kelly & Gilly from the Block of Springmount RC
4th – Gillian Dunlop & Little Mishap of Springmount RC and Georgie Spain & Shin e Sham of Dalysgrove RC
6th – Georgie Spain & Merrymountain Sassella of Dalysgrove RC

Open
1st – Mary Mitchell & Westernn May of Tonabrockey RC
2nd – Mary Mitchell & Creemully Western William of Tonabrockey RC

Advanced Open
1st – Elaine Murphy & Eurisco of Dalysgrove RC

In the North of the Region, the Donegal Clubs kicked off their season with the North West Spring Show Jumping League. The results of this were:

60cm TRAINING
1st  Nicola Coxford, Inishowen
2nd Louise Edwards, Letterkenny
3rd Pamela Whyte, Inishowen
4th Lauren Griffith, Inishowen
5th Jacqueline Maudlin, Donegal Gaeltacht

PRIMARY
1st Eamon McGee, Donegal Gaeltacht
2nd Aileen Tougher, Inishowen
3rd Veronica Lafferty, Inishowen
4th Danielle Monagle, Inishowen
5th Mairead McColgan, Inishowen
6th Emer Hannaway, Inishowen

ADVANCED PRIMARY
1st Liz Cuffe, Letterkenny
2nd Lawrence Smyth, Donegal Gaeltacht
3rd Liz Potter, Donegal Gaeltacht
4th Paul Curran, Donegal Gaeltacht
5th Enda McClafferty, Letterkenny
6th Denis Kelly, Letterkenny

INTERMEDIATE
1st Anne Chambers, Letterkenny
2nd Joint – Rudy Schneider, Donegal Gaeltacht & Clodagh Barry, Inishowen
4th Carla McGinley, Donegal Gaeltacht
5th Roseleen McGinley, Donegal Gaeltacht
6th Lauren McLaughlin, Inishowen

ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE
1st Claire Cuffe, Letterkenny
2nd Nadine Gallagher, Letterkenny
3rd Damien Gallagher, Letterkenny
4th Patricia Warren, Donegal Gaeltacht
5th Rosaleen Harkin, Donegal Gaeltacht
6th Emily Schneider, Donegal Gaeltacht

Proceeds from the Final were in aid of Aware and a cheque for €750 was presented to Tanya and Cecil Jacob on behalf of the participating clubs.

The Western Region had 4 nominees for the Lancelot Awards, which were presented folowing Annual General Meeting of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs on Saturday 15th February 2014 at Racket Hall Country House, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

Tynagh RC were nominated for Club of the Year, Thomas Daniels of Tynagh RC was nominated for Club Member of the Year, Christine McWillams of Corrib RC was nominated for Secretary of the Year & Paul Hughes of Tonabrockey RC was nominated for Person of the Year.
Well done to all!

Round Tower RC held two very successful Training Shows in River View Stables, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo. These gave riders the oppertunity to jump their show-jumping course under the watchful eye of a Padraic Corcoran & get expert advice on how to improve their rounds. Riders were also giver the chance to ride a Dressage test and get personal feedback from the judge with the opportunity to re-ride lowest scoring movements to improve dressage score.

In March & April we had the West Clubs Derby & Dressage League, where the clubs in the region all came together to host 3 shows. This League was sponsored by Berney Saddley with beautiful prizes on offer for the winners in the final.

The AIRC National Hunter Trials took place on Sunday April 6th at Flowerhill and as usual the Western Region was very well represented and successful across all grades.
In the Advanced Primary Pairs Dalysgrove duo Donna Murray on Kiko Temple & John Miland on Huntingfield Holly claimed 2nd spot.
In the Advanced Primary Championship Liz Potter & Clyde were 4th for Donegal Gaeltacht, Benbulbens Louise Hamilton  & Samara Star were 5th while Liam Stapleton of Tynagh was 6th on Lady Tessa.
In the Intermediate Pairs Anne Chambers on Kiltown Miss Molly & Keary Smith on Arther took top spot for Letterkenny, Tir Conaill’s Lorraine Gillespie on Diamond Lillie were 2nd paired with Lisa Kennedy of Killossery on Holly Park Gold, while Benbulben took the next 2 placings with Joanna Kearns on West Coast Dreamer & Katy Mc Aleenan on Larkhill Rose in 3rd place and mother & daughter duo Anna Burke on Rookery Blue & Avril Burke on Rookery Apache in 4th, another Letterkenny pair Damien Gallagher on Drumnacart Lass & Francis Mc Nicholl on Trial and Error came 5th.
In the Intermediate Championship Tynagh’s Aisling Daniels on Brogue Shelly finished 2nd while Corribs Bernadette Flaherty was 6th with Cheeky La Belle.
In the Mixed Pairs class the Donegal Gaeltacht pairing of John Mc Daid on Sionnach and Laura Schneider on Chloe Lass came 4th.
Gerry Kyne of Corrib took 2nd place in the Advanced Intermediate Championship on The Real Droopys, while in the Open Championship Benbulbens Brendan Dolan on Action Man II took the honours and Laura Schneider on Chloe Lass claimed the Advanced Open Championship for Donegal Gaeltacht.

