CONGRATULATIONS to Shauneen Gallagher, groom to Clem McMahon, who was recently announced as The Grooms’ Group ‘Show Groom of the Year’ and received her prize at the Cavan Winter Festival last month.

Put forward as one of 10 show grooms, voting was open to the public. Gallagher was delighted to be recognised, commenting: “Thank you Kathy McMullan for organising prizes for us grooms! It truly means a lot to have our work recognised. Huge thanks for making us feel appreciated and for putting in [the] hard work you put into running The Grooms’ Group behind the scenes and sourcing wonderful prizes - it really makes the long days worth it! Grateful to be voted show groom of the year with amazing prizes to go with [it].”

There were a bunch of other prizes handed out by The Grooms’ Group at the show, including to Rachel O’Hare, who was voted the ‘Home Groom of the Year’. Elena Ní Shíthigh, groom to Commandant Geoff Curran, who took the top two spots in the Grand Prix, was the recipient of a £250 voucher kindly sponsored by Greenvale Horse Transport.

The Grooms’ Group is an initiative, which was established in 2024 by Kathy McMullan to support and recognise the hard work of grooms in the equestrian community. The group offers various benefits, including discounts from multiple equestrian stores and businesses in the north and south.

Those hoping to become a member in 2026 can now sign up. Membership costs £20/€23 with a group discount available for yards with three or more grooms joining together.