CONNAUGHT riders, owners and supporters were out in force last Friday night at the annual SJI Connaught Region Awards. Taking place at the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris, a crowd of over 260 was in attendance with a multitude of awards to be handed out. MC for the night was the region’s Junior and Young Rider representative Paul Tarpey, and he certainly kept busy as he presented awards from pony newcomers, European Pony Champions and sports members right up to 5* International riders.

Kicking off the awards were the stars of the show, the grooms. This was a new initiative for the Connaught Region and a very welcome one, recognising the hard work behind the scenes. Next came the owners’ awards, who are vital to the success of the riders.

Trish and David Dodd were on hand to present the Jack Dodd Perpetual Cup to the Overall Connaught International Rider. All nominees hailed from County Galway, including David O’Brien, who blazed a successful trail across the US in 2025, and Michael Duffy, who made his mark on both sides of the Atlantic. The award, however, went to Galway’s own Jessica Burke, who kindly took time out from competing in Bordeaux to send a message to those in attendance on the night.

Newcomers were next to step on to the podium for their awards and the overall winner on the night was Elaine Briscoe, a young lady on the rise in ponies. The U10 winner on the night was Jack Rush, a young man who was hard to catch all year, but hotly pursued by Ben Hawkins. The 128s had a long list of recipients and top of the pile was Tim Hawkins and, not to be outdone by her brothers in the previous two categories, the overall winner in the 138cm category was Alayna Hawkins, who on her way to the RDS won two of the young pony qualifiers.

The 148cm ponies have enjoyed tremendous success for Connaught riders in recent years, both at home and on the international stage, none more so than in 2025. Fresh from securing European team silver, Cian McMunn was first to go in the jump-off, setting a blistering pace that proved untouchable. His performance earned him the Individual European Gold Medal and saw him crowned Overall 148cm Rider on the night.

The Children on Horses division saw fierce competition between Edward Walsh Jr, Honor Bills Everett and Ella Rush, all competing strongly with the ladies forming part of the COH European 2025 team. On the night, it was the Sligo lady Ella Rush, who took the overall honours in this category.

Seniors

The senior section had awards for the sports members that were finalists in the All-Ireland Sports member final, this award was followed by the Amateur award - a super competitive group of riders, but 2026 was dominated by the RDS champion, Niamh Quinn. Senior riders had a busy year, but one man seemed to be there at every turn to scoop the prize at regional, national and international level and that rider was Sven Hadley.

The hottest contest of the evening was the Junior/Young Rider section and, with the committee unable to separate the achievements of the top four riders, it was put to a public vote and the lead changed hands on several occasions. Brothers Paddy and Senan Reape, Claremorris man Stephan Gibbons and the lady of the bunch Katie Nallon all had multiple impressive results to their credit at home and abroad, but the overall award went to Stephan Gibbons.

With all awards handed out, Auction maestro Tommy Gibbons took to the stage and, with all lots sold, he then handed over to the DJ for a wonderful night of dancing.

Connaught Show jumping had a draw for the wonderful prize of two nights stay at the Clayton Burlington Hotel and entry to the Dublin Horse Show on the Thursday and Friday, kindly sponsored by Derryronane Stud’s owner Liam Lynskey and Pat Ruane. The lucky winner was Kelly Mullen from County Sligo.