Monday, November 25, 2013

Tiz the Season of the mini league!!!!!

Airc west November 2013
The North West league is thriving away with plenty of entries in all classes and levels, The North West league run classes for all levels starting with cross poles, 60cm Primary, AP, Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate and Open.  The current leaders of the league are cross poles, Patrica Gormly and Pamela White.  The 60cms leaders are Emer Hannaway, Evilina Wysznska, Dennis Green, the primary class has joint leaders Aine McLean and Paul Curren. The AP leaders are Rosaleen McGinley, Daniel Walsh and Ryan McBride.   The Intermediate leaders are Clodagh Barry and Carla McGinnley, Nadine Gallagher is way ahead in the intermediate and above with Damian Gallagher and Claire Wylie tagging behind.  Good luck to all who jumped in the final on the 24th November, hope you have a great time!
The West Clubs final was held on a very wet November 17th day at Hanleys in Claremorris, luckily there was a heater in the spectator’s gallery so when you wasn’t jumping you could watch in warmth and therefore created a party atmosphere.  The Primary league was won by Monica Neilson, with Fiona Fenton in second and Frank Gilmore in third.  The advanced Primary Class was way ahead with 27 points John Miland, with Rose Burke in second and Emer Glyn in third, Anna Burke was way ahead in the points for the Intermediate jumping and Storming Norman Tierney in second place, and Colm Kelly in third.  Orla O’Brian won the Advanced intermediate class, just tipping Roddy Kelly by one point,and in third place Thomas Daniels.  Riona Finn and Helen Nolan won the open class. 
Not only was there jumping in the West Clubs league there was dressage too and the winners of the Primary class was Evelyn Coyne, with Kathleen Duggan in second and in third place was Sarah Slattery.  The AP dressage was won by Christine McWilliams, with Fiona Fenton and Finola Murphy in joint second place.  Fiona Monne steamed ahead for the Intermediate dressage, with Carmel Crowley in second and in third place Jayne Duston, the advanced intermediate class was won by Grainne Kelly, in second place Marjorie Hardiman and in joint third place Mark Field and Wendy Byrne. 
The overall attendance was good despite the economic times we are living in and everyone had a good time and came away with plenty of rosettes!
Benbulben’s annual Winter Show was held on Sunday last November 10th, with competitors travelling from all over the Western Region including dedicated Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club members from Falcarragh, Co. Donegal & Castle Carraig Riding Club members from Ennis, Co. Clare and riders from the various clubs in Co. Mayo & Co. Galway.
The rain thankfully stayed away and we were blessed with a lovely dry, if somewhat cold day. First of the competitive classes was the Primary Show Jumping which was won by Benbulben RC member Dawn Porter riding My Handsome Chap.
Next up was the strongly contested Advanced Primary class which was won by Rose Burke on Darragh from Dalysgrove RC, in second place was Benbulben’s Mary Lang on Merlyns Monty, third was Melinda Morgan on Petal for Benbulben, fourth was another Benbulben rider Sandra Start on Jake, fifth was David Walsh with He’s a Dandy for Donegal Gaeltacht & in sixth was Benbulben Treasurer Mary McMahon on Bobby.
This was followed by the novelty Pairs Class for Primary & Advanced Primary riders this was won by the partnership of Melinda Morgan from Benbulben with Petal & Lawrence Smyth from Donegal Gaeltacht on Jennys Jigsaw, with Dalysgrove duo Rose Burke on Darragh & John Miland on Holly in second .
The Intermediate Show Jumping was another hotly contested class, with an exciting Jump Off which seen the lead change a number of times. Glyn Morgan, the fastest granny in the West claimed victory for Benbulben on Tell Which Trump, Colm Kelly of Corrib was second on Rose of Castlerea, Benbulbens popular Chairperson Finola Murphy was third, on Drumcong Miller, while Charlie Vial of Tír Conaill claimed both fifth & sixth places with Nacho and Ozzy.
In the Advanced Intermediate class only three riders made it into the Jump Off where Gwen McDermott took the top spot for Benbulben with Kyleen Jean Claude, Benbulben’s Diarmuid Lang was 2nd on Diago, while Patricia Warren from Donegal Gaeltacht was very unlucky to have the last pole down with He’s a Dandy to finish in 3rd place.
A mishap in the warm-up seen Deirdre McDonald withdraw from the Open class, so Vanessa McDonald had the class to herself on Vanessa’s Pride but she still produced a lovely double clear to take the class for Benbulben.
The final class of the day was the much-anticipated Table C Speed for Intermediate and above riders, this was the most exciting class of the day with competitors racing the clock to get home in the quickest time and with seconds being added to their time instead of faults. In the end Benbulben riders dominated the class taking all six places, but it was Gavin Keenan & Ardgaineen Waltzer who came out on top, Gavin was keen to make amends for an earlier mishap in the Intermediate Jump-Off and he proved impossible to beat with a time of 60.67 almost a full second ahead of Vanessa McDonald on Vanessa’s Pride who took second spot in 61.56, Anna Burke took both third and fourth spots on Rookery Sparkle in 63.28 and Rookery Apache in 64.11, fifth was Joanna Kearns and West Coast Dreamer in 64.91 while Breda Perrin and Erronagh Sky took sixth place in 65.91.
In the Dressage arena Castle Carraig RC’s Geraldine Donoghue won the Primary class on Lucky Cosmo.
The Advanced Primary class was won by Benbulben’s Therese Anderson with It’s Zoro, in second place was Finola Murphy on Smokey Joe for Benbulben, Anna Burke took third for Benbulben on Rookery Apache, while Finola Murphy also took fourth with her second horse Drumcong Miller, Miriam Mangan was fifth for Benbulben with Carrowkelly Courcel.
In the Intermediate class Anne Granahan & Rookery Shadow from Benbulben were very well deserved winners, Catherine Meenaghan on Fire of Quantum was second, Brenda Burke was third for Tír Conaill on Bonnie MisMatch, Sharon McGowan of Benbulben took fourth spot riding Finola Murphy’s Smokey Joe for the first time, Breda Perrin took fifth for Benbulben with Erronagh Sky and Sharon McGowan also scooped sixth prize, this time on board Louise O’Hara’s BE Charisma.
Patricia Warren of Donegal Gaeltacht rode a beautiful test with He’s a Dandy to win the Open Dressage.
A big thank you to everybody who supported the show & everybody who helped out on the day. Special thanks to our judges Lizzie Naughton (Dressage) & Noleen Kerins (Jumping) and their 2 assistants, Richard Kerins who built a lovely course, Francie Kerins & Colm Kerins who helped with altering the fences between classes, to everybody else who helped to make the day such a success. Thanks to David Cunniffe who took lots of photos of the day.





