ONE happy Leaving Cert student at the Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) colt inspections was Tomás Seoighe, who swaps Ireland for Poland to study Veterinary Medicine. “I’m flying to Wroclaw on the 28th. My first lecture starts on October 5th, which I’m really excited about!”

Tomás, from Roscahill, had originally planned to study equine science, however changed his career plan after spending almost three years’ work experience with Rockmount Equine Centre’s Philip McManus.

“I’ve always had a love for animals, especially on the equine side of things. Working with Philip is great as I’ve learnt so much already, without even starting college yet. Philip and the other vets, Jenny and Barbora, are very encouraging and let students get hands-on experience.

“My family have bred the Connemara pony for generations and my mother, Tríona Ní Rainne, was very involved in the CPBS for many years so, naturally, I grew up around them. When Philip said he was vetting for the colt inspections I jumped on the opportunity to go with him as I’ve a great interest in the breed, as well as seeing the up-and-coming stallions and what will be available for next year’s breeding season. My uncle, Mícheal Reaney, stands a dun stallion called Trá Bháin Céileog which we’re very proud of.”

Happy out

Jenny Byrne, who joined the team in March after her previous post at Fethard Equine Hospital, was another in her element at the autumn inspections held at Creagh Equestrian Centre in Ballinasloe.

She deputised for sister Harriet, then travelling in Sri Lanka, to win the Clifden ridden championship last year on Regal Diplomat. “My wanderlust sister is working in Dublin at the moment and riding ‘Roger’ any spare time she has and my mum and dad picking are up the slack at home in Rathangan. Unfortunately, like most people we planned to do more with him this year but that will just have to wait.”

“I have a four-year-old brother Elusive Diplomat, by Silver Shadow, down in Galway with me and we’re looking forward to bringing the two out next year hopefully and having a little bit of fun with them,” added Jenny, who had her own keen apprentice at the inspections in Annaghdown’s Ailbhe Leonard who starts her third year in Veterinary Medicine in UCD shortly.

As for their hard-working mentor Philip McManus, who was planning a visit home to his beloved Cavan this week. “I’m on a week’s holidays. Well, from Thursday.”