AIRC West Round Up

AIRC West Round Up 

Thrilling finale to North West League 2013

By Libby Carlton

Initial reports of Sunday’s North West League final paint a picture of heart stopping entertainment and a great spread of success across all the clubs. With double points up for grabs on the day, nerves were stretched to their limits and the tension was high.
Judge and course builder Tony Ennis set a technically challenging course which sorted out the men from the boys at every level. Reports of the first half of the day are not yet in but the description of the competition at intermediate level and above is hair raising. No fewer than eight riders overcame Tony’s challenge to make it into the Intermediate jump-off. Tirconaill pulled off a huge victory with Charlie Vial riding a cracking round to finish in top spot. Best of Letterkenny’s finishers were the ever-consistent Anne Chambers in fourth and Leo in sixth.
Last year the combined Advanced Intermediate & Open class was sparsely contended and the finishing order on any given day was almost predictable. This year, with some talented riders from Inishowen and Rosann pushing up the numbers, the class has become truly competitive and exciting. Sunday’s final was nothing short of breathtaking. Five riders made it through to the final. Patricia Warren had to have been the unluckiest rider of the day when her immaculate round was deemed imperfect after a technical error with her approach to the start line. Damien, league leader coming into the show, drew the
unenviable short straw and started first. His partnership with Armstrong has given us some of our finest club moments over the years and the pair lived up to their reputation by going clear in 32.59, practically three seconds faster than Charlie’s winning ride in the Intermediate class over the same course at 90cm. The time looked unbeatable as rider after rider failed to match it. Claire Wylie was the fifth and final rider to take up the challenge and the best was saved until last. She rode a textbook round in an incredible 32.1 seconds to deny Damien the red rosette, but the league title was undeniably his.
There was no time for relaxing as Tony ploughed straight into the Intermediate & above Accumulator. In another cracking competition it was our own Keary Smith who topped the leader board on Arthur with a smashing clear round in a sharp time. His closest rival was his partner Anne who looked sure to take the spoils with a faster round but Molly left one pole on the ground to ensure that Keary claimed bragging rights for the journey home.
What a great league! Congratulations to all competitors and particularly to the league winners whose consistent performances over all five legs illustrate the beauty of this annual competition. The spoils were fairly spread across the clubs with Inishowen taking the Crosspoles, the Gaeltachts claiming the Welcome Stakes [Eamonn McGee], Primary [Liz Potter] and Advanced Primary [Lawrence Smyth], and Letterkenny landing the Intermediate [Leo Porter] and combined Advanced Intermediate & Open [Damien Gallagher].
Thanks to everybody who helped make the 2013 North West League such a great success. It’s a great tribute to the cooperative spirit of the five Donegal clubs and bodes well for
future collaborations. Our next joint event will be the North West Team Show Jumping and Dressage Challenges at Eglinton on Sunday 28 April. Roll on the big day!

West Clubs Derby League Final Report

by Cait Goaley

With the temperatures last Sunday and the extra chill factor of the cutting East wind,
any rider would have been forgiven for turning over in the cot and hitting the snooze button.
Instead, some rising as early as 6am, braved the cold and travelled to Duffy's Equestrian Centre in Claregalway where Mark Duffy presented yet another new challenging track of derby fences.
Almost all riders took the opportunity presenting their horses to the new fence layout in the schooling round and the competition proper started with 4 riders in the primary section. Carol Gaffney of South Roscommon took first place on the day and her win on the 2nd leg afforded her the points to win the primary title in the overall league.
Hot on her heels was Emma Sullivan (CastleCarraig) who claimed both 2nd place on the day and in the league. Serverine Ray (Tynagh) and Fiona Fenton (South Roscommon) made their debuts at the league to receive 3rd and 4th palings respectively.

The Advanced Primary section was hotly contended throughout the league with most riders in this section attending all three shows. The league title went to Christine Mc
Williams (Corrib). Aoife Hegarty (CastleCarraig) and Karen Coffey (Corrib) had to settle for joint 2nd with Cait Goaley and Maria Tierney (Springmount) taking 4th and 5th respectively and Colm Kelly (Corrib) taking 6th.

The Intermediate jump-off was an exciting one with the Burke mother and daughter team (Benbulben) taking 1st and 3rd on the day. This win cemented Rachel Burke’s chance of taking 1st place in the league overall with Norman Tierney (Springmount) taking 2nd after only just entering the world of jump-off’s. Kevin Clougher (Dalysgrove) collected the rosette for 3rd place while John McArdle (Tynagh) and Lucy Baker (CastleCarraig) shared 4th place. Mum Anna Burke (Benbulben) joined her daughter in the rankings to take 6th place.

The Advanced Intermediate section had a strong Corrib attendance throughout the league which helped them gather the points necessary to win the perpetual cup for the highest place cup. Thomas Daniels (Tynagh) and Therese Dixon (Corrib) settled for joint 1st in the league overall. Sharon Mc Gowan (Benbulben) crossed the league finish line in 3rd while 2 of the youngest riders in the grade, Sarah Gaughan (Corrib) and Niamh Hegarty (CastleCarraig) agreed on joint 4th place. Ronan Fancis’ win on the second leg afforded him the 6th placing in the overall league.

