THE 29th renewal of the famed Athlacca Ride took place last Sunday with over 100 riders taking part. Eighty brave and stalwart jockeys saddled up for the cross-country with 27 taking part in the less daring version.

It was a gala sight as the angelus church bell tolled also acting as the saddling gong with riders assembling in Collin’s polo arena. Over the past couple of weeks, a huge effort was put in by a hard working local committee, liaising with farmers, taking down wire, cutting bushes etc, before finalising the route. The course was run over 12 farms and by general agreement, it was the biggest and the best for many years. Funds go to support local charities with this year’s event being held in memory of the late Ann Kenny whose family nominated Novas as their chosen charity.