THE fourth leg of the Mackey Ireland Waterford Tipperary SJI Amateur league took place at the Clonmel Agricultural Show last weekend and it didn’t disappoint, as competitors put in a gallant attempt to clock up valuable points.

In total, 20 combinations took on the Tony Hurley-built course and, from those, 11 went forward to a very exciting jump-off. Ruth Walsh and Joes Charm flew around the timed round in 37.44 to take the win in the A section. David P Ryan and Moonlight Cruising were also double clear in a fast time of 39.79 to claim second place. Des Hourigan and his reliable partner Rosscarberys Lucky Star finished off the podium of the A section in third place.

Cork Kerry SJI amateur Emma Walsh with Lux like Diamonds produced a fantastic double clear in a blistering time of 35.88 to take the win in the AA section and overall class. Gary Flynn partnered Argento Cruise to a lovely double clear in 37.72 to take second place. Brid O’Connor and Talking Tom lodged a fast double clear to fill the AA podium in 40.48.

Shanakill House

On the previous Wednesday, the third leg of the Mackey Ireland Waterford Tipperary SJI Amateur league took place in Shanakill House Equestrian Centre.

A field of 16 combinations took on the Tony Hurley-designed course, with 11 going forward to the jump-off.

2024 Mackey Champion Hannah McNiven and Hey You flew around double clear in 36.27 to take the win in the AA section, just pipping Sarah Lang with RNG Vantage Point, who had a great clear in 36.70. Gary Flynn with Argento Cruise were unlucky to catch a pole in the jump-off, but they were the fastest four-faulters in 36.50, which was enough to secure third.

In the A section, Sarah Twomey with Trendy Cheryl had a great round clear in 37.43 to take the win. David Ryan produced a lovely double clear in 39.81 with Moonlight Cruising to take second. The ever-reliable Des Hourigan and Rosscarberys Lucky Star had another lovely clear in 41.61 to take third.