McMunn voted Star of the Month
CONGRATULATIONS to Cian McMunn who was a landslide winner of The Irish Field/Gain Equine Nutrition August Star of the Month. Cian was nominated after winning the individual gold medal at the FEI Show jumping European Championships for Ponies in August with Esperando SK.
Jack de Bromhead centre opens
Today (Friday, 26th September) Henry and Heather de Bromhead, along with their daughters Mia and Georgia, officially opened The Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre located on the campus of ChildVision in Drumcondra. The new indoor equine therapeutic centre, named in memory of their beloved son and brother, was built as a result of a campaign spearheaded by Chris Jones, which drew generous donations from a group of family and close friends of the de Bromhead’s. The new indoor facility at the ChildVision campus is at the forefront of specialist therapy and education for children with visual impairments and will give children with visual impairments and additional disabilities access to the best global equine activities in a supportive and purpose-designed environment. Further coverage on page 6.
Bumper Ballinasloe Show
THIS weekend marks the final landmark show for the 2025 season. One of Ireland’s longest-running shows, Ballinasloe will open their gates this coming Saturday and Sunday, with record-breaking entries of 800 horses and ponies. This year has seen this exciting feature develop into a two-day show hosting many all-Ireland champions including the Equitrans All-Ireland loose jumping horse and pony championship and, of course, the All-Ireland three-year-old Connemara filly championship. This year’s show sees many overseas judges making the trip to Ballinasloe and, with something for everyone, is a weekend not to be missed. Check out the show’s Facebook page for a schedule of events.
CAFRE open day
IF you’re starting to think about degree study or exploring course options, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) open week is the perfect opportunity to learn about their courses. They offer Ulster University validated Foundation and Honours Degrees in Equine Management, Food Innovation Management, Horticulture, Sustainable Agriculture, and Sustainable Agri-Food Management. As a specialist equine course provider, Enniskillen Campus offers an array of courses. Whether it’s full-time, part-time, short or online courses, they have qualifications from Level 2 (equivalent to Level 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland [NQF IE]) to Honours Degree (equivalent to Level 8 on the NQF IE). The open day takes place on Saturday, October 11th from 11am to 2pm. Visit: www.cafre.ac.uk/events/ for more information.
Two injured after bring struck by trap
A MAN was arrested after two people were struck by a trap pulled by a horse on a beach in Co Derry last Sunday.
Police in Northern Ireland confirmed the incident took place on Benone Strand in Limavady on Sunday at around 10.45am. A man and woman received medical treatment and were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. The man’s injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening.
Police said a 66-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has since been released on bail to allow for further enquiries. Police appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision to make contact by calling 101, quoting reference number 509 21/09/25.