MICHAEL Dooner, who has attended his local show for as long as he remembers, was at another recent gathering in Athlone, when family and friends gathered to celebrate his 90th birthday.

The popular Westmeath exhibitor once warmed up the famous Dundrum at Athlone Show for Tommy Wade and, aged 16, Michael won the high jump competition at Moate.

His foundation broodmare Sweet Meadow jumped to Grade B level with the Glasson man and her line has produced a string of show winners for the Dooner family. These include the prolific show mares Vanity Fare and Ravishing Rochelle, whose own stock have won All-Ireland finals.

A keen Traditional Irish Horse fan and frequent All-Ireland traditional foal champion owner-breeder at Mountbellew, Michael also branched out into continental lines.

Kylie Roddie’s five-star horse - SRS Kan Do - was bred by Michael and the VDL Arkansas gelding placed sixth at Luhmühlen (2022) and fifth at Pau (2023), one of his proudest moments as a breeder.

Michael, his late wife Jacqueline, daughter Mary and granddaughter Laura were a constant sight at shows, together with great friend George O’Malley, while daughter Pauline and sons Frank and Kevin all help out behind the scenes.

Best wishes for more enjoyable years at the ringside Michael from the Irish Horse World.