THE AIRC South East Spring Series Dressage Final 2026 took place on Sunday, May 17th at Coolboy, Tinahely, by kind permission of Tinahely Riding Club, bringing an excellent conclusion to a closely-fought regional league season. Competitors travelled from across the South East to contest the final standings, with several championships remaining undecided until the final test of the day.
The Region extends sincere thanks to Tinahely Riding Club for hosting the final in superb surroundings, to judge Vicky Clooney, scribe Kate Preston and her daughter Mali, Louise O’Neill and assistant Sally Roberts for their efficient stewardship, and Rosie Deegan for excellent call-up throughout the day. Appreciation is also extended to official photographer Claire Sheehan, the members of Tinahely Riding Club, who provided much-needed refreshments throughout the day, and to all competitors and supporters who contributed to a successful Spring Series Dressage.
In the RC P1 section, Jacqueline Kellett-Bevan (Barrow Valley) and Macroney Sue capped off another hugely-consistent campaign by securing the overall league title on 49 points and retaining the shield for a second consecutive year. John O’Dwyer (Thomastown and District) and My Oscar Wild, winners of the class on the day, finished second in the league overall on 37 points, while Nicola Cummins (Russellstown) and Clonearl Eillie Silver Lady took third on 36. Cheryl Keogh (Kilcarrick) and Hodson Bay Lass finished fourth. Jacqueline Kellett-Bevan also dominated the RC P1 Open league, finishing on a maximum 50 points with Macroney Sue to retain a second title.
The RC P2 championships saw one of the closest battles of the series, with placings changing once again at the final. Roisin Sutton (Carne) and Broomhill Bailey emerged victorious overall on 51 points, narrowly ahead of Sandra Dalton (Horetown) and Strattonstown Banjo on 48. Isobelle Gould (Barrow Valley) and Foxy Furisto completed the podium on 45 points to secure third place in the league, while Aisling Brett (Thomastown and District) and Annaveigh Mac took fourth, followed by Clare O’Morchoe (Horetown) and Nutella Tower in fifth.
The same trio dominated the RC P2 Open championship, where Sandra Dalton reversed the placings to take the overall title on 49 points. Roisin Sutton finished just behind on 48, with Isobelle Gould once again taking third on 46. Elsie Kearney (Tinahely) and Tully Finn Star finished fourth, while Aisling Brett rounded out the top five.
The RC P3 final proved one of the most dramatic contests of the day, with the overall league winner only decided in the final. Valerie Crean (Barrow Valley) and Kildoon Trix ultimately brought the shield back to Barrow Valley with 53 points after a superbly consistent campaign.
Faith Jackson (Tinahely) and Kilquinn Pride pushed them all the way to finish just one point behind on 52, while Harry Doran (Barrow Valley) and Jackson claimed third on 44. Keith Smyth (Barrow Valley) and Springsteen finished fourth, while Ciara O’Neill (Coole Lane) and Harry placed fifth, followed by Clare O’Morchoe and Nutella Tower in sixth.
Faith Jackson and Kilquinn Pride did, however, secure victory in the RC P3 Open class on home ground with 55 points, following a strong performance in the final. Melanie Hammel (Carne) and Taylor Dandy finished second on 45, with Valerie Crean taking third on 43. Harry Doran, Keith Smyth and Sonya Sinan Villar (Ballycanew) with Colours of Kilkenny completed the top six.
Finally, the RC Novice division was another title race that went down to the wire. Melanie Hammel (Carne) and Taylor Dandy retained the shield for a second consecutive year, finishing on 47 points after another outstanding season. Last year’s P3 champion Caoilfhionn Stoiri (Barrow Valley), this year stepping up to RC Novice with Kildromin Mustaf, mounted a determined challenge but ultimately had to settle for second on 45 points. Ciara O’Neill (Coole Lane) and Harry finished third on 27, while Eva Brennan (Thomastown and District) and Golden Knight took fourth. Sally Duffy (Coole Lane) and Jura Mist of Langsett completed the top five.
Attention in the South East Region now turns to the Spring Series Show jumping Final, which takes place at Coolboy on Sunday, May 31st, once again by kind permission of Tinahely Riding Club.