AFTER four weeks of well supported competition, the AIRC South Leinster’s regional show jumping league came to a conclusion last Saturday.

Held for the first time in the lovely facilities of Marlton Stud, the league is now in its 14th year and the region is very grateful to the sponsor, Eamon Holmes, who has supported the league since its inception.

This was the first opportunity the region had to work with the new competition and grading structure introduced by the AIRC in 2022 and the flexibility for members to compete at different levels was reflected in the good entry each week.

Under the new system, standard classes are open to both those graded at the level of the class and those from a lower grade who are planning to upgrade. Open classes, on the other hand, are for competitors of the level of the class and those wishing to compete at a lower grade whether for reasons of confidence or riding young horses. League placings were determined based on points gained by competitors according to their placings and clear rounds over the course of the four weeks.

In the 70cms standard class, consistency was rewarded when Lynne Graham (Clydagh Fair Joe Saphire) from Greenvalley took the trophy having had a clean sweep each week. The 70cms Open class went to Marie Moynihan (Tess), representing Greenvalley, and she was closely followed by Bria Speakman (Moneyribbon Hero), also from Greenvalley and the third prize went to Tanya English (Bo) from Foxborough.

Lynne took the opportunity to have a go in the 80cms Standard class where she also took top spot while Marie had to be satisfied with the runner-up slot with Graham Doyle (My Euro Cruise) coming third. Gerry Reid, with his lovely young four-year-old Dexter, was successful in the 80cms Open class and Bria Speakman with the truly honest Moneyribbon Hero was second, ahead of Mairead Waters with the evergreen and enthusiastic Salty from Enniskerry slotting into third.

Competition then moved on to the 90cms and 100cms sections where fastest time in the second round was the decider. Chloe Shimmins (Sally Mont Cond) from Killegar showed the way in the 90cms Standard class with three firsts over the four weeks giving her the top placing.

Marie Moynihan’s husband, Michael Freeley (Susie) from Greenvalley, was second and Leigha Mawer (Leddy) from Hollