“A VERY good weekend all round,” was how Pat Tomkins described the Irish Pony Club International Mounted Games Festival held at the Curragh last Saturday and Sunday.

“True, there were some very heavy showers during the three nights that some people stayed on site, but we only had one little squib during playing time,” continued Tomkins, chairman of the IPC’s mounted games committee.

“We were very pleased with the numbers attending over the weekend and we have to compliment the Curragh Racecourse for providing such good ground; it was ideal for games.

“We received sponsorship from TRI Equestrian, whose premises was well-visited over the weekend, and, on Saturday, there was a fantastic barbeque organised by the Windsor team parents but supported by all branches.”

Scotland won the six-strong international competition, having accumulated 179 points, with Ireland finishing second on 164.

The so-called United Nations’ team, made up of those who travelled as subs or helped with the equipment at Windsor, slotted into third spot on 157.

At branch level, the Shillelaghs enjoyed a Super Sunday!

Their top level team gained revenge on their Dublin Horse Show conquerors Laois when landing the concluding sock and ball race to win the Senior games by 53 points to 50.

Visiting from England, the Lanark and Upperward Branch finished third on 46. The B final was won by Monaghan Pony Club.

Winners at the IPC Festival in Mullingar in early August and beaten just the once this year, the Shillelaghs’ top junior team ended the season on yet another winning note when claiming the Junior A final ahead of Meath and Laois. Then, to cap the weekend, the branch’s second team won the B Final.