THE All-Ireland Interprovincial Finals at Barnadown were nearly lost to poor weather, but swift action from the organising committee saw the competition rescheduled to Sunday when sunshine greeted riders. After a thrilling day of competition, Leinster topped the leaderboard on 3,064 points, followed by Munster on 2,831, Ulster with 2,458, and Connaught on 1,024.

The 128cm Under 10 Final (Connaught Region) went to Ulster’s Tim Morton and Parkhills Jackbequick, who produced a sharp clear in 23.26. Annie Hughes Kennedy capped a stellar year with victory for the Munster Region in the 128cm 1m, piloting A Touch of Magic to a win in 27.29, just ahead of Kilkenny’s Julia Sheehan on Heartbreak Charlie.

Munster also celebrated when Kate Motherway and Barrera Martini were crowned 128cm 70cm champions with a time of 28.57. Ulster struck back as Anna Rose Garrity won both the 128cm 80cm on Rosegate Mayfly, when clear in 23.79, and the 128cm 90cm on Bireton Cherokee, when they delivered a clear in 31.92.

Leinster’s Matthew Carroll partnered Molly Polly to win the 50cm final, while Munster’s Harvey Cunningham and Holestown Maverick triumphed in the 128cm 60cm.

Set the standard

Leinster’s Ronan Duffy set the standard in the 138cm 1.10m, posting a clear in 24.95 with Midnight Sky Cedar. Connaught’s Alayna Hawkins chased hard on Ballyduff Lad (25.45) and later secured the 138cm 1m title on the same mount, stopping the clock at 28.83.

Leinster took the first two places in the 138cm 80cm with Hannah Horan and Jalisco T clinching victory with a clear in 29.33, ahead of Zoe Vambeck and Kinnegads Flick, clear in 30.82. Ulster’s Hollie Benson and Nefretiti took third when clear in 31.92.

Munster riders claimed first and third in the 138cm 90cm final with Mia O’Donnell and Kinlough Lad taking the top spot after a clear round in 23.53. Teammate Alison Goff, riding Nells Baby, secured third with a clear in 26.93. Splitting the pair in second place was Hannah Horan on Jalisco T, also clear in 26.51.

Kilkenny enjoyed a strong day as Alice Moloney, riding Cqs X Factor, claimed victory in the 148cm 1.20m by delivering the fastest of nine double clears in 24.79 seconds.

Sam Widger and the six-year-old Poynstown Hero secured the runner-up spot with a time of 24.92, while fellow Kilkenny rider Alex Sheehan, aboard Ballynoe Lurgan Diamond, finished third, just a fraction behind in 24.94.

Winner of the 148cm 1m final was Ulster’s Tim Morton and Brackhowney Silver when they came home clear in 29.24. Leinster put another win on the board when Lucy McCarthy delivered the best round in the 148 1.10m final with Gorm in 26.06.

Further Leinster success came when Georgia Kehoe guided IHRP Bella to victory in the 148cm 80cm final, clear in 28.09. Ulster’s Courtney Lynch and Take Two pressed hard but settled for second on technicality. Munster added to their tally in the Ulster Region 148cm 1.10m six- and seven-year-olds, where Lucia Keane on Clonbrock Against All Odds (7yo) produced a blistering time of 26.92, fastest of 14 double clears.

A clear from Sarah Delaney and Kinamar Millar Boy in 22.27 saw her take the 148cm 90cm final, with Leinster’s Louisa Daisy Dalton and Monarch of the Glen taking second (23.82).

It was a victory for Munster in the Leinster Region COH/Junior 1.10m Final, with Sam Donovan and Bazilika taking this title when clear in 27.31. It was a close class with Leinster’s Dylan Barrett and China Man taking second, clear in 27.43.