Competition events well contested

The wet weather did not succeed in dampening the spirits of a healthy attendance at Tullabrack last Saturday for the ninth West Clare Horse Show, a number of which indulged in the various attractions on offer such as showjumping, which this year included a well-contested Puissance, ­Connemara pony classes, showing classes, lunging, bouncy castle, sports competition, dog show and musical entertainment.

 

The TRM National Grand Prix was won by Kevin Mealiff on Gamble on Diamond. Kevin however, did not take a risk and gamble on having a fence down in negotiating the tricky course when recording a relatively slow time of 48.54 ­seconds. It was strategy that proved successful, as the only other rider to secure a double-clear round was Sheila White on Tebertha, who came second with a time of 52.85 seconds.

Jessica Burke from Gort became the sixth name to be inscribed on the Founders Cup in this exciting jump-off, where speed was of the essence. Jessica had two clear rounds on Vitessa and just pipped Tholm Keane on Krafty Jack to victory by the narrowest of margins. In doing so, Jessica became the first female to win the Founders Cup.

Seventeen-year-old Michael Duffy from Turloughmore had an incredible day at Tullabrack, winning the Champion Rider of the Show, having featured well in all competitions throughout the day, notably being placed third, fifth and seventh in the Founders Cup 1.30m Connaught League Grand Prix Qualifier, third place in the Puissance as well as eighth in the TRM National Grand Prix.

Michael has great support from his family, who are steeped in the showjumping tradition. Micheal’s grandfather, Paul Duffy Senior, was a top international course designer, Micheal’s father, Paul, represented Ireland in international showjumping while Paul’s mother Kathryn Duffy, nee McInerney, was born into a horse breeding family in Doonbeg.

The Puissance brought great excitement, where the riders were enthusiastically cheered by the huddled spectators. Liam O’Meara on Cissero rose to the occasion by clearing the wall at 2m, ahead of Michael Hynes on From the Root to the Fruit, who could only manage to clear 1.92m.

The Founders Cup was presented to Jessica Burke by the inspirational Tom Cusack from Kildysart, a former competitor who competed in the original gymkhanas of the 1940s and ’50s and who was known for his cool horsemanship as well as his jovial nature.

The show continues to pay homage to the original founders and members of the roll of honour by featuring a biography of Tom Cusack in the programme. Tom’s lifelong friend, John McGoldrick, was also there to lend his support and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

It is sad to report the passing of two men who had honoured the show with their generosity of spirit and kindness. Paddy Meehan, a former competitor, passed away in February 2012 and Jimmy O’Dea, an original founder who attended the show on the Saturday, passed away suddenly on Monday last. Jimmy was immersed in horses to the very last moments of his life.

Results
Connaught League Grand Prix Qualifier – The Founders Cup 1.30m €3,000
1 J Burke, Vitessi (J Burke); 2 R Tynan, Krafty Jack
(T Keane); 3 K Duffy, Carthago (M Duffy); 4 P Donaghy, Tabby (D Griffin); 5 K Duffy, Killard Horizon (M Duffy);
6 S Mulhern, Minnie Clover  (T O’Brien);
7 H McGahern, Coco Chic (Michael Duffy); 8 Martin O’Dea, Woe Falio (Martin O’Dea).  
Kilrush Credit Union National Grand Prix League €6,000
1 E Laheen, Gamble on Diamond (K Mealiff); 2 V Bollen, Tebertha (S White); 3 T McGuirk, Foxy Cleopathra R (E Moloney); 4 R Tynan, Warrenstown You (T Keane); 5 E Moloney, Goodwins 007 (E Moloney); 6  T O’Brien Royal Colours (T O’Brien); 7 J Hynes, Spit The Fields (M Hynes); 8 K Duffy, Carthago IIZ (M Duffy); 9 R Tynan, Krafty Jack (R Tynan); 10 N Cawley, Ringarina (G Broderick).
Kilrush Credit Union Puisance €1,000
1 L O’Meara, Cisero (L O’Meara; 2 M Hynes, From the Root to the Fruit (M Hynes); 3 K Duffy, Ali G (Michael Duffy).