WELL done to the determined organisers of the Kilmacanogue Virtual Horse Show which this year raised €5,000 which has been divided among their 10 charity partners.

The innovative and determined committee of volunteers were not going to let Covid-19 stop them in their mission to keep the show on the road. Against all the odds, they raised a hefty €5,000. As the presentation of cheques could not be conducted in the usual fashion, a representative limited group of charity reps and committee members met for an outdoor socially distanced presentation.

Liam Allen (show chairman) and Harry Williams (show president) presented cheques to the three charity partner representatives who attended. These included John Woods representing Purple House, Deirdre Keating, Derri Keating and Mathew Davis representing Bray Lakers and John Whelan representing the Irish Kidney Association.

All remaining charity partners have been contacted and will receive their cheques by post - these include Newcourt School, Kilmacanogue Senior Citizens, Charabanc Enniskerry Senior Citizens, Wicklow Dementia Support, Riding for the Disabled Wicklow, Kilmacanogue GAA and Wicklow Hospice.

With Covid-19 have a very detrimental impact on fundraising, all 10 charities were extremely grateful for the continued support from the Kilmacanogue Horse Show committee and applauded them for their creativity in running a virtual show.

The success of the fundraising is due to everyone who supported the virtual show, those who embraced technology and entered the range of virtual classes - from the equestrian classes to the lockdown living and guessing the weight of the show lamb Speckles.

Show president Harry Williams thanked all the local businesses and individuals for their support. “Without this community goodwill and support, the show would not be the success that it continues to be,” he said.

One thing is for sure, it will take more than a pandemic to put a halt to a show like this, a show that has run for the last 49 years, is an integral part of the summer months and a much needed partner to local charities.