EARLIER last week the rain was playing havoc with Borris Vocational School’s plans for the All-Ireland Inter-Schools Hunter Trials at the weekend, but fortunately the omens changed in time to have the ground in perfect condition on a glorious day.

The esteemed national committee have kept this competition running for over 30 years with different schools running it each year. This year, BVS, which is nestled under the viaduct in the picturesque town of Borris, Co Carlow, took the honours of hosting the prestigious event. Preparation started over six months ago with the setting up of the organising committee, the decision of a venue and sponsorship.

The school was delighted to have Flynn’s Carlow Nissan, Gain Horse Feeds and Shires Equestrian Ireland as their joint-title sponsors. The whole school community, equestrian and non-equestrian supported the event to ensure its success. The running of an event this size would not have been possible without the support of parents, students, staff and the numerous volunteers from the wider community who generously offered their services.

This year saw over 400 competitors from around Ireland competing at Martin and Jimmy Fenelon’s track, which is located outside Bagenalstown, Co Carlow. Principal John O’Sullivan welcomed everyone to the event, the course was blessed by the Ven. Robin Bantry White of Paulstow, Co Kilkenny and Fr. Rory Nolan, parish priest of Borris. Transition year student Jack Gladney sang Amhrán na bhFiann. A minute’s silence was held in memory of Miss Breda Nolan, former Principal of the school, before the first team left the start.

TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

The Team Championship saw 37 teams of three go to the post. This competition is always hotly contested and this year proved to be no different. Newbridge College had three teams participating and that of Amy Carroll, Emily O’Brien and Sophie Carroll won with 20 seconds to spare over their school mates Conor Cassidy, Rachel Ross and Charlie O’Dwyer.

Sarah Fitzpatrick, Phoebe Nicholson and George Connolly-Carew from The King’s Hospital School took third, with Grace Evans, Abbie Douglas and Kathy Rispin from Scoil Mhuire, Trim, Co Meath fourth.

St. Peters College, Wexford’s team of Sean Staples, Edmond Cleary and Dylan Moore put in a great round with a fast time, but Martin and Jimmy Fenelon’s strategically placed knockable saw them falling foul of this and pushed them from second to fifth place.

In the senior individual competition, there were only 10 seconds separating first to sixth place. Emily O’Brien, who was on the Newbridge College winning team of three, put in another foot-perfect round winning the individual competition, closely followed by Dylan Moore from St. Peters, Wexford.

Jerry Skelton from the host school, Borris Vocational School, who is no stranger to success at All-Ireland Inter-Schools Hunter Trials, finished only one second behind Moore to take third prize.

The fastest time of the day was recorded by Bernard Leahy who had travelled from Coláiste Iósaef, Kilmallock, Co Limerick. He galloped to success in a time of 3 mins and 50 seconds. Newbridge College were in the line-up once again with Niamh Flynn in runner-up position and Sophie Carroll taking third place. Fourth and fifth place went to Ella Byrne from Coláiste Bhride, Carnew, Co Wicklow.

NEW CLASS

A consolation pairs competition was a new class added to the schedule and proved very popular. Megan Flood and Aoife Murphy from the host school landed the spoils here, while sisters Michelle and Claire Kavanagh came in fifth place. Sarah Seymour and Ellie Spain from St Mary’s College, Nenagh, Co Tipperary were placed second and Millie Finn and Tara Wakeham from Kilkenny College took third.

The course basked in the sunshine and this set the tone for the day, leading to a successful and enjoyable time for all involved.

Principal John O’Sullivan said that the event was a huge success for a number of reasons but that the main reason was teamwork in the true sense of the word. Students, school staff and parents worked closely with individuals who willingly contributed time, money, skills and knowledge; the result was a top-class national event. He saved a special mention for business teacher, Ms Maria Dagg, and former Principal, the late Breda Nolan. Maria, no stranger to equestrian success herself: “pulled the whole show together and gave a masterclass in organisation; she took it all in her stride, never once lost her patience, and all involved in the event had a brilliant day.”

As for the weather? John said: “It was a cracker of a day. From 6am people were saying that Breda Nolan was still looking after Borris Vocational School, and given the fact that Breda’s spirit lives on in the school, the beautiful day and the fact that all riders and horses went home safely, I have to agree!”