Lizzie Naughton (RoundTower) faced a new challenger to the Open league title when Riona Finn left dust behind her on the driveway into Duffy’s just in time to get her entry in and warm up. Her efforts however while knocking 2 seconds off the clock in comparison to Lizzie’s time in the jump-off incurred a 4 fault penalty at fence 8. Lizzie left with 1st place overall and Riona didn’t go home empty handed either.

All-in-all, a well attended league organized jointly by CastleCarraig, Corrib, Springmount, Tonabrockey. Maybe the way to go in the future for small clubs sharing the workload, the risk but in successful leagues – the benefit.

Airc West Region February 2013

Airc West Region February 2013

Regional Dinner Dance Calton Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe

The Regional dinner dance was great fun and held in the Calton Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe on the 26 January 2013.  The food was great and dancing went on until the early hours, and the annual prizes were handed out.  The primary dressage was won by Annette Donahue, in second place was Fiona Fenton, in third place John Kelehan.  The advanced primary dressage was won by Finola Murphy, in joint second place was Donna Murray and Fiona Monne.  The intermediate dressage was won by Clare Lenehan and in joint second place John McCardle and Niamh Macken.  The advanced intermediate class was won by G Kelly, in second place Jean O’Connor, in third place M Hardiman.  The open class was won by Danielle Toehy and in joint second place Patricia Warren and M Mitchell.

The Primary show jumping was won by S Ray, in second place J Feeley, and in joint third place Niamh Macken and Dawn Porter.   Janna Duane won the advanced primary show jumping, Lawence Smith was second and R Hankin was third.  Finola Murphy won the intermediate class, with Glyn Morgan and Edwina Ruane receiving joint second place.  Thomas Daniels won the advanced intermediate class, with T Dixon in second and D Gallagher in third.  Brendon Dolan won the open class, with D Glyn and S Mahon in second and third! 

Winner of the first and deserving winner of the Liam Naughton memorial trophy for leading performance rider of the western region was Finola Murphy, who dedicated the win to her horse Jessie, who sadly passed away after a terrible bout of colic.

Saoirse Saddlery Dalysgrove Dressage league

The sun shone for all three of the Saoirse Saddlery Dalysgrove Dressage league shows held in Creagh Equestrian Centre and it was great to see so many riding club members attending show so early on in the year and as many as 20 in each classes!

The league results as follows, the open class was won by Mary Mitchel riding Western May from Tonabrocky, in second place Sylvia Baumberger riding Courage Galore from Ballinasloe, in third place Danielle Touhy riding Pappin from Dalysgrove, in forth and fifth Damien Carey riding Dramalgh Troy and Omega from South Roscommon.  The advanced intermediate competition was won by Jean O’Connor riding Hi Jynx from Corrib, in second place Georgie Spain riding Mologha Bird from Dalysgrove, and in third place from Grainne Kelly riding Gilly from the block from Tonabrockey.  The intermediate competition was dominated by Dalysgrove with Tracy Murphy riding Nino Manoso taking the first prize, Kevin Clogher on Molagha Bird in second, Clare Lenehan on Outside Track from Tonabrockey in third, Pat Touhy riding Pappin was third, Danille Hourton on Barberdfort Lady from Ballinasloe, and in sixth place Kevin Clogher on sham from Dalysgrove.   In first and second place Donna Murray on Daisy and Kiko’s Temple from Dalysgrove, in third place Tina Sinclair Daly on Kilnamona Scobey from Ballinasloe, and in fourth place Jo Corkery riding Delphi Diamond also from Ballinasloe, in third place Tina Sinclare Daly riding the superb Buddy Boy and in sixth place Melinda Morgan riding the pretty petal all the way from Benbulben in Sligo.  The Primary competition was hotly contended and Fiona Fenton won riding Dandy from South Roscommon, John Kelehan was second riding Park Oisin from Corrib, in third place Kathleen Duggan riding Lizzie Loopez from Springmount, Geraldine Donohue was third riding Lucky Cosmo from Castle Carrig, in fourth place Dalysgrove’s own Christine Rohan riding Sweet Callows Gale, and in fifth place Catherine Glynn riding Miller!

The Dressage to music was well attended and great fun with Jean O’Connor winning the advanced intermediate and above class and Clare Lenehen winning the intermediate and bellow, with Melinda Morgan in second, John Kelehan in third and Caroline Rushe on Gallie in forth!

Well done to all competitors, it’s great to see so many people making the effort in these hard times.

Up and coming events

Galway Clubs Derby League are continuing on 24 February, 10 and 24 March in Duffys Equestrian in Claregalway.  The Northwest show jumping league continues on the 3 and 24 March.  There is a training day held on the 7 April, more to be announced. The National Hunter trials are being held in Gurteen on the 14 April.  Castle Carrig show is being held on 21 April 2013.

Good luck everyone!

 Airc West Region February 2013

Regional Dinner Dance Calton Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe

The Regional dinner dance was great fun and held in the Calton Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe on the 26 January 2013.  The food was great and dancing went on until the early hours, and the annual prizes were handed out.  The primary dressage was won by Annette Donahue, in second place was Fiona Fenton, in third place John Kelehan.  The advanced primary dressage was won by Finola Murphy, in joint second place was Donna Murray and Fiona Monne.  The intermediate dressage was won by Clare Lenehan and in joint second place John McCardle and Niamh Macken.  The advanced intermediate class was won by G Kelly, in second place Jean O’Connor, in third place M Hardiman.  The open class was won by Danielle Toehy and in joint second place Patricia Warren and M Mitchell.