Well done to all the shows and competitors who have competed over the last month, some great jumping and dressage!!

Monday, October 28, 2013

Leagues so far!

Western Region A.I.R.C. October 2013
With the summer over and the Summer national competitions over the winter nights drawing in the autumn shows kicked off with the West clubs league where the smaller clubs from around the region got together to have a number of shows in Duffys Equestrian Centre, Claregalway, Rockmount Equestrian Centre, Claregalway and Hanleys Equestrian Centre in Claremorris.  The first two shows have had an excellent turn out with AP and Intermediate classes of over 20 in each.  And even an extra class for the ever keen AP/primary riders with a pairs competition added at the last minute.
Current leaders of the primary show jumping competition are Monica Neilson from Corrib with 15 points and South Roscommon’s Carol Gaffney with 12 points running up.  Leaders of the Advanced Primary show jumping competition joint leaders are Liam Stapleton and John Miland both on 12 points, Melinda Morgan, Karen Coffey, and Rose Burke each on 9 points.   Anna Burke is way ahead in the Intermediate show jumping class on 16 points, followed by Colm Kelly on 12 points, Norman Teirney and Monica Kenny on 9 points.  The Advanced Intermediate show jumping class is closely contended by Thomas Daniels with 13 points, Orla O Brian on 12 points, and Therese Dixon on 11 points.  Riona Finn is currently winning the Open and Advanced Open competition.
The dressage leagues, the primary dressage class is hotly contended by Evelyn Coyne with 15 points, followed by Sarah Slattery with 13 points, Kathleen Duggan with 12 points.  The Advanced Primary dressage league is currently being led by joint leaders Christine McWilliams and Fiona Fenton each with 14 points, with Finola Murphy with 12 points.  The intermediate dressage leaders are Fiona Moone with 12 points, Carmel Crowley and John Hawkshaw with 11 and Jayne Dutson with 10 points.  The advanced intermediate class is currently being led by Grainne Kelly with 15 points and Marjorie Hardiman with 8 points.  Mary Mitchell is currently leading the open/advanced open class.
The next show is on the 3 November 2013 in Rockmount Equestrian Centre.  The final is being held on 17 November in Hanleys, Claremorris.  Benbulben Riding Club are having a show on 10 November 2013.  Donegal clubs are also having a league starting on 3 November, with dates 17 and 24 November2013. Please note clubs should have their AGMs before the regional AGM on the 22 November in Sligo.  Welcome to a new club in Galway Cleggan Bay Riding Club! We look forward to meet you and your horses around the shows!