On Sunday April 27th Letterkenny RC hosted the North West Team Show Jumpng & Dressage Challenge. As usual this proved to be a very popular event and Donegal Gaeltacht riders were really on form claiming the honours in both sections.
Team Show Jumping
1st Donegal Gaeltacht ‘Spitfire’ (Patricia Warren, Rudy Schneider, Laurence Smith & Liz Potter)
2nd Donegal Gaeltacht ‘Pink Ladies’ (Laura Schneider, Emily Schneider, Ruth McCrossan & Paul Curran)
3rd Letterkenny ‘ The Bankers’ (Damien Gallagher, Cormac McCormac, Dawn Hyndan & Enda McClafferty)
Team Dressage
1st Donegal Gaeltacht ‘Drama Queens’ (Patricia Warren, Laura Schneider, Ruth McCrossan & Liz Potter)
2nd Donegal Gaeltacht ‘Drama Princess’ (Emily Schneider, Rudy Schneider, Liz Potter & Ruth McCrossan)
3rd Tir Conaill ‘Tir Conals’ (Alex Deane, Mona Vial, Brenda Burke & Catherine Gallagher)

Team Spitfire from Donegal Gaeltacht RC winners of the North West Team Show Jumping Challenge L-R: Liz Potter, Rudy Schneider, Laurence Smith & Patricia Warren

 

This year the Western Region hosted two Masters Series Qualifers, the first was hosted by Benbulben RC in Tubberbride on May 4th, the results were as follows:

Intermediate
1st Gavin Keenan & Ardgaineen Waltzer, Benbulben RC
2nd Avril Burke & Rookery Sparkle, Benbulben RC
3rd Edwina Ruane & Tullavilla Too, Benbulben RC
4th Rachel Burke & Rookery Blue, Benbulben RC
5th Avril Burke & Rookery Apache, Benbulben RC
6th Avril Burke & Rookery Blue, Benbulben RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st Myles McGowan & Journeyman, Benbulben RC
2nd Tara Fergus Sheridan & Tirconnell River Rose, Benbulben RC
3rd John McDaid & Smithy Breeze, Donegal Gaeltacht RC
4th Seanna Kane McCaffery & Two Rivers, Benbulben RC
5th Catherine Meenaghan & Fire of Quantum, Round Tower RC
6th Gwen McDermott & Carlton Spice, Benbulben RC

Open & Advanced Open
1st Deirdre McDonald & Nisquelly de May, Benbulben RC
2nd Lizzie Naughton & Currower Girl, Round Tower RC
3rd Donna McGowan & Clover Winds, Benbulben RC
4th David Glynn & Amber Lanza, Corrib R
5th Vanessa McDonald & Vanessas Pride, Benbulben RC

The second Masters Series Qualifier in the Region was hosted by Inishowen RC on May 11th and the results are as follows:

Intermediate
1st Erica Robb & Clonigulane Lass, Inishowen RC
2nd Edwina Ruane & Tullavilla Too, Benbulben RC
3rd Leo Porter & Woodview Cool and Easy, Letterkenny RC
4th Carmel Ferry & Peppe Lad, Donegal Gaeltacht RC
5th Michael Mc Hugh & Simply Mitch, Donegal Gaeltacht RC
6th Therese Anderson & Killian Boy, Benbulben RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st Patricia Warren & Hes A Dandy, Donegal Gaeltacht RC
2nd Jodie Carr & Carraun Hill, Inishowen RC
3rd John McDaid & Smithy Breeze, Donegal Gaeltacht RC
4th Kate Mc Pherson & Mickey Finn, Inishowen RC
5th Cormack Mc Cormack & Lenamore Santa Fe, Letterkenny RC
6th Cormack Mc Cormack & Lenamore Charlotte, Letterkenny RC

On Sunday May 25th Benbulben RC hosted the Western Regional Quaifier for the A.I.R.C Team Show Jumping Championship. Twenty teams took part on the day in what proved to be a nail biting competition.

