IF there was a prize for a longhaul ringside supporter it would surely go to Alix Cunneen last week at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show. “Alix came home for a holiday from Melbourne, where she works as an equine vet, to come to the Horse Show to support her friend Deirdre [Burchill] and catch up with friends,” said her mum Emer, one of Charleville Show’s A-team of stewards.

There was just enough time for Alix to see the Burchill family’s ABC Pop Rock win the two-year-old filly class on Thursday morning before a dash to the airport to return to Australia. “She had to leave Thursday to get back in time for her women’s rugby final, as she is co-captain. Thank goodness they won!” Emer reported afterwards.