The Primary show jumping was won by S Ray, in second place J Feeley, and in joint third place Niamh Macken and Dawn Porter.   Janna Duane won the advanced primary show jumping, Lawence Smith was second and R Hankin was third.  Finola Murphy won the intermediate class, with Glyn Morgan and Edwina Ruane receiving joint second place.  Thomas Daniels won the advanced intermediate class, with T Dixon in second and D Gallagher in third.  Brendon Dolan won the open class, with D Glyn and S Mahon in second and third! 

Winner of the first and deserving winner of the Liam Naughton memorial trophy for leading performance rider of the western region was Finola Murphy, who dedicated the win to her horse Jessie, who sadly passed away after a terrible bout of colic.

Saoirse Saddlery Dalysgrove Dressage league

The sun shone for all three of the Saoirse Saddlery Dalysgrove Dressage league shows held in Creagh Equestrian Centre and it was great to see so many riding club members attending show so early on in the year and as many as 20 in each classes!

The league results as follows, the open class was won by Mary Mitchel riding Western May from Tonabrocky, in second place Sylvia Baumberger riding Courage Galore from Ballinasloe, in third place Danielle Touhy riding Pappin from Dalysgrove, in forth and fifth Damien Carey riding Dramalgh Troy and Omega from South Roscommon.  The advanced intermediate competition was won by Jean O’Connor riding Hi Jynx from Corrib, in second place Georgie Spain riding Mologha Bird from Dalysgrove, and in third place from Grainne Kelly riding Gilly from the block from Tonabrockey.  The intermediate competition was dominated by Dalysgrove with Tracy Murphy riding Nino Manoso taking the first prize, Kevin Clogher on Molagha Bird in second, Clare Lenehan on Outside Track from Tonabrockey in third, Pat Touhy riding Pappin was third, Danille Hourton on Barberdfort Lady from Ballinasloe, and in sixth place Kevin Clogher on sham from Dalysgrove.   In first and second place Donna Murray on Daisy and Kiko’s Temple from Dalysgrove, in third place Tina Sinclair Daly on Kilnamona Scobey from Ballinasloe, and in fourth place Jo Corkery riding Delphi Diamond also from Ballinasloe, in third place Tina Sinclare Daly riding the superb Buddy Boy and in sixth place Melinda Morgan riding the pretty petal all the way from Benbulben in Sligo.  The Primary competition was hotly contended and Fiona Fenton won riding Dandy from South Roscommon, John Kelehan was second riding Park Oisin from Corrib, in third place Kathleen Duggan riding Lizzie Loopez from Springmount, Geraldine Donohue was third riding Lucky Cosmo from Castle Carrig, in fourth place Dalysgrove’s own Christine Rohan riding Sweet Callows Gale, and in fifth place Catherine Glynn riding Miller!

The Dressage to music was well attended and great fun with Jean O’Connor winning the advanced intermediate and above class and Clare Lenehen winning the intermediate and bellow, with Melinda Morgan in second, John Kelehan in third and Caroline Rushe on Gallie in forth!

Well done to all competitors, it’s great to see so many people making the effort in these hard times.

Up and coming events

Galway Clubs Derby League are continuing on 24 February, 10 and 24 March in Duffys Equestrian in Claregalway.  The Northwest show jumping league continues on the 3 and 24 March.  There is a training day held on the 7 April, more to be announced. The National Hunter trials are being held in Gurteen on the 14 April.  Castle Carrig show is being held on 21 April 2013.

Good luck everyone!

 

Happy new year to all

Happy new year to all
The next regional meeting is on the 9th of January in Sligo.
Final date for payment of dinner dance ticket is the 9th of January. All tickets will be issued on a prepaid basis, please ensure that you have paid your club secretary prior to this date. If we don't have adequate numbers by this date, we wont be able to go ahead with the event.

The Western Regional Round up January 2013

The North West autumn show jumping League

The trio of riding clubs in Donegal held a North West autumn show jumping league, the shows were well attended by the Donegal clubs and the overall winner of the primary competition was Louise Edwards from Letterkenny.  The Advanced primary was won by Rudi Schneider, in second place Tommy McGinnly and third place Laurence Smith all from Donegal Gaeltacht, in fourth place Fionnaula Coughlan from Tirconal, in fifth place Christopher Pyper and in sixth place Orla Moore both from Letterkenny.  The Intermediate Class was won by Anne Chambers from Letterkenny, in second place was Carla McGinley from Donegal Gaeltacht, in third and fourth was Mona and Charlie Vial from Tirconal, and in fifth and sixth was Rachel and Ruth McCrossen from Donegal Gaeltacht.  The advanced Intermediate and above classes was won by Joanne Cuffe from Letterkenny, in second place was Damian Gallagher from Letterkenny in third place was Patricia Warren from Donegal Gaeltacht. In fourth, fifth and sixth place was Cormack McCormack all from Letterkenny!

Benbulben Riding Club Show 18 November 2012

The morning was very cold & frosty but that did nothing to deter the brave Riding Club members who travelled from all over the Region to attend.

The Primary Show Jumping was the first competitive class of the day and this was won by Miriam Mangan of Benbulben on board Jessie Kildalton Delight with Dawn Porter, also from Benbulben on My Handsome Chap taking second spot.