Results of the Team Show Jumping Championship Qualifier are as follows:

1st – Benbulben Team 2: Gavin Keenan & Ardnageen Waltzer, Rachel Burke & Rookery Blue, Louise O’Hara & Seamus of Annaghmore and Vanessa McDonald & Vanessas Pride
2nd – Benbulben Team 1: Anna Burke & Rookery Sparkle, Edwina O’Donnell & Tullavilla Too, Diarmuid Lang & Seamies Legacy and Deirdre McDonald & Nisqullay de May
3rd – Benbulben Team 3: Avril Burke & Rookery Apache, Melissa Monaghan & Iceford Cruise, Seanna Kane McCaffery & Two Rivers and Gwen McDermott & Carlton Spice
4th – Tynagh: Aishling Daniels & Matinee, Raymond Daniels & Barnaboy Colin, Ollie Staunton & Ben Beag and Thomas Daniels & Barnaboy Jackeen
5th – Donegal Gaeltacht Team 2: Shaun Brennan & Colourado Kid, Rudy Schneider & My Boy Boysie, Sally Mahon & Graf Landlord and Emily Schneider & Ray Lady
6th – Benbulben Team 4: Finola Murphy & Smokey Joe, Katy McAleenan & Larkhill Rose, Fiona Tansey & Cloon Silver Cloud and Brenda Perrin & Erronagh Sky

Tynagh RC finished in 4th place which secured them a place at the Wild Card Qualifier in Stradbally, unfortunately they didn’t manage to secure a place in the RDS at this.

Best Turned Out team on the day were Rossan RC: Amy McGarvey & Chamonix Supernova, Esther O’Kane & Oreo Cookie, Lynne Russell & Salsa and Evie Smith & The Sea Warrior

Benbulben RC Team Vanessa McDonald (Vanessas Pride), Rachel Burke (Rookery Blue), Gavin Keenan (Ardgaineen Waltzer) & Louise O’Hara (Seamus of Annaghmore)

The Arden Equestrian Show Jumping League took place in May & June with 3 legs hosted by South Roscommon RC, Bridge RC & Dalysgrove RC. As usual this league proved very popular with some fantastic prizes on offer for the overall winners.

The results are as follows

Primary
1st Assumpta Shannon, South Roscommon RC
2nd Iona Devon, South Roscommon RC
3rd Kelley Folan, South Roscommon RC
4th Assumpta Shannon, South Roscommon RC
5th Monica Neilsen, Corrib RC
6th Christine Rohan, Dalysgrove RC

Advanced Primary
1st Laurence Rafferty, South Roscommon RC
2nd Emma Glynn, South Roscommon RC
3rd Liam Stapleton, Tynagh RC
4th Darragh Ruane, Benbulben RC
5th Silvia Quinn, Bridge RC
6th Laura Gaffney, South Roscommon RC

Intermediate
1st Edwina Ruane, Benbulben RC
2nd Danielle Murphy, Ballinasloe RC
3rd Rachel Keogh, South Roscommon RC
4th John Miland, Dalysgrove RC
5th Jacqueline Feeley, Dalysgrove RC
6th Rachel Wollett, Ballinasloe RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st Julie Magennis, Benbulben RC
2nd Oliver Staunton, Tynagh RC
3rd Connie Noone, Ballinasloe RC
4th Ailish McLoughlin, Mosstown RC
5th Naomi Ruane, Bridge RC
6th Thomas Daniels, Tynagh RC

The Annual Riding Clubs Festival was held at Stradbally Hall Estate, Co. Laois on June 7th & 8th. A large volume of competitiors from the Western Region travelled to the festival with great success.

In the Irish Field Dressage arenas Donna Murray of Dalysgrove RC got the weekend off o a great start by winning Section 1 of the Advanced Primary Dressage on Lady Temple with a fantastic score of 79.21%, Donna also finished 5th in Section 3 riding Kiko Temple and was 4th in the Advanced Primary Final with Kiko Temple.
In the TRI Equestrian Show Jumping arenas a mixed team from the Western Region comprising of Darragh Ruane on The Guns of Dunree from Benbulben RC, Caroline Rushe on Galli from Dalysgrove RC, Lawrence Smyth on Jennys Jigsaw from Donegal Gaeltacht & Cathriona Goaley on Curra Whoopi from Springmount RC took second place.
In the Horseware Wildcard Team Show Jumping Championship Tynagh RC finished in 6th place with Aisling Daniels on Glen Ledgend, Raymond Daniels on Barnaboy Colin, Margaret Hynes on Barnaboy Colourcoded & Thomas Daniels on Barnaboy Jackeen.
In the Intermediate Individual Show Jumping Gavin Keenan on Ardgaineen Waltzer from Benbulben RC was 2nd, while Avril Burke on Rookery Apache, also from Benbulben RC was 3rd.
In the Advanced Intermediate Individual Show Jumping Donegal Gaeltacht took both 1st & 2nd with Emily Schneider on Raylady taking top spot and Patricia Warren on Hes a Dandy coming 2nd. Patricia also claimed 1st place in the Advanced Intermediate Power & Speed class with Hes a Dandy.
In the Open Power & Speed class another Donegal Gaeltacht rider was in the ribbons with Sally Mahon on Graf Landlord coming 6th, while in the Advanced Open Individual class Laura Schneider & Chloe Lass took 3rd spot for Donegal Gaeltacht.
In the final Show Jumping class on Saturday, the Vetern Riders Show Jumping Anna Burke from Benbulben RC finished 5th with Rookery Sparkle.
In the Horse Sport Ireand Showing rings Aisling Hughes from South Roscommon was 3rd in the Lightweight Hnter class with Full Set Fred.
In the Lightweight Cob class Catherine O’Sullivan on Paintwork Lad top the top spot, with Niamh Ruane & Dusky Moon from Round Tower RC in 4th and Shauna Freeney on Nic Nac from Springmount RC in 6th. Catherine also took the top spot in the Maxi Cobs class with Blue Jeans with whom she also won Reserve Champion Cob.
In the Riding Horse up to 158cm class Emma Lawrence & Benny Ace from Benbulben RC finished 6th.
In the Coloured Horse up to 158cm Catherine O’Sullivan & Paintwork Lad were again in the ribbons taking 2nd prize, while Shauna Freeney & Nic Nac were 6th.
In the Coloured Horse over 158cm class Serena Finnerty & Fountain Sissco of Corrib RC were 6th.
Catherine O’Sullivan & Paintwork Lad took the Reserve Champion Coloured Horse Title.
In the Intermediate Performance Hunter Class Christine McWilliams on Guinness Mc from Corrib RC were 3rd and Rachel Burke on Rookery Blue from Benbulben RC were 5th.