Remember folks to forward your regional photos and news to me at melindamorgan2000@hotmail.com

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The Arden Equestrian Show jumping League Western Region A.I.R.C

The Arden Equestrian Show jumping League Western Region A.I.R.C
On Sunday the 16th of June South Roscommon held the final of the Arden Equestrian Show jumping League at Carey’s Equestrian Centre.
This was the first year this league was run and it proved to be a great success. The 4 clubs involved in running the league namely Dalysgrove, Balinasloe, South Roscommon, and Bridge co-operated and helped one another out and it was a great example of what riding club is all about!

The league was run over 4 legs with participants having to take part in at least 2 shows to qualify for the final. The 4 clubs shared the cost of the prizes for the final, which meant that along with the very generous support and sponsorship of Danny Claffy of Arden Equestrian they were able to present very generous prizes at the final. The prizes included Galway Crystal for 1st 2nd and 3rd an embroidered rug for 1stplace and a perpetual cup for the winner of each class and rosettes for 1st to 6th.

Sunday while overcast it was ideal weather for horse riding. The first Class of the day was the primary class. This was a very close class and could be called the battle of the secretaries namely Christine Rohan secretary of Dalysgrove and Niamh Macken Secretary of Balinasloe. Christine won out on the day to win the league title in primary for 2013. Sevrine Ray Tynagh 3rd Marie Fox Balinasloe 4th and Fiona Fenton 5th

In Advanced primary it was all to play for with any number in the shake up for the title. Unfortunately Jackie Feely had to withdraw Timmy from the show due to sunburn after too much sunbathing without protection (that was Timmy not Jackie who got sunburned by the way).   Dermot Goode was going very well until as he admitted later he started to do some mental arithmetic on the way around and lost concentration. Dermot should know at this stage that men cannot multi task!
Caolinn de Baairead from Corrib won out on the day and was the clear winner in the end of this class Dermot Goode Dalysgrove came 2nd(and the crowd went wild) Caroline Clancy Springmount 3rdEmma Glynn South Roscommon 4th John Miland and Dermot Goode both from Dalysgrove 5th and Mary Mcentee Mosstown 6th.

Weather was to have a big part to play in the intermediate class also.  Gavin Kennan from Benbulben seemed unbeatable coming in to the final but due to the unpredictable nature of our Summer and the fact that it was fine on Sunday Gavin was ensuring there would be no fodder crisis next year and went saving silage.  One man who was having a fodder crisis was Dalysgrove’s Kevin Clogher who had vowed not to eat until he was finished jumping but due to the fact he had ridden his 2 horses in dressage and show jumping and in the pairs competition we were beginning to worry he might collapse before he got that diet of champions the curry chip and a burger.  But collapse he didn’t but champion he certainly was winning the intermediate class on the day and the league as well as coming 2nd and 5th in the dressage and first along with Dalysgroves newest and youngest member Aisling Miland in the very entertaining pair’s competition.  Janna Duane Corrib 2nd joint third were Sinead Fenton Bridge and Norman Tierney Springmount,

The advanced inter class produced top class jumping with Sarah Gaughan Corrib coming first and Tommy Ryan Bridge was the runner up in this class.

