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

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 1^st 2^nd and 3^rd an embroidered rug for 1^stplace and a perpetual cup for the winner of each class and rosettes for 1^st to 6^th.

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 2^nd(and the crowd went wild) Caroline Clancy Springmount 3^rdEmma Glynn South Roscommon 4^th John Miland and Dermot Goode both from Dalysgrove 5^th and Mary Mcentee Mosstown 6^th.

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 2^nd and 5^th in the dressage and first along with Dalysgroves newest and youngest member Aisling Miland in the very entertaining pair’s competition.  Janna Duane Corrib 2^nd 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!!!

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!

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

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!

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. 

AIRC Western Round Up

Benbulben held the Western Regional Qualifier for the Masters Series

Benbulben held the Western Regional Qualifier for the Masters Series in Show Jumping as part of our show on May 5th. It was a great day of competition, with the Intermediate Masters Qualifier very hotly contested, with Rachel Burke on Rookery Blue just pipping her mother Anna Burke on Rookery Sparkle to the top spot.

Benbulben riders won all but one of the Show Jumping classes, with Donegal Gaeltacht's Lawrence Smyth on Jenny’s Jigsaw taking top spot in the Primary & Advanced Primary Derby to deny Benbulben a clean sweep.

Primary Show jumping was won by Miriam Mangan from Benbulben, while Mary McMahon took the honours in the Advanced Primary on Aylroe Boy for Benbulben, with Mary Lang 2nd, Lawrence Smyth 3rd, Melinda Morgan 4th, Sandra Stuart 5h & Marissa Hebron 6th.

The Primary & Advanced Primary Derby was won by Lawrence Smyth from Donegal Gaeltacht with Tara Brennan in 2nd, Melinda Morgan in 3rd, Sandra Stuart 4th, Marissa Hebron 5th & Mary McMahon 6th.

The Intermediate Masters Qualifier was won in fine style by Rachel Burke from Benbulben onboard Rookery Blue who recovered from a stumble to take the lead from Anna Burke who finished 2nd, Joanna Kearns was 3rd, Charlie Vial 4th, Edwina Ruane 5th & Therese Anderson 6th all securing a place at the Masters Series Final.

The Advanced Intermediate Qualifier was won by Myles McGowan on Journey Man for Benbulben, with Patricia Warren coming 2nd, Fiona Tansey 3rd, Kean O'Hara 4th, Marita

Shannon 5th & Leslie Fitzgerald 6th with Letterkenny's Cormac McCormack also securing himself qualification for the Final.

The Open & Advanced Open was won by Benbulben's Deirdre McDonald on Nisqually De May with her twin sister Vanessa in 2nd place on Vanessa’s Pride & Lizzie Naughton in 3rd.

These great performances by the Benbulben horses & riders mean that the club now has 10 horses & riders qualified for the final. A full list of qualified horse riders can be found on the AIRC website.

The final Show Jumping event of the day was the Intermediate & above Derby where Benbulben riders excelled to take all the placings in this hotly contested class which was won by talented combination of Rachel Burke & Rookery Blue, with Fiona Tansey 2nd, Anna Burke 3rd, Kean O'Hara 4th, Therese Anderson 5th & Joanna Kearns 6th.

Primary Dressage was won by Benbulben's Miriam Mangan with Marie McCaffrey in 2nd.

Advanced Primary was won by the newest member of the Benbulben team, Emma Lawrence on Benny Ace, Finola Murphy was 2nd, Jacquline McGuinness was 3rd, Mary Lang 4th, Melinda Morgan 5th & Therese Anderson 6th.

The Intermediate Dressage was won by Tara Brennan, with Erin Fergus 2nd, Melissa Monaghan 3rd, Catherine Meenaghan 4th, Charlie Vial 5th & Jane Dutson 6th.

Advanced Intermediate was won by Louise O'Hara from Benbulben with Myles McGowan 2nd & Donegal Gaeltacht's Patricia Warren took the honours in the Open Section.

By Edwina Ruane

Arden Equestrian Showjumping League. Ballinasloe RC Show, 28th April 2013

The rain held off, as per usual the showground staff had the grounds looking immaculate, and it was a Great Start to the Arden Equestrian Showjumping League, New league being run by Ballinasloe, Bridge, Dalysgrove and South Roscommon RC.

The Primary Showjumping got things underway, on the Padraig Geraghty built track, with Dalysgrove Secretary Christine Rohan and Sweet Callows Gale, who were the only double clear, to win the class. Second was the Ballinasloe Secretay Niamh Macken with 4 faults in the second round on Captain Smirnoff, with fellow club member Maria Fox on Earl of Clonberne in Third.

As always there was a big turn out for the Adv Primary Class, but it was Mosstowns Bernie Whyte, on Baily , who was closet to the optimum time, with Liam Stapleton and Lady Tessa from Tynagh RC coming Second, with Corribs Caolinn De Bairead and Cavalier Kim with in third place.

In the Primary / Adv Primary Pairs Class, saw another Placing for Liam Stapleton and Lady Tessa this time taking the Red Ribbon with fellow Tynagh club member Severine Ray on Zeva . Corrib RC took Second, with Caolinn De Bairead and Colm Kelly, in Third Place was Melinda Morgan from Benbulben and Maria Tierney from Springmount.

A large entry in the Intermediate, saw 11 through to the jump off, but it was Benbulben RC’s Rebekah Tansey on Brighten Up Your Day, who was the fastest, and took top honours from Corribs Janna Duane on Fair Lady in Second Place. Paula Cosgrave from Ballinasloe RC took third.

In the Adv Inter class, 3 made it into the jump off , with the spoils going to Annaharveys Billy Guinan and Caesar, Marita Shannon and Nautica from Springmount took Second, and another Annaharvey Member, Evelyn Browne on Anna Mama took third spot.

In the Open Class, Sylvia Baumberger took first Place with Courage Galore for Ballinasloe RC.

In the Inter and Above Pairs Class, it was Dalysgrove’s Kevin Clogher, and Benbulbens Gavin Keenan, who took first place, with the Benbulben pair of Fiona Tansey and Rebekah Tansey in 2 second place.

The Dressage arena was in full swing from 10.30am in the morning, The Primary Class was won by Ballinasloe RCs Maria Fox on Earl of Clonberne, with Christine Rohan and Sweet Callows Gale taking second for Dalysgrove.

A large Adv Primary Dressage Class, saw a lot of regions represented but it was Anne-Marie Hannon with Chris taking first place, from Mullingar RC, in 3rd place it was Slieve Blooms Lavinia Reid Kenny on Raindrop Queen, and Melinda Morgan from Benbulben came third with Petal.

Ballinasloe Club Secretary Niamh Macken, and Captain Smirnoff took top spot in the Intermediate Dressage, with Joe Carroll and Annaharvey Fantastica taking second, and third going to Ballinasloe’s Richard Clarke on High Commissioner.

In the Adv Inter Class, Springmounts Grainne Kelly and Gilly from the Block who came first, with Slieve Blooms Agata Leonard on Eurocent Caletto in second, and third place went to Orla Carroll and Bridgehousestud Riverking.

Ballinasloe RC would like to thank all to travelled to our show, and a welcome to those to came from outside the region, making it a great day out!

Ballinasloe RC would also like to Thank, our Sponsors, Arden Equestrian for the Showjumping League, Gateway Insurance Athlone, Dolans Centra Garage, Mighty Cabs, Horsey Horsey, The Friendly Fryer, Gullanes Hotel, Leonie Sutton Equine Artist & our Club members, without whom we couldn’t have put on such a good show.

By Niamh Macken

Final reminders to all

Good luck to all members competing for a place in the RDS teams in Kerins on Sunday 26th May 2013. Good luck to all the western region riders taking the trip to Stradbally for the riding club festival, have fun and bring back the rosettes! Also on the 2 June is the Beach show in Falcarragh, and on the 30 June is the Arden league final held by South Roscommon!

Good luck everyone

Melinda Morgan