On Sunday the success continued for competitiors from the Western Region, in the Team Show Jumping Challenge Donegal Gaeltacht’s 3 rider team of Laura Schneider on Chloe Lass, Emily Schneider on Raylady & Patricia Warren on Hes a Dandy finished 2nd while Benbulbens team of Gwen McDermott on Carlton Spice, Fiona Tansey on Cloon Silver Cloud, Breda Perrin on Erronagh Sky & Julie Magennis on Grey News were 4th.
In the Intermediate Team Show Jumping Benbulben RC took the top spot with a team comprising of Edwina Ruane on Kilathurley Elvis, Avril Burke on Rookery Apache, Rachel Burke on Rookery Blue & Anna Burke on Rookery Sparkle.
In the Advanced Primary Individual Show Jumping Cathriona Goaley & Curra Whoopi claimed first place for Springmount RC.
In the Intermediate Power & Speed Avril Burke on Rookery Apache from Benbulben RC was 6th, Anna Burke, also from Benbulben RC on Rookery Sparkle was 7th & Colm Kelly on Monard Rose of Castlerea from Corrib RC was 8th.

Back in the Showing rings Geraldine Donoghue of Castle Carraig was 2nd the Primary Showing class with Lucky Cosmo and Rachel Lee of Corrib was 3rd with Prince Owen.
In the Connemara Performance class Therese Anderson of Benbulben came 2nd with Kilian Boy and Cathriona Goaley of Springmount was 3rd with Curra Whoopi.
In the Irish Draught Performance class Martin Shaughnessy on Putchacauns Mr Rose of Corrib RC came 5th.
In the Ex-Racehorse performance class Darragh Ruane of Benbulben RC came 3rd riding The Guns of Dunree.
Rachel Burke of Benbulben RC was 5th in the Intermediate Working Hunter class riding Rookery Blue, Katie Winspear of West Coast RC was 5th on Maraghmore Sam & 6th on Woodland Morning in the 4 & 5 year old Working Hunter while Donegal Gaeltachts Laura Schneider took 1st place in the Advanced Intermediate & above Working Hunter with Chloe Lass. Laura also won Reserve Champion Working Hunter with Chloe Lass.

 

The National Show Jumping Championships were held in Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Sunday July 13th and competitors from the Western Region were very successful taking home prizes in all grades.

In the Primary Championship Qualifier  Corrib’s Monica Nielsen on Heather Dew were 2nd and South Roscommon’s Assumpta Shannon on Dandys Boy were 6th and Monica & Heather Dew claimed the Primary Championship Title for Corrib.

In the Advanced Primary Championship Qualifier Liam Stapleton took the honours for Tynagh riding Lady Tessa, while Emma Glynn on Signal Fire were 2nd for South Roscommon and Rose Burke on Darragh Dale from Dalysgrove were 6th.

In the Advanced Primary Championship Final Donegal Gaeltachts Lawrence Smyth on Jennys Jigsaw claimed another Championship Title for the West while Dermot Goode of Dalysgrove on Elvis Flaming Star came 5th.

In the Intermediate Championship Qualifier Benbulben RC riders featured strongly with Gavin Keenan & Ardgaineen Waltzer in 2nd, Edwina Ruane & Tullavilla Stuart in 4th and Rebekah Tansey & Brighten Up Your Day in 5th.

In the Intermediate Championship Final the Western Region secured 4 of the 6 placings Benbulben’s Rebekah Tansey on Brighten Up Your Day took the Championship Title, with Rudy Schneider of Donegal Gaeltacht on My Boy Boysie in 2nd, Mary McMahon & Aylroe Boy of Benbulben in 3rd & Edwina Ruane of Benbulben RC in 6th with Tullavilla Too.

In the Advanced Intermediate Championship Qualifier Donegal Gaeltacht riders took 2 ribbons with Emily Schneider & Raylady 4th and Patricia Warren with Hes A Dandy 5th.
Emily Schneider on Raylady were also 6th in the Advanced Intermediate Championship Final.

In the Open Championship Qualifier Benbulben twins Deirdre Dolan & Vanessa McDonald were both in the ribbons with Deirdre & Nisqually De May taking 2nd place and Vanessa in 5th with Vanessas Pride.
Deirdre Dolan on Nisqually De May also placed 3rd in the Open Championship Final.

In the Advanced Open Championship Donegal Gaeltacht’s Laura Schneider & Chloe Lass were in top form taking the honours in both the Advanced Open Championship Qualifier and the Advanced Open Championship Final.

In the Advanced Primary Accumulator riders from the Western Region again featured in the ribbons with Lawrence Smyth on Jennys Jigsaw from Donegal Gaeltacht in 2nd, Karen Mc Crann on Kalua of Benbulben in 4th, Tynagh’s Liam Stapleton & Lady Tessa in 5th and Darragh Ruane of Benbulben in 6th with The Guns of Dunree.

In the Intermediate Derby Benbulben sisters Avril & Rachel Burke took the top 2 spots, with Avril riding Rookery Apache in 1st & Rachel on Rookery Blue in 2nd, while Niall Coghill of Bridge riding Captain Paddy came 6th.

In the Advanced Intermediate Derby Tara Fergus Sheridan riding Tirconaill River Rose claimed 3rd place for Benbulben.

Benbulben riders again featured in the ribbons in the Open Derby with Kelly Fergus on Art Monarch in 2nd & Deirdre Dolan on Nisqually De May in 3rd.

Donegal Gaeltacht’s Laura Schneider riding Chloe Lass added to her collection of red ribbons by winning the Advanced Open Derby.

 

On Sunday August 10th a team from Benbulben RC consisting of Gavin Keenan on Ardgaineen Waltzer, Rachel Burke on Rookery Blue, Louise O’Hara on Seamus of Annaghmore, Vanessa McDonald on Vanessas Pride & their Chef d’Equipe Mary Lang reresented the Western Region at the AIRC Team Show Jumping Championships in the RDS. The team finished 3rd overall and won Best Turned Out Team.

The National Dressage Championships were held in Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Sunday August 17th and the Western Region was very well represented with competitors taking part in all grades of competition from Primary up to Advanced Open.

In the Primary Championship Marlena Klonowsca from West Coast RC riding Tailors Magical Tale was placed 5th.

In the Advanced Primary Championship Dalysgrove RC’s Donna Murray on  Kiko Temple rode two superb tests to claim the Advanced Primary Championship Title for the West.

In the Advanced Open Invitational Championship Dalysgrove RC were again in the ribbons with Elaine Murphy on Eurisco riding two lovely tests to finish 2nd, while Patricia Warren of Donegal Gaeltacht finished 5th with Burinex.

In the non championship classes Niamh Macken of Ballinasloe RC put in a fantastic performance in the Intermediate class on Captain Smirnoff to finish 3rd, this result was all the more remarkable as this was their return to competition after an injury forced them to have a several month break.

In the Team Championship the Dalysgrove RC team of Elaine Murphy on Nino Manoso, Kevin Clogher on Sin E Sham, Donna Murray on Kiko Temple & Christine Rohan on Sweet Callows Gale finished in 5th place.

On Sunday September 14th several horses & riders from the Region travelled to Mullingar Equestrian Centre for the Equest Pramox and Hit-Air sponsored Masters Series final.

In the Intermediate Welcome Stakes, Benbulben RC dominated the class with Avril Burke on Rookery Apache taking 1st place, Gavin Keenan on Ardgaineen Waltzer in 2nd & Rachel Burke on Rookery Blue in 3rd while Caoilinn DeBairead of Corrib RC was 6th with Cavalier Kim. Cormac Mc Cormack of Leterkenny RC was 6th in the Advanced Intermediate Welcome Stakes on board Lenamore Santa Fea, while in the Open & Advanced Open Welcome Stakes Lizzie Naughton from Round Tower RC was 4th with Currower Girl.

In the Intermediate Table C Speed the Burke sisters from Benbulben RC were again in the ribbons, Rachel was 2nd on board Rookery Blue while Avril was 3rd on Rookery Apache. In the Advanced Intermediate Table C Speed Patricia Warren & Hes A Dandy from Donegal Gaeltacht RC finished 6th and in the Open & Advanced Open Table C Speed the McDonald sisters from Benbulben RC took yet more ribbons back to the west, Vanessa took 1st place on Vanessas Pride while Deirdre was 3rd on Nisqually De May.

