THE Brennan family hosted their 10th annual horse shoeing competition, at their forge in Askeaton, Co Limerick, last weekend.

A total of 42 competitors, from all over the country, took part in the event which featured eight different divisions, over the course of the two days. This is the first of four national competitions which will be hosted over the coming weeks.

Sam Brennan told The Irish Field that: “The purpose of these competitions is to maintain a high standard of shoemaking and shoeing in Ireland. We run these competitions for the apprentices as a learning experience. Out of the 42 competitors we had on the day, half are apprentice farriers. So they have an opportunity to watch the qualified farriers and to learn from them.

“The event was very enjoyable and was a fantastic display of skill and craftsmanship”. Master farrier, Tom Williams who is originally from Wales but is now based in Denmark, was the judge on the day.

RESULTS

Intermediate shoe making: 1, Dan Maher; 2, Michael Rafter; 3, David Madden.

Intermediate shoeing: 1, David Madden; 2, David Gorey; 3, Austin Leahy.

Pairs hunter shoeing: 1, Donal Bennett and Alwyn McKeown; James Woods and Paudie O’Connell; 3, Kevin Rooney and John McLoughlin.

Eagle eye: 1, John McLoughlin; 2, Dan Maher; 3, Konrad Maier.

First and second year shoemaking: 1, James O’Driscoll: 2, Eoin Ellis; 3, Calum Irvine.

Third and fourth year shoemaking: 1, Philip O’Rourke: 2, Paddy Earle; 3, Paudie O’Connell.

Open shoemaking: 1, Konrad Maier; 2, Ian Worrell; 3, James Woods.

Open shoeing: 1, James Woods; 2, Alwyn McKeown; 3, Ian Worrell.