Much to the delight of the Murray family from Lusk who had an excellent day at both primary and secondary level.

Twelve-year-old John, a pupil at his local national school, was the first of the siblings to strike when he won the PD’s Photos primary open individual class with Bobby. This pony had lost its form over coloured poles in recent years but, sweetened up on the hunting field, showed that he retains all his ability and speed when going clear in 18.29 seconds.

Representing Newbridge Educate Together, Ben Gleason was second on Bruno in 18.93, while third place went to Corduff National School’s Ella Hartford who, riding Richie, was the only other to break the 20-second barrier unpenalised, coming home clear in 19.72. Both Ella and John were on placed squads in the team competition which was won by Rathcoffey National School, the 2013 league champions.

Under chef d’equipe Deirdre O’Nolan, the Co Kildare team comprised Emma Egan (Dapple Dancer), Neassa Fitzgerald (Jasmine Belle), Anna McGrath (Moonacurragh Ted) and Ellen Murphy (Boytown Touch Of Frost). Both Egan and McGrath proved well up to the pressure of the jump-off round, the former leaving all the poles intact in 20.38, while McGrath was also clear in 20.82.

Four other teams also recorded double clears, the fastest of these being the Headfort squad of Philip Shekleton (Bella Be Good), Hannah Adams (Freak Friday), Tiggy Hancock (Woody) and Alexander Hayden (Flash). Shekleton and Hayden recorded a second round total of 42.60.

The third placed-team comprised three pupils of St Brendan’s Loughshinny, twins Aisling (Oisin) and Tadgh (Mayfield Baby Chou) McGuinness and their cousin Sarah McGuinness (McKay), also Lusk National School’s John Murray. Against the clock, Sarah was clear in 24.40, while Murray recorded his clear in a very speedy 18.21.

Murray’s sisters Kate (Mattie) and Ciara (Quantum) finished second (27.32) and third (27.58) respectively in the Bucas secondary schools’ individual class where the winner, on 26.34, was Megan Dunne of Coláiste Íosagáin, Portarlington riding Paddy.

The Murray girls along with Ann Berg (Hughie) and Aoife Keogh (Marco) comprised the Loreto Balbriggan/St Joseph’s Rush squad which won the team competition.

Only two teams made it through to the second round here and the duo representing Mount Sackville were first to go against the clock. Disappointingly, Shona Lynch had a pole down with Clonross Giselle (38.89), while Katie Byrne was clear with Drumcollogher Coole (57.29). The other Mount Sackville riders were Caoimhe Quinlan (Missy) and Molly Donegan (Mary).

Bidding for a clear round, Aoife Keogh and Marco got Loreto/St Joseph’s off to a steady start in 43.96 before Kate Murray amazingly matched Lynch’s time on Mattie but, importantly, left all fences standing.

The day’s action started as usual with the primary schools’ novice individual class where the honours were shared between Rath’s Ciara Flynn (Coco), Boardsmill’s Hazel O’Brien (Oreo), Lismullen’s Annie Martin (Toffee Apple) and Rolestown’s James Ryan (Cheeky).