THE inaugural Waterford Country Fair at Mount Congreve Gardens recently was deemed a huge success, with some 59 ponies competing in 14 classes on the day.

The mini champion sash was sponsored by Marie Lamb in memory of the late Valentine Lamb, former editor of The Irish Field, while the reserve champion sash was donated in memory of the late Jerry Widger.

It was most appropriate that the champion sash was won by Emily Widger’s daughter Emma Mackey – it was a Widger family day and Valentine would have loved it.

Another interesting part of the day was the presentation of the Clodagh Curran (Connors) Perpetual Cup, in memory of Clodagh who passed away in 2014.

It was presented to Claire Connors by Martin and Hannah Curran, Clodagh’s husband and daughter. Claire was presented with the cup after she gave a lovely display of side saddle riding for spectators and competitors at the show. She will hold on to the cup for the coming year and then it will be presented to the winner of the side saddle class at the 2016 Waterford Country Fair.

As well as the many showing classes, the featured top class show jumping entries and the many stalls were bustling, doing great business.

Great credit is due to the committee of seven who ran the inaugural Country Fair and all those who helped along the way.