OCTOBER 12th saw the much-anticipated return of interschools show jumping to the main arena at Killossery Lodge Stud.
The morning began with the secondary novice individual, where Maynooth Education Campus’ Ruby Lynch claimed victory riding Our Molly in an impressive time of 33.55 seconds. Áine Mullan from Enfield Community College secured second place with Sir Archibald in 34.83 seconds, while Alice Harten and Mandy from Drogheda Grammar School took third. Lydia Nakagawa and Tigger finished fourth, just fractions behind Áine.
Rounding out the top six were Natalie Healy of Enfield Community College and Niamh Smith of St Mac Dara’s.
Victorious
Next up were the secondary school teams, who faced Frank Glynn’s technical track. Out of 10 teams, four advanced to the jump-off. It was Scoil Dara who emerged victorious, finishing on a flawless score of zero. Just 0.32 seconds behind, Drogheda Grammar School claimed second, followed by St Mac Dara’s in third and the Maynooth Education Campus Red Team in fourth.
The secondary open individual rounded off the morning’s competition, run as an immediate jump-off. Maria Maye took the win with a fast clear round in 34.50 seconds. Sadie Lynch came a close second aboard Grantstown Hannah in 34.56, a mere 0.06 seconds separating the top two. Kate Teehan and Prince from Maynooth finished third in 41.79 seconds, followed by Emma Mallon and Black Magic for Greenhills CME in fourth.
Lily Rogan Mills on Scala De L’Aulne representing Our Lady’s Terenure took fifth and Sadbh O’Toole on Toby for Maynooth completed the top six.
Excitement
The afternoon session saw the primary schools take to the arena, bringing great excitement and enthusiasm to the day’s second half.
The primary novice individual proved a showcase of consistency, as seven talented combinations produced perfect clear rounds to share top honours. Among them were CJ Greene on Magic, Luke Murray on Bingo, Aoibheann Smith on Casper, Freya Lynch on Ashfield Sapphire, Eve McCormack on Drumcashel Dancer, Chloe Mollaghan on Clounlaheen Twilight and Niamh Maguire on Sandy Joy, all demonstrating precision beyond their years.
Competition stayed fierce in the primary open individual, where Rhys Robinson delivered a stylish and speedy round with Scarlet to take the win. Cian Greene followed closely in second aboard Caspar, while Lilly Dunne and Venture secured third.
Rose Reynolds guided Charm into fourth, ahead of Sadie Connolly with Abbeylands Supreme in fifth and Kaela Leamy on Abby in sixth.
Each rider impressed with their balance of determination and horsemanship, keeping spectators gripped throughout.
Lively
The final event of the day, the primary team competition, brought plenty of excitement and a lively atmosphere around the arena.
A strong performance from the quartet from Rathbegan NS of Cian Greene with Casper, Tucker Freyne with Ned, Holly Williams with Puzzle and Edith Neary with Izzy Wonderfall saw them take first place with confident, consistent rounds. Close behind, Kilsaran National School delivered a fine effort through Elsa McGrane on Merry Millie, Conor Seaver on Rathruyan Girl and Isabelle Broderick Kiernan on Bobs Your Uncle to claim second.
In third, a combined team from St Patrick’s NS, St Andrew’s NS, St Mary’s NS and Gaelscoil Na Cille produced steady performances from Fionn Regan on Carrigans Tabragh, Nancy Caffrey on Ceatharlia Freddie, Sadie Woods on The Mighty Man and Ruth Duffy on Mountainy Man.
The top four was completed by Kilcoon NS, Maynooth NS and Enfield NS, represented by Sadie Connolly on Abbeylands Supreme, Rhys Robinson on Pony and Kaela Leamy on Abbeylands Supreme, rounding off a day full of teamwork and determination.
A full list of all results can be found on www.killossery.ie as the team in Killossery sets their scopes on October 19th, as they prepare to welcome the schools back for the third leg of the league.