New championship at Balmoral

THE organisers of the Balmoral Show, the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, have announced a new championship for Irish-bred horses at the 158th Show next year.

Replacing the Star of the Future Performance Horse Championship, the new Eventing Star of the Future Championship will feature a four-year-old class as well as a five and six-year-old class.

There will be four qualifiers in total, taking place on Saturday, March 6th, at the Meadows Equestrian Centre; Tuesday, March 16th at Wexford Equestrian Centre; Sunday, March 21st at Lusk Equestrian Centre, and Saturday, March 27th at Necarne Equestrian (Castle Irvine).

Exhibitors wishing to qualify must attend at least two of the four qualifiers.

Full details on this new championship are now available online at www.balmoralshow.co.uk

Pat Drennan RIP

THE death has occurred of Patrick (Pat) Drennan of Talbots Hill, Gowran, Co Kilkenny and formerly of Grove House, Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny.

Pat passed away peacefully, following a long illness bourne with courage and great determination, surrounded by his loving family and friends on October 26th under the care of the doctors, nurses and staff of the Cara ward at Saint Vincents Private Hospital.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife Nora, children Alan, Gemma and Patrick and extended family and friends. Requiem Mass was held on Thursday at the Church of the Assumption, Gowran.

Showjumping Ireland paid tribute to Pat, stating: “It is with great sadness that we remember Patrick (Pat) Drennan, a much-loved member of the Showjumping Ireland course designers community.

“Pat was a valued part of our show jumping family and his passion for the sport, his dedication, and his wonderful spirit will leave a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.

“His passing is a great loss to our community, and he will be fondly remembered by those who shared his love of the sport. On behalf of Showjumping Ireland, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat’s family, friends, and all who are grieving his loss at this difficult time.”

Equine Assisted

Services Day

CHERRY Orchard Equine Centre is hosting an Equine Assisted Services Day on Sunday, November 22nd. It will explore the different ways horses can support physical, emotional and social wellbeing through expert talks and practical demonstrations. The programme features Terri Brosnan, on therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities, Nichole Murray and Linda Bolger leading an equine assisted psychotherapy demonstration using the EAGALA model, and Dermot Murphy on ‘Building a better mindset for the equestrian world’.

The event runs from 10.30am to 2.30pm and tickets are €30 plus booking fee with refreshments included. BHS and HSI CPD recognition is planned, with points to be confirmed.

Ireland win Nations Cup

THE Irish show jumping team of Francis Derwin (Flexi K), Jessica Burke (Billy Fern), Dermott Lennon (Kinmar Right on Time) and Tom Wachman (Do It Easy), guided by chef d’equipe Jessica Kürten, won the CSIO3* Kar Sport Horses Nations Cup in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain on Friday afternoon, making it three in-a-row at the venue. Derwin and Burke jumped double clear rounds to help Ireland finish on a final score of four faults, ahead of USA on eight faults and Italy in third on 10 faults.

Richard Wilson RIP

THE showing community is mourning the loss of Richard Wilson who died on October 23rd at Antrim Area Hospital, surrounded by his family. Beloved son of James (and his partner Moira) and Jenny, dearest grandson of Ruby and David and Gerry and Matilda, much loved cousin of Kerri, loving uncle of Freddie and Frankie and a much loved nephew.

The Northern Lights NI Riding Club expressed their condolences to his family. “Our local equestrian community has lost a true gentleman, talented judge and rider. May he rest in peace,” they said. Richard’s friend Dara Conlon also paid tribute: “You were a big inspiration to me and like the brother I never had.

“Thank you for being someone I could always rant to, cry with, laugh with, and turn to whenever I needed someone.

“You had a way of making things feel that little bit easier, and I’ll forever be grateful for the memories, the laughs, and the friendship we shared. Life won’t be the same without you, but I’ll carry a piece of you with me always. Gone far too soon, but never forgotten.”

James (Jimmy)

Courtney RIP

THE death has occurred of James (Jimmy) Courtney of Dundrod Road, Nutts Corner, Armagh. Jimmy passed away on October 25th at Moneymore Care Home. Loving and devoted husband of the late Maureen, dear father of Linda and James, father-in-law of Martin and Sharon and adored grandfather of Annie, Emma, Sam and James.

A service of thanksgiving for Jimmy’s life was held on Thursday and he was laid to rest at Dundrod Presbyterian Church Burying Grounds. Jimmy was highly regarded within the equestrian community having operated the Nutts Corner Boarding Kennels and Cattery, a multi-faceted business on Dundrod Road that, alongside looking after small pets, encompassed a livery yard.

Maurice Flanagan RIP

THE death has occurred of Maurice Flanagan of Knockeen, Butlerstown, Co Waterford, late of Suncroft, Kildare and Ballinatin, Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Predeceased by his parents Joe and Eileen and his sister Pauline (O’Meara) he is sadly missed by his beloved wife Ann, sisters Caroline, Joan and Grace, brother Thomas, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and his many friends in the hunting and community.

A former huntsman for the Waterford Foxhounds and a highly regarded “hound man”, he regularly traveled to assist and judge at local hound shows across Ireland.

Tributes for Maurice came from across the country including the Carrigshane Harrier Club, Muskerry Hunt Club, the Rockview Harriers and the Woodstown Hunt. Requiem Mass was held on Wednesday in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Butlerstown followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.