In the Intermediate Grand Prix Avril Burke of  Benbulben RC put in a foot perfect round with Rookery Apache to win the class while club mate Gavin Keenan on Ardgaineen Waltzer finished 3rd. Unfortunately none of the riders from the region made it into the ribbons in the Advanced Intermediate Grand Prix, but in the Open & Advanced Open Grand Prix the McDonald sisters both collected ribbons for Benbulben RC, Deirdre was 2nd with Nisqually De May and Vanessa was 6th with Vanessas Pride.

Avril Burkes win in the Intermediate Grand Prix seen her secure her place at the top of the Intermediate Leading Rider leader board with a total of 69 points, Rachel Burke & Rachel Lawson of Clonshire RC both finished on 56 points, but as Lawson finished higher in the Grand Prix she took 2nd place & Rachel Burke was 3rd while Gavin Keenan was 5th with 45 points. In the Open & Advanced Open Leading Rider both the McDonald sisters finished on 23 points, but as Deirdre placed higher in the Grand Prix she took 4th spot while Vanessa was 5th.

Avril Burke was also the overall leading rider on the day which seen her win a Hit-Air safety vest worth approximately €450.

October & November seen a number of Leagues take place across the region, Dalysgrove RC hosted a Friday night Show Jumping League in Creagh Equestrian Centre, with the Final taking place on Halloween night, Friday October 31st so to add to the fun of the show they also held a fancy dress competition on the night which was sponsored by Dalysgrove club member John Miland of Milands Garden Centre And Florist.

The results of the league were as follows:

Primary
1st Assumpta Shannon, South Roscommon RC

Advanced Primary
1st Dermot Goode, Dalysgrove RC
2nd Jane Conway, Tynagh RC
4th Emma Glynn, South Roscommon RC
4th Breda Burke, South Roscommon RC

Intermediate
1st Rebecca Goode, Dalysgrove RC
2nd Donna Murray, Dalysgrove RC
3rd Emma Hynes, Tynagh RC
4th Mike Dolan, Ballinasloee RC
5th John Miland, Dalysgrove RC
5th Donna Murray, Dalysgrove RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st Matty Loonam, Dalysgrove RC

Fancy Dress
1st Fiona Fenton – Batman & Robin
2nd Michaela Mc Carroll – Bride of Dracula

Sunday November 23rd seen the finals of the West Clubs Autumn Show Jumping & Dressage League held in Claremorris Equestrian Centre, hosted by West Coast RC. The Show Jumping League was kindly sponsored by Redmills & there was some great competition on the day for the fabulous prizes on offer. Competition in the Intermediate class was particularly fierce, with the last rider in the class John McArdle of Tynagh RC on Glen Legend just pipping Dalysgrove’s John Miland at the post to take the honours.
The full results of the League are as follows:

Show Jumping

Primary
1st Assumpta Shannon – South Roscommon RC

Advanced Primary
1st Dermot Goode – Dalysgrove RC
2nd Darragh Ruane – Benbulben RC
3rd Frank Gilmore -Corrib RC
4th Mary McInerney – Corrib RC
5th Darragh Ruane – Benbulben RC
6th John Hawkshaw – Corrib RC

Intermediate
1st John McArdle – Tynagh RC
2nd John Miland – Dalysgrove RC
3rd Anita Algierowicz – Corrib RC
4th Edwina Ruane – Benbulben RC
5th Anna Burke – Benbulben RC
6th Anna Burke – Benbulben RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st Colm Kelly – Corrib RC
2nd Norman Tierney – Springmount RC
3rd Roddy Kelly – Corrib RC
4th Roddy Kelly – Corrib RC

Dressage

Primary
1st Monica Hegarty – Castle Carraig RC
2nd Bridgid Barron – Castle Carraig RC

Advanced Primary
1st Evelyn Coyne – Corrib RC
2nd Miriam Mangan – Benbulben RC
3rd Finola Murphy – Benbulben RC
3rd Anna Burke – Benbulben RC
5th Finola Murphy – Benbulben RC
6th Therese Anderson – Benbulben RC

Intermediate
1st Fiona Monne – Springmount RC
2nd Moira Gleeson – Corrib RC
3rd Carmel Crowley – Corrib RC
4th John Hawkshaw – Corrib RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st Marjorie Hardiman -Tonabrockey RC
2nd Grainne Kelly – Springmount RC

Open
1st Mary Mitchell -Tonabrockey RC

In the North of the Region the North West Autumn Show Jumping League final also took place on Sunday November 23rd in Templemore Equestrian Centre, hosted by Letterkenny RC. There was a great turnout from all the Donegal Clubs and the results are as follows:

Primary
1st Louise Edwards- Letterkenny
2nd Nicola Coxford- Inishowen
3rd Catherine Gillespie – Inishowen
4th Cliff Haley- Letterkenny
5th Ruth McCrossan- Donegal Gaeltacht
6th David Robb- Inishowen

Advanced Primary
1st Liz Potter- Donegal Gaeltacht
2nd Enda McClafferty- Letterkenny
3rd Denis Kelly- Letterkenny
4th Brenda Burke – Tirconail
5th Pauline Anne Gavigan- Tirconail
6th Ryan McBride- Donegal Gaeltacht

Intermediate
1st Carla McGinley- Donegal Gaeltacht
2nd Aine Murray- Inishowen
3rd Anne Chambers- Letterkenny
4th Roseleen McGinley- Donegal Gaeltacht
5th Rudy Schneider- Donegal Gaeltacht
6th Paul O’Kane – Inishowen

Advanced Intermediate
1st Cormac McCormack- Letterkenny
2nd Marina Hamilton- Letterkenny
3rd Emily Schneider- Donegal Gaeltacht
4th John McDaid- Donegal Gaeltacht
5th Rosaleen Harkin- Donegal Gaeltacht
6th Jackie McKinley – Inishowen

The last show of the year was hosted by Inishowen RC in Templemore EC on Sunday December 28th

2014 was also a very sad year for the region with the loss of four of our members, Pat Touhy, Audrey Jacob, Cathal O’Malley & Ciaran Ridge we are all still mourning their passing. May they all Rest in Peace.

Pat Tuohy

Cathal O’Malley

Ciaran Ridge

Audrey Jacob

2014 Competition Season Comes to an End With Autumn League Finals

On Sunday November 23rd the West Clubs Autumn Show Jumping & Dressage League finals took place at Claremorris Equestrian Centre, hosted by West Coast RC. The Show Jumping League was kindly sponsored by Redmills & there was some great competition on the day for the fabulous prizes on offer. Competition in the Intermediate class was particularly fierce, with the last rider in the class John McArdle of Tynagh RC on Glen Legend just pipping Dalysgrove’s John Miland at the post to take the honours.
The full results of the League are as follows:

Show Jumping

Primary
1st Assumpta Shannon – South Roscommon RC

Advanced Primary
1st Dermot Goode – Dalysgrove RC
2nd Darragh Ruane – Benbulben RC
3rd Frank Gilmore -Corrib RC
4th Mary McInerney – Corrib RC
5th Darragh Ruane – Benbulben RC
6th John Hawkshaw – Corrib RC

Intermediate
1st John McArdle – Tynagh RC
2nd John Miland – Dalysgrove RC
3rd Anita Algierowicz – Corrib RC
4th Edwina Ruane – Benbulben RC
5th Anna Burke – Benbulben RC
6th Anna Burke – Benbulben RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st Colm Kelly – Corrib RC
2nd Norman Tierney – Springmount RC
3rd Roddy Kelly – Corrib RC
4th Roddy Kelly – Corrib RC

Dressage

Primary
1st Monica Hegarty – Castle Carraig RC
2nd Bridgid Barron – Castle Carraig RC

Advanced Primary
1st Evelyn Coyne – Corrib RC
2nd Miriam Mangan – Benbulben RC
3rd Finola Murphy – Benbulben RC
3rd Anna Burke – Benbulben RC
5th Finola Murphy – Benbulben RC
6th Therese Anderson – Benbulben RC

Intermediate
1st Fiona Monne – Springmount RC
2nd Moira Gleeson – Corrib RC
3rd Carmel Crowley – Corrib RC
4th John Hawkshaw – Corrib RC

Advanced Intermediate
1st Marjorie Hardiman -Tonabrockey RC
2nd Grainne Kelly – Springmount RC

Open
1st Mary Mitchell -Tonabrockey RC

In the North of the Region the North West Autumn Show Jumping League final also took place on Sunday November 23rd in Templemore Equestrian Centre, hosted by Letterkenny RC. There was a great turnout from all the Donegal Clubs and the results are as follows:

Primary
1st Louise Edwards- Letterkenny
2nd Nicola Coxford- Inishowen
3rd Catherine Gillespie – Inishowen
4th Cliff Haley- Letterkenny
5th Ruth McCrossan- Donegal Gaeltacht
6th David Robb- Inishowen

Advanced Primary
1st Liz Potter- Donegal Gaeltacht
2nd Enda McClafferty- Letterkenny
3rd Denis Kelly- Letterkenny
4th Brenda Burke – Tirconail
5th Pauline Anne Gavigan- Tirconail
6th Ryan McBride- Donegal Gaeltacht

Intermediate
1st Carla McGinley- Donegal Gaeltacht
2nd Aine Murray- Inishowen
3rd Anne Chambers- Letterkenny
4th Roseleen McGinley- Donegal Gaeltacht
5th Rudy Schneider- Donegal Gaeltacht
6th Paul O’Kane – Inishowen

Advanced Intermediate
1st Cormac McCormack- Letterkenny
2nd Marina Hamilton- Letterkenny
3rd Emily Schneider- Donegal Gaeltacht
4th John McDaid- Donegal Gaeltacht
5th Rosaleen Harkin- Donegal Gaeltacht
6th Jackie McKinley – Inishowen

A Goode night at Dalysgrove Show Jumping League Final!