As this is the inaugural year for The Arden Equestrian Show jumping League and what a success with over 80 different riders from 16 different clubs competing, some even from outside the region such as Mullingar Annaharvey and Mosstown.
 A big thanks to everyone involved over the 4 legs in particular to Danny Claffey of Arden equestrian and hopefully the 4 clubs involved will get together again and build on the success of this year and come back with an even stronger and better League next year!!!



Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Inishowen 16 June 2013 Results

AIRC WEST ROUND UP
Inishowen 16 June 2013 Results
New Club Inishowen held there first show on June 16 2013.  The sun shone and many from around Donegal made the trip to Geraldine Graham’s Lenamore.  The Primary and Advanced Primary dressage class was won by Inishowen’s own Nicola Coxford, with Vera Keatings from Letterkenny in second, Ruth McCrossen from Donegal Gaeltacht in third, Bronach McClean in forth, Orla Moore in fifth, Rosin McGee in sixth.  The Intermediate and advanced intermediate dressage was won Letterkenny’s Nadine Gallagher, in second Rachel McCrossen from Donegal Gaeltacht, in third place Inishowens Lauren Mclaughlin, in fourth Letterkennys Damian Gallagher, Mona Vial from Tir Connel in fifth and Letterkennys Cormack McCormak in sixth place. Patrica Warren won the Open Dressage.
The show jumping classes began with a clear round with cross poles and a 60 cm class to help bring members on. The Primary class was won by Paul Curren from Donegal Gaeltacht, Hannah McClinchy in second place, Aileen Togher in third place, Eamond McGee in forth place.  Daniel Walsh won the AP jumping Lawence Smyth in second place and Rosin McGee in third place.  The Intermediate show jumping was won by Charlie Vial from Tir connel, Lauren Mclaughlin in second place, Maeve Hegarty in third, Leo Porter in forth,  Paddy Gallagher in fith place and Bronach McClean in sixth place.  The Advanced intermediate and above show jumping was won by Letterkennys Damien Gallagher, in second place Inishowns Catherine Morrow, in third place Laura Schneider, in fourth place Tir Connels Cyndi Graham. 
Well done all riders and organisers great to see you up and about!



Monday, May 27, 2013

Western Region RDS Qualifier





Anna Burke - Rookery Blue, Edwina Ruane - Tullavilla Too, Vanessa Mc Donald - Vanessas Pride and Kean O Hara - Ted of Annaghmore in the Monica Flanagan photographer curtusy of monicaflanagan.com

Benbulben RC hosted the Western Regional Qualifier for The Horseware Ireland Association of Irish Riding Clubs Team Show Jumping Championship in Tubberbride Stables, Collooney on Sunday May 26th.
It was a hotly contested event with 24 teams representing 13 clubs in the region taking part. Richard Kerins blt a lovely inviting yet challenging course which seen 7 teams finish the first round on a zero score. 
The order of jumping was changed for the second round, with the teams having the most faults in round 1 jumping first in round 2 to ensure a nail biting finish. The 2nd round resulted in all teams finishing with faults, but Donegal Gaeltacht Team 2, Benbulben Team 2 & West Coast all finished on a total of just 4 faults resulting in a Jump-off to see who would clinch the coveted spot at the RDS in August!
First to go in the jump-off was Patricia Warren on He’s a Dandy for Donegal Gaeltacht who flew around the shortened track for a lovely clear round which put the pressure on the 2 remaining riders. Next in to take up the challenge was Benbulben's Vanessa McDonald on Vanessas Pride and a beautiful round from her seen her take the lead. The 3rd rider in was West Coast RC's Charles Hanley who had a cracking round but unfortunately 2 poles on the floor seen his team finish 3rd, with Benbulben Team 2 taking the winners spot and Donegal Gaeltacht Team 2 in 2nd earning them a spot in the Wildcard Qualifier at the Riding Club Festival in Stradbally on June 9th 
The following are the results of yesterdays team show jumping qualifier:

Winners: Benbulben 2
Vanessa Mc Donald - Vanessas Pride
Kean O Hara - Ted of Annaghmore
Edwina Ruane - Tullavilla Too
Anna Burke - Rookery Blue

Second: Donegal Gaeltacht 2
Trish Warren - He's a Dandy
Laura Schneider - Chloe Lass
Packie Ferry - Clonmany Girl
Carmel Ferry - Pepe Lad

Third: West Coast
Charles Hanley - Grallagh Boy
Margaret Kelly - Andsbro
Susan Mallon - Code Red D'arcy
Derek Ryan - Diamonds Way

Fourth: Donegal Gaeltacht 1 
Trish Warren - Colourado Kid
John McDaid - Ray Lady
Ruth McCrossan - Sioux Indian
Rosaleen Harkin - Santa Cruz Lady

Fifth: Benbulben 6
John McDermott - Kyleen Ricardo
Vanessa McDonald - Nisqually de May
Rebekah Tansey  - Brighten up your day
Elaine Wilson - Logic Point

Sixth: Benbulben 1
Deirdre McDonald - Nisqually de May
Fiona Tansey - Cloon Silver Cloud
Joanna Kearns - West Coast Dreamer
Anna Burke - Rookery Sparkle

The top three teams ended on four faults, jump off went as follows:
Patricia Warren - clear 37.97
Vanessa McDonald - clear 37.25
Charles Hanley - 8 faults 38.12



Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Dressage championships qualifier hosted by Dalysgrove


A great day was had at the regional Dressage championships qualifier hosted by Dalysgrove RC at Creagh equestrian centre on the 19th May. The sun came out for the day too! With over 50 individual dressage entries and 9 teams competing for a place at the Connolly's Red Mills Dressage Championships on the 18th August in Mullingar Equestrian centre. There was a very high standard of dressage on the day with very high scores awarded to all competing.  3 teams qualified to represent the region including teams Dalysgrove, Donegal Gaeltacht and Ballinasloe clubs.
Individuals also qualified for the Championship from Advanced primary class Donna Murray took first and second place with Dramlagh Troy and Temple Kiko for Dalysgrove, Followed by Jackie McGovern with Levi from club Anvil. The fourth qualified rider came all the way from Donegal Gaeltacht, Rudy Schneider with He's A Dandy.
Intermediate qualifiers Niamh Macken on Captain Smirnoff for Ballinasloe, Shauna Murray on Nicnac from Springmount, followed by Maria Griffin from Tonabrockey and fourth qualifier Rachel McCrossen from Donegal Gaeltacht with Batteries not included.
Advanced Intermediate qualifiers included Tracy Murphy on Nino Manoso for Dalysgrove, Agata Leonard with Eurocent Caletto from slieve bloom and finally Georgie Spain on  Molougha Bird for Dalysgrove.
Primary, Open and Advanced open riders did not need to qualify for individual competition. The top riders in Primary were Christine Rohan on Sweet Callows Gale for Dalysgrove, Followed by Maria Fox for Ballinasloe and Assumpta Shannon for South Roscommmon.
Open competitors were Trish warren, Danielle Touhy, Laura Schneider with Tracy Murphy the only Advanced open competitor on the day.
Outside in the sunshine continued the show jumping. It was the third leg of the Arden equestrian SJ league. With a large turnout for the competition rivalry ran high amongst competitors. The Primary class was won by Niamh Macken for Ballinasloe RC with Christine Rohan for dalysgrove in a close second with under two seconds between their times. Severine Ray from Tynagh came third with Maria Fox following in fourth place. fifth and sixth place were taken by Fiona Fenton and Assumpta Shannon from South Roscommon RC.
The Advanced primary class was won by Laurence Smyth from Donegal Gaeltacht. Springmount's Caroline Clancy was a very close second. Dalysgrove then dominated winning 3rd, 5th and 6th with Dermot Goode, Jacqueline Feeley and John Miland respectively. Caoillin De Bairead added to her league points coming 4th in the days AP class.
The intermediate class was packed with over 25 competitors all fighting to get to the jump off. From the exciting jump off Gavin Keenan from benbulben took first place. Kevin Clogher and the speedy Molougha Bird came in second. Norman Tierney and Orla O'Connell both from Springmount came third and fourth. Niall Coghill from bridge took 5 fifth place and Sarah Baggott from South Roscommon was presented with sixth place.
The open class was won by Trish Warren from Donegal Gaeltacht. Corrib dominated this class with Sarah Gaughan, Therese Dixon and Ronan Francis getting second, third and fourth. Raymond Daniel came fifth and Tommy Ryan from Bridge was awarded sixth place.
Let the competition continue with the Final of the Arden Equestrian League on the 16th May in Creagh Equestrian league hosted by South Roscommon RC. 
By Christine Rohan

Amemdment to the previous post - Letterkenny Derby and Dressage is being held on 30th June and the Arden Show jumping league is held on the 16 June!
Good luck everyone!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Dressage championships qualifier hosted by Dalysgrove rc


A great day was had at the regional Dressage championships qualifier hosted by Dalysgrove RC at Creagh equestrian centre on the 19th May. The sun came out for the day too! With over 50 individual dressage entries and 9 teams competing for a place at the Connolly's Red Mills Dressage Championships on the 18th August in Mullingar Equestrian centre. There was a very high standard of dressage on the day with very high scores awarded to all competing.  3 teams qualified to represent the region including teams Dalysgrove, Donegal Gaeltacht and Ballinasloe clubs.
Individuals also qualified for the Championship from Advanced primary class Donna Murray took first and second place with Dramlagh Troy and Temple Kiko for Dalysgrove, Followed by Jackie McGovern with Levi from club Anvil. The fourth qualified rider came all the way from Donegal Gaeltacht, Rudy Schneider with He's A Dandy.
Intermediate qualifiers Niamh Macken on Captain Smirnoff for Ballinasloe, Shauna Murray on Nicnac from Springmount, followed by Maria Griffin from Tonabrockey and fourth qualifier Rachel McCrossen from Donegal Gaeltacht with Batteries not included.
Advanced Intermediate qualifiers included Tracy Murphy on Nino Manoso for Dalysgrove, Agata Leonard with Eurocent Caletto from slieve bloom and finally Georgie Spain on  Molougha Bird for Dalysgrove.
Primary, Open and Advanced open riders did not need to qualify for individual competition. The top riders in Primary were Christine Rohan on Sweet Callows Gale for Dalysgrove, Followed by Maria Fox for Ballinasloe and Assumpta Shannon for South Roscommmon.
Open competitors were Trish warren, Danielle Touhy, Laura Schneider with Tracy Murphy the only Advanced open competitor on the day.
Outside in the sunshine continued the show jumping. It was the third leg of the Arden equestrian SJ league. With a large turnout for the competition rivalry ran high amongst competitors. The Primary class was won by Niamh Macken for Ballinasloe RC with Christine Rohan for dalysgrove in a close second with under two seconds between their times. Severine Ray from Tynagh came third with Maria Fox following in fourth place. fifth and sixth place were taken by Fiona Fenton and Assumpta Shannon from South Roscommon RC.
The Advanced primary class was won by Laurence Smyth from Donegal Gaeltacht. Springmount's Caroline Clancy was a very close second. Dalysgrove then dominated winning 3rd, 5th and 6th with Dermot Goode, Jacqueline Feeley and John Miland respectively. Caoillin De Bairead added to her league points coming 4th in the days AP class.
The intermediate class was packed with over 25 competitors all fighting to get to the jump off. From the exciting jump off Gavin Keenan from benbulben took first place. Kevin Clogher and the speedy Molougha Bird came in second. Norman Tierney and Orla O'Connell both from Springmount came third and fourth. Niall Coghill from bridge took 5 fifth place and Sarah Baggott from South Roscommon was presented with sixth place.
The open class was won by Trish Warren from Donegal Gaeltacht. Corrib dominated this class with Sarah Gaughan, Therese Dixon and Ronan Francis getting second, third and fourth. Raymond Daniel came fifth and Tommy Ryan from Bridge was awarded sixth place.
Let the competition continue with the Final of the Arden Equestrian League on the 16th May in Creagh Equestrian league hosted by South Roscommon RC.