Next up was the Advanced Primary Show Jumping, which was a very competitive class. Top spot eventually went to Donegal Gaeltacht’s Lawrence Smyth on Jennys Jigsaw, with Corrib’s Janna Duane on Fair Lady in second, Caroline Clancy from Springmount on Sliabh Cuilin Diamond in third, Liam Stapleton from Tynagh in fourth, Corrib’s Colm Kelly in fifth & Mary McMahon from Benbulben in sixth.

Then it was time for the Advanced Primary Derby, which was won by Janna Duane on Fair Lady from Corrib, with Liam Stapleton and Lady Tessa from Tynagh in second and Lawerence Smyth from Donegal Gaeltach in third on Jennys Jigsaw, forth & fifth went to John Miland & Dermot Goode both from Dalysgrove, while Corrib’s Colm Kelly took sixth place.

The Intermediate & Above Derby was next & this proved to be the biggest class of the day. The home side done well in this class with Benbulben taking a 1,2,3 with John McDermott & Kyleen Ricardo in first, Myles McGowan with Journeyman in second and Gwen McDermott on Coneyview Clyde in third, fourth place went to Dalysgrove’s Kevin Clogher, with Finola Murphy & Sharon McGowan taking fifth & sixth place for Benbulben.

This was followed by the Intermediate Show Jumping, which was another very competitive class in conditions that were far from ideal. The bad weather was no obstacle however for Benbulben’s Rachel Burke who took first place on Rookery Blue, Dalysgrove’s Kevin Clogher on Moylogha Bird had to be content with second place, while Sharon McGowan and Something’s Got To Give took third for Benbulben, Benbulben members also took the remainder of the spoils in this class with Glyn Morgan in fourth, Edwina Ruane in fifth and Anna Burke, who had the fastest time of the class but was unlucky to have one fence on the floor in sixth.

Benbulben riders also dominated the Advanced Intermediate class taking all the ribbons Kean O’Hara was first with Ted of Annaghmore, Diarmuid Lang & KB Murphy were second, third went to Myles McGowan on Journeyman, John McDermott was fourth, Louise O’Hara fifth & Fiona Tansey sixth.

Benbulben’s Vanessa McDonald had the Open class all to herself and took the honours there with Vanessa’s Pride.

Western Region National Annual Round up!

What a year it’s been for the west at the National competitions,

National hunter trials in Flower Hill on the 15 April

Enda McClafferty and Paudric McCoy from Letterkenny winning the AP pairs, in third place was Roundtower’s Emma Kennedy and Fiona Burke, in fourth place was Benbulben’s Glyn Morgan and Clodagh Doggett.  Winning the AP championship was Steven Carty from Benbulben, in fourth place Rudy Schneider from Donegal Gaeltact, in fifth place Dalysgrove John Miland, and sixth place Letterkenny’s Enda McClaffety!  The highest placed intermediate pairs was Leo Porter and Marina Hamilton from Letterkenny in fourth place and in sixth place from Letterkenny Damien Gallagher and Francis McNichols.  The Intermediate championships was won by Benbulben’s Joanna Kerins, and Letterkenny’s Marina Hamilton in third, Damien Gallagher in fifth and Libby Calton in sixth.

Once again the west took plenty of rosettes home in the mixed pairs with Donegal Gaeltacht’s Laura Schneider and Sally Mahon in second place, and Benbulben’s  Daire Diver and Derek Kane in fourth and Brendon Dolan and Deirdre McDonald in fifth.  The Advanced intermediate championship was also dominated by the west’s achievements Thomas Danials from Tynagh, Daire Diver from Benbulben and Alan Briscoe from Balinasloe all in the prizes, Sally Mahon from Donegal Gaeltacht won the open championship, with Brendon Dolan from Benbulben in second and Laura Schneider in third!  What a great day for the west!!!

Riding Clubs Festival June 9 and 10

During the weekend the biggest amateur event in Ireland took place at Stradbally Hall Estate, County Laois.  The weather stayed well for the campers and everyone had a good time.  Donna Murray was third in her section of the advanced primary dressage and then sixth overall. A combination of clubs was second in the advanced primary team show jumping, Janna Duane and Liam Cahill from Corrib, Martina Heffernan from Misneach and Cathriona Goaley from Springmount did a brilliant job despite one rider not jumping!  In third place another mixture of clubs from Mayo and Donegal with Adrian Corcoran and Philip Byrne from Barnacarrol and Lawrence Smyth and Rudy Schneider from Donegal Gaeltacht.  In sixth place, from Benbulben Clodagh Dogget, Katy McAleen, Mary McMahon and Therese Anderson.  The Horsewear team challenge Wildcard team was from Benbulben and Fiona Kiernan, Fiona Tansey, Edwina Ruane and John McDermott were third.  In the intermediate jumping Gavin Keenan was second and Sarah Gaughan was third.  Lizzie Naughton from Roundtower won the side saddle class and was fifth in the riding horse over 158cm.  Katherine O’Brian was second in the Coloured horse class upto 158cm and Petra Anne Hewer from Roundtower was fifth.  Niamh Maken won the long arena dressage, mother and daughter team from Benbulben Anna and Rachel Burke was second in the fancy dress pairs, and also from Benbulben Edwina Ruane, Gavin Keenan, Joanna Kerins and Finola Murphy won the intermediate team show jumping.  Deidre McDonald won the open take your own line – also from Benbulben. 