Dalysgrove Riding club tried something new this year. Traditionally in the Western Region shows are always held on a Sunday and this generally speaking works very well. They just felt that there was room for a league run on Friday evenings and that they would take the chance and see what happened. Of course Dalysgrove has a history of being pioneers in the Western region being the first to run a dressage league and the only club to hold One Day Event qualifiers. It is a testament to the dedicated members of this small club in a climate when attendance at shows has dropped they were willing to run 10 shows this year.  Some members in the region enjoyed the fact that they could take part on a Friday evening and still had the Sunday free whether it was to attend another riding club event, a hunter trial go hunting or to fulfill family commitments. Members from 7 different clubs took part. The final of the league was held on Friday the 31st of October which also coincided with Halloween in Careys Equestrian Centre in Ballinasloe. To add to the fun of the show they also held a fancy dress competition on the night which was sponsored by club member John Miland of Milands Garden Centre And Florist.

The first competition of the night the primary competition and was won by Assumpta Shannon riding Dandy. The next competition was the hotly contested advanced primary competition with very little separating a number of competitors. Dermot Goode from Dalysgrove riding club was the first of the Goode family competing on the night was a popular winner riding the great Elvis. Dermot was closely followed in second by Fiona Fenton from South Roscommon riding Ernie, Jane Conway from the Ballinasloe club was third. riding Glentaun Tully, Emma Glynn and  Breda Burke were joint fourth for South Roscommon. Some members missed out on the final prize due to changes in horses. The league is ran using a horse and rider combination. This can change the score board completely on the final night.

To give everyone a break from the jumping next up was the fancy Dress Parade. There was exceptional effort put in by some of the participants who really got into the spirit of things. It was phenomenal with both horse and riders togged out in some fantastic costumes. Fiona Fenton was deemed the winner on the night with both herself and her horse dressed as batman and Robin and Michaela Mc Carroll was the runner up dressed as a very convincing Bride of
Dracula complete with wedding dress. You definitely wouldn’t want to meet any of them in a dark alley, they looked the part that’s for sure.

The next class up for decision was the Intermediate class. This was won by the younger generation of the Goode family when Dermot’s niece Rebecca Goode came first riding Out Even. Rebecca had a fantastic league and was way ahead of the opposition. Dalysgrove chairperson Donna Murray was second riding Troy, Emma Hynes of Tynagh riding club was third riding Diamond, Mike Dolan from Ballinasloe RC was fourth riding Buddy with Donna Murray and John Miland sharing fifth place.

Matty Loonam was the winner of the Advanced Intermediate class The general consensus from those attending the league on Friday night was that it was a most enjoyable event and a great success. The club would like to thank the helpers from the various clubs who helped out on the different nights and also to express their deep gratitude to Damien Carey proprietor of Carey’s Equestrian Centre who provided the course building the judging the venue and even some of the horses. Damien helped in no small way to making this league such a great sucess. It was a fitting end to what has been a very busy year at Dalysgrove Riding Club.

For more information on Dalysgrove RC contact 0851010983 or dalysgrove@airc.ie. The club is open to new members.

Written by John Miland Dalysgrove RC

Autumn Leagues Underway!

There is plenty of action underway in the Western Region at the moment, with three leagues underway. In the North of the Region the North West Autumn League is taking place in Templemore Equestrian Centre, Co. Derry with classes for all levels from Cross-poles up to Advanced Open, two legs have already been completed and there are 2 more dates left in this League; Sunday November 9th & the Final on Sunday November 23rd.

There is also an Autumn Dressage & Show Jumping League taking place in the region with classes from Primary up to Advanced Open, 2 legs of this League have already taken place and there are 3 dates left in this League; Springmount are hosting a Show Jumping Only leg on Sunday November 2nd in Rockmount Riding Centre, Claregalway, Co. Galway, Benbulben are hosting a Dressage & Show Jumping leg in Tubberbride RC, Collooney, Co. Sligo on Sunday November 16th and the Final will be hosted by West Coast RC in Claremorris EC, Co. Mayo on Sunday November 23rd. In order to be eligible for prizes in the league final in either Show Jumping or Dressage, you must have competed at a minimum of 2 of the Show Jumping competitions and 1 of the Dressage competitions.

Dalysgrove RC are also currently hosting a Friday night Show Jumping League in Creagh EC, the final is on Friday next October 31st.