National Show Jumping Championships 15 July

On the 15 July Mullingar Equestrian Centre played host to the National Show Jumping Championships, a great day was had by all!  Dalysgrove had the first rosette of the day in the Advanced open championships with Elaine Murphy coming second!  In the open championships there was fierce competition between Benbulben twins Vanessa and Deirdre McDonald but Vanessa had the winning streak on the day and won.  Benbulben’s Gavin Keenan knocked 2 seconds of the fastest time and won the Intermediate class, with Edwina Ruane also Benbulben in third, Paula Cosgrove from Ballinasloe in forth place and Sharon McGowan from Benbulben in fifth.  Once again the west dominated the advanced primary championships with Springmounts Cathriona Goaley taking first prize and Christine McWilliams from Corrib in second place.  In the Primary championships Niamh Macken and Monica Heggarty took home fifth and sixth rosettes.

The open derby class was won by Deirdre McDonald, Donegal Gaeltacht’s Connor Gallagher took second place, and Vanessa McDonald was sixth.  Once again the west won the advanced intermediate class with Myles Mcgowan from Benbulben taking the red rosette and Kelly Fergus also Benbulben taking the yellow one!  The west had placings in the intermediate derby with Edwina Ruane in third and Finola Murphy also from Benbulben in sixth place.  The ap accumulator was won by the evergreen Lawrence Smith from Donegal Gaeltacht, Christine McWilliams in second, Melinda Morgan from Benbulben in third and Cathriona Goaley in fifth.  Niamh Macken won the primary accumulator and Benbulben’s new comer Dawn Porter took home the sixth rosette.

National Dressage Championships Kilkenny 12 August 2012

Well done to Donna Murray from Dalysgrove who was second in the advanced primary section.

Masters Series Final 16 August 2012

Edwina Ruane won the intermediate welcome stakes and Vanessa McDonald won the open and advanced open welcome stakes for Benbulben.  Finola Murphy was fourth in the intermediate table C speed class.  Thomas Daniels from Tynagh was fourth in the advanced intermediate table C speed class.  Deirdre McDonald from Benbulben was second in the open and advanced open table C speed class.  In the intermediate grand prix Edwina was second and Finola was third, the advanced intermediate grand prix Fiona Tansey from Benbulben was fifth.  In the open and above grand prix Vanessa McDonald was third. 

National One Day Event Championship Carlow 2^nd September 2012

The one day event championship was attended by a handful of western members but they made it onto the results table.  Well done to Laura Schneider from Donegal Gaeltacht who was second in the open competition, Derek Kane who was sixth in the advanced intermediate competition, and Donna Murray from Dalysgrove who was fourth in the advanced primary competition.

Well done to all members, riders and volunteers this year, it’s been a good one, lets hope next year can be just as good!

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the dinner dance held in Balinasloe at the Calton shearwater hotel.  Tickets available from your secretary! 

Dalysgrove dressage league starts on the 20^th January 2013 so plenty of time to get into shape after Christmas!

I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year…

A.I.R.C. West November 2012

A.I.R.C. West November 2012

Tynagh Show on 21^st October 2012

On a sunny Sunday morning Milchem Equestrian Centre played host to Tynagh Riding Club Show.  It was a good day and the entries proved to be good value, enter show jumping, dressage and the derby all for €25.  The course was good and long with 10 jumps to get round.  The Derby was 18 obstacles long, and had dips and banks for all levels. Great Fun!!!

The primary show jumping was won by South Roscommon’s successful rider Fiona Fenton riding Casper, in second place Pauline Kavanagh on Rocky from Corrib, also from Corrib was Frank Gilmore on Clover in third, and in fourth place Severine Ray on Zeva from Dalysgrove. 

The Advanced Primary show jumping was won by Colm Kelly riding Rose of Castlerea from Corrib and Janna Duane riding Fair Lady also from Corrib was Second. Cait Goaley on Curra Whoopi! from Springmount was third, Aoife Hegarty on Shanbally survivor from Castlecarrig was fourth and Melinda Morgan on Petal from Benbulben was fifth, Tonabrocky’s Claire Silke was sixth riding Furby Laith.

The intermediate show jumping was won by Corrib’s Caoilinn De Bairead riding Cavalier King, Monica Kenny was second riding Morning Sea Spray from Tonabrocky, in third place was Tynagh’s own John McArdle on Pride of Callatra, in fourth place was Martina Corry on Curragh Grange Boy. 

The advanced intermediate show jumping was won by Niamh Hegarty on Shanbally survivor from Castlecarrig with Therese Dixon from Corrib on Try me in Second place, Dorothy Maclinden was third riding Patjo and in fourth place was Thomas Daniels on Barnaboy Jackeen both from Tynagh.

The primary /advance primary derby was definitely the high light of the day, the course was long and there were many jumps you may only ever see at a cross country course!! It was Brilliant!  The well deserved winner was Tynagh’s own Kevin Hough on his beautiful mare Shakira, in second place Melinda Morgan on the brilliant Petal, in third place Cait Goaley on Curra Whoopi! in fourth place John Miland on Holly and in fifth place Aoife Hegarty on Jacko.

The intermediate and above derby was equally exciting with Thomas Daniels leading the way and Dorothy Mclinden in second place, Niamh Hegarty was third and Therese Dixon in fourth and Martina Corry taking the fifth rosette home.

The primary dressage competition was won by Fiona Fenton, with Dalysgrove’s Annette Donahue in second place and Castle Carrigs Majella Collins in third.  The advanced primary dressage was won by Kevin Hough, second Melinda Morgan, third Emma Glyn on Casper for South Roscommon, and fourth place was given to Claire Silke.  The intermediate dressage was won by Dalysgrove’s Pat Touhy riding Peppin, with Monica Kenny in second place and John McArdle in third.  The winner of the advanced intermediate dressage was John Hawsham on Lyric from Corrib.

Thanks to all competitors and volunteers for making the day such a success!!!

Round Tower show 4^th November 2012

On a cold morning on the first Sunday in November Riding club members from around the western region of the AIRC joined together at Claremorris Equestrian Centre for Roundtower show jumping and dressage show.  There was a great turnout and everyone had a good time!

The winner of the primary show jumping competition was Monica Nielson riding Heather Dew, from Corrib.

The winner of the advanced primary show jumping competition was Caroline Clancy riding Sliabh Cuilin Diamond from Springmount, in second place was Round Tower’s own Andrea Hawe riding Saffey, Emma Kennedy also from Round tower riding Diamonds Justice, Melinda Morgan riding her own Petal from Benbulben in fourth, Norman Tierney riding Enzo from Springmount in fifth, and Liam Stapleton on Lady Tessa from Tynagh in sixth place.

The Primary/Advanced Primary Pairs was won by Norman Tierney and Caroline Clancy and in Second place Melinda Morgan and Liam Stapleton.

The Intermediate show jumping was won by Benbulben’s winning riders Finola Murphy on Jessie Kildalton Delight, in second place Glyn Morgan on Tell which Trump, in third place Sharon Mcgowan riding Somethings Gotta Give, Round Towers own Catherine Meenaghan on Fire of Quantum and Charlotte Fleming on Peopatra was fourth and fifth with Donna Lister on Max from Daylygrove in sixth

The winner of the Advanced Intermediate show jumping completion was Therese Dixon riding Try Me from Corrib, in second place Thomas Daniels riding Barnaboy Jackeen from Tynagh, in third place Myles McGowan on Journeyman from Benbulben and in fourth place Deborah Conway Johnnys Luck riding for Round Tower

Once again Benbulben reined over the Intermediate and above pairs with Sharon and Myles McGowan, in second place Round Towers Charlotte Flemming and Catherine Meenaghan, in third place Corribs Caoilinn De Bairead and Therese Dixon, in fourth place Dalysgrove Donna Lister and Katie Winspears and in sixth place the golden oldies John McArdle from Tynagh and Glyn Morgan from Benbulben.

The Primary Dressage competion was won by Monica Nielson from Corrib on Heather Dew with Daylsgroves Annette Donohue on Lucky Cosmo in second place

Finola Murphy also won the Advanced Primary dressage with Charlotte Fleming in second, Laura McLoughlin on Country Pride from Round Tower was in third, Melinda Morgan in fourth, Andrea Hawe on Saffey and Ursula Freiss on Polonaise Clover from Round Tower in fifth and sixth.

Round Tower Ladies reined over intermediate dressage with Petra Hewer on Codename Cavalier winning Jayne Dutson on Miss Cariad in Second and Donna Lister from Daylsgrove in third, Emma Kennedy in forth, Sharon McGowan in Fourth and Amanda O’Toole riding Alanna’s Blazing Comet from Round Tower taking home the sixth rosette.

Grainne Kelly riding Gilly from the Block for Springmount won the advanced intermediate dressage competition, it was a good cold day and the prizes were vouchers for the Jayne Dutson’s Tack shop at Hanley’s Claremorris. 

Thanks to all competitors and volunteers for making the day such a success!!!

Springmount 10^th and 11^th November 2012

By Cait Goaley

They must have thought we were off our trollies when we suggested that we run a trail ride in the wilds of Connemara in November. Well if we were, there were 15 other crazy riding club members too!

A convoy of horse boxes and trucks negotiated the windy and bumpy roads through Oughterard, Maam Cross, Rosmuc with our first starting point in Cill Chairan. We parked up at the harbor, tacked up, and adorned ourselves in the Winter Woolies and rain gear. Off up the hill we went on the climb to the top of Árd Mór. The local donkeys who greeted us on the way looked very keen to join us.

As the climb got steeper, Jenny Jakeman's unusually shaped hip flask helped us reach greater heights. At the top we soaked up the panoramic views of The Twelve Bens, Roundstone Harbour, Dogs Bay, The Aran Islands, Carna and Glynsk. We started our descent down the hill again with much more eager horses very willing to canter if allowed to catch up with the two lone rangers Janna Duane and Caoilinn De Bairead. The downhill trail afforded more views of Cararroe, Lettermullen and Lettermór and all the way back to Rosmuc.

We stopped at a grassy patch for lunch served up by locals Maureen and Marty Faherty and their very helpful son.  With full bellies we struggled to mount again to begin of further descent to the beach. The local Connemara ponies, some still with their foals bid us a good day as was passed them - some loose in the commonage, others in their own little stone walled fields.

As we got to the beach, we measured our sand arena and everyone went their own direction to claim a little of their own beach commonage.  Within minutes, all hell broke loose and a train of horses galloped through the water with both horses and riders soaking up the local sea salt. We all knew we weren't out of our depth as we were accompanied by a certain high ranking member of the Irish Water Safety Association!  Soaked and cold but happy, we all trotted back to the Faherty house were we un-tacked and were welcomed with a hot toddy and smoked salmon served up again by Maureen.  With the horses fed and settled for the evening, we checked into the Carna Bay Hotel for the much anticipated hot shower. Mary Cloherty met
our every need in the very tasty food department and her very friendly barman put up with us to quench our ever increasing thirst as the night went on.

Our laughs and banter could be heard all over the hotel as jokes were told and stories were spun. The bed called most of us around Cinderella time.  We adjourned in the restaurant the next morning for a hearty breakfast and left refreshed and ready for another day in the wild.

The Sunday trail took us along a bog road and to everyone's delight down to another beach where once again we waded, galloped, and paddled in the clear water. With the tide challenging us, we returned to the pier for lunch and then made our way back to the starting point.  We all bid our farewell and headed our separate ways with more experienced young horses, more cheeky older ones, more confident riders and above all - new friendships made.

We hope this is the first of many fun riding club weekends to come. If you would like to hear about the next one (regardless of your region), send an email to springmount@airc.ie with "Trail Ride" in the subject.

Thanks to all competitors and volunteers for making the riding club days such a success!!!

It's that time of year again and I'm busy at the moment doing a round up of achievements!!!!! Please message me with your ideas, especially if you or someone who is too shy to tell all has won a national competition or done something special!!! Please don't be shy, tell me all about it!! Come on folks I want your good news stories! Let’s spread a little cheer!  And remember it your region so have your say contact me on melindamorgan2000@hotmail.com or find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/westernregionrc

AIRC WEST!

AIRC WEST!

Uppermace played host to the Horseware RDS Qualifier on 27 May 2012 and a very exciting day it was too, with Donegal Gealtacht’s Trisha Warren beating Benbulben’s Fiona Tansy in a nail biting jump off, when Trisha just pipped Fiona passed the post!  All was not lost for Benbulben as they had a second chance at the trip to Dublin in the Wild Card Competition in Stradbally and they did well to come in third place.  Westen region Advanced Primary team members Janna Duane and Liam Cahill from Corrib, Martina Heffernan from Misneach, Cathriona Goaley from Springmount jumped a brilliant 2^nd and Benbulben’s Clodagh Doggett

Katy Mc Aleenan, Mary McMahon and Therese Anderson in 6^th place.

Lizzie Naughton on Margaux from Round Tower won the side saddle class.

 Sharon Mc Gowan riding Somethings Gotta Give from Benbulben was 2nd and Gavin Keenan also Benbulben was 8^th, Derek Ryan riding Nicos Pedro from Barnacarroll in 9^th, Rachel Burke Rookery Blue Benbulben in 10^th in the intermediate performance hunter.

Tara Brennan riding Raven Lad from Drumcoura won the The Irish Field Advanced Primary Prix Caprilli.

Niamh Macken Captain Smirnoff Ballinasloe won The Irish Field Intermediate Long Arena and was also 6^th in the dressage to music.

Anna and Rachel Burke Rookery Sparkle and Rookery Blue from Benbulben was 2^nd in the fancy dress pairs.

The Intermediate team show jumping was won by Benbulben.

Patricia Warren on Colourado Kid from Donegal Gaeltacht was 4^th in the dressage to music and 6^th in the take your own line.

Benbulben’s Deirdre Mcdonald won the open take your own line!

Laura Mc Loughlin on Countrypride (IRE) for Round Tower was 4^th in the race horse to riding horse class, Dawn Porter from Benbulben won a rosette on My Handsome Chap in the Horse Sport Ireland Primary Showing.

Well done to all riders, you all did brilliant! And the weather stayed well too!

Next month sees South Roscommon Riding Club Creagh Equestrian Centre show on the 1 July and a Cross Jump at The Kelly's Co. Donegal Organized by Donegal Gaeltacht And luckily for us the wonderful people in Dalysgrove Riding club have put on a jumping and dressage competition in  Careys Equestrian Centre in Creagh, Ballinasloe on the 8 July.

Connolly's Red Mills National Show Jumping Championships in Mullingar Equestrian Centre is on the 15 July, Leitrim’s Summer Show is held at Moorlands Equestrian Centre on the 22 July

Donegal Gaeltacht, Beach Show Ballyness Bay on the 29 July.

Good luck everyone! And have fun!

Regional Round Up!

Western Region A.I.R.C May 2012

Unfortuneately Donegal Gaeltacht’s on the 13 May show was cancelled due to bad weather.

Bridge Show Results 20 May 2012.

The Primary Show jumping 1st Mairead Barry on Flash, 2^nd Jacqueline Feeleyon on Brogue Boy, 3^rd Severine Ray on Ziva, 4^th Deirdre Hunt on Othello, 5^th Joan O’Brien on Casper and 6^th Christine Rohan on Ramsy.

The Advanced Primary Show Jumping 1^st Caroline Sammon on Ballinruan Boy, 2^nd Laurence Smyth on Jenny's Jigsaw, 3^rd Zara McGovern on Pedro, 4^th Liam Stapleton on Lady Tessa, 5^th Deirdre O'Shea On Coille and 6^th Dermot GoodeElvis

The Intermediate Show jumping 1^st Rachael Burke on Rockey Blue, 2^nd Finola Murphy on Jessie's Kildalton Delight, 3^rd Imelda Mullins on Take a cheque, 4^th Michael O'Boyle on Dunkillon Boy, 5^th Alan Hynes on Diamond, 6^th Glyn Morgan on Tell which Trump.

The Advanced Intermediate show jumping competition 1st Maura Doherty on Dawn Adventure, 2^nd Donie Fullard on Been There, 3^rd Thomas Daniels on Barnaboy Jackeen, 4^th Elaine McGowan on Jekyll and Hyde, 5^th Martin McBreen on Sunshone Diamond, 6^th Cathal Keane on Gordonfield Diamond.

The open show jumping competition 1st David Glynn on Freya De Baussy, 2^nd Brendan Dolan on Glenamaddy Lux, 3^rd Deirdre McDonald on Nisqually De May, 4^th Patricia Warren on Colorado Kid, 5^th Danielle Tuohy on Pappin.

The Primary dressage results 1^st Madga Maleta on Peanut, 2^nd Jacqueline Feeley on Brogue Boy, 3^rd Fiona Fenton on Dandy, 3^rd Maria Fox on Earl of Clonburn, 4^th Christine Rohan on Ramsy, 5^th Joan O'Brien on Casper, 5^th Dawn Porter on My Handsome Chap, 6^th Annette Donohue on Lucky Cozmo.

 

The Advance Primary dressage results are 1^st Donna Murray on Temple Troy, 2^nd Iris Coleman on The Colemans Daughter, 3^rd Tara Brennan on Raven Lad, 4^th Jane Conway on Glentaun Tilly, 5^th Finola Murphy on Jessie's Kildalton Delight, 6^th Sinead Fenton on Cottertown Levi, 6^th Rachael Burke on Rockery Blue and 6^th Anna Burke on Rockery Sparkle.

The Intermediate dressage results are 1^st Niamh Macken on, Captain Smirnoff, 2^nd Richard Clarke on High Commissioner, 3^rd Tommy Ryan on Mr Silver Darcy

The advanced intermediate dressage was won by Agata Leonard on Eurocent Caletto.

The open dressage won by Patricia Warren on Colorado Kid.

Well done to all riders and what a lovely place Athlone Equestrian Centre is, great facilities and a very sociable day it was!

North West League Final, Templemore Equestrian Centre, Sunday 25 March

The North West League, run jointly by the three AIRC riding clubs in Donegal, traditionally spans the gap from the tail end of a long winter to the green shoots and light of the new spring season. Last Sunday’s league final at Templemore Equestrian Centre on the Donegal/Derry border provided a fitting end to the journey as the sun beat down on the first of summertime’s luxuriously long days.

Rivalry was fierce between the clubs and amongst club members. Letterkenny’s fine novice brigade swept the boards in the lower divisions with Louise Edward’s and Denis Kelly’s wins in the cross poles and welcome stakes classes respectively. Liz Cuffe had a much tougher task in the Primary division but held off Donegal Gaeltacht’s up-and-coming star, Rudi Schneider, for the competition on the day and her own equally promising club mate, Christopher Pyper, for league honors.

Donegal Gaeltacht dominated the Advanced Primary division but this didn’t make the competition any less fierce for top honors on the league table. Rosaleen Harkin, who started the day one point adrift of septuagenarian Lawrence Smyth, rode three horses in the class to ensure the victory was hers. She won the class on the day and secured the Primary & Advanced Primary Leading Rider Award with her win on Hillbilly Rocky.

All three clubs fought it out for the highly competitive Intermediate competition. On the day it was Ruth McCrossan of Donegal Gaeltacht who nailed a fine victory in a 6-way jump off but it was Ruth’s sister, Rachael, who took league honors after a tenacious 2-horse campaign with her own Batteries Not Included and Ruth’s Sioux Indian.

The Advanced Intermediate class, with just four competitors over the course of the League, provided the most compelling conclusion of the afternoon. With only the two contenders for the title turning out on the day, Damien Gallagher led Stephen Greene by one slender point. Stephen, jumping first on his own Indian Puzzle, took two fences out. Damien popped a superb clear on Armstrong and must have thought the class and the title was his. But with the equine reserves of the Gaeltacht at his disposal, Stephen gave it everything. When Moonlight Crystal also incurred penalties he turned to a wonderful club servant, Lawrence Smyth’s Jenny’s Jigsaw, who duly delivered a clear round to give the crowd what they hoped for: a thrilling jump off.  First to go, Stephen jumped a beautiful clear in a cracking time but Damien and Armstrong took up the challenge and nonchalantly delivered a masterful clear in a yet faster time to win the title for Letterkenny.

The Gaeltacht’s strong Open contingent contested a wonderful class. Sally Mahon won the competition with a dashing round on Kerrykeel Lad while Laura Schneider, who jumped so consistently throughout the league, took top league honors.

Damien Gallagher with Letterkenny’s 2011 Club Horse of the Year, Armstrong, took the Intermediate & above Leading Rider Award to bring the curtain down on another memorable North West League.

Well done all riders and competitors, it’s good to see so many out riding in these difficult times!

Next month sees shows being held at Donegal Gaeltacht jump cross and Dalysgrove RC on the bank holiday weekend, The riding club festival on the 9^th and 10^th Springmount on the 16^th and Barnacarrol on the 29^th.  Good luck to all going to the festival, have fun and remember your sun cream and your thermals!

Any further information can be emailed to me at melindamorgan2000@hotmail.com or you can check out the blog on http://aircwesternregion.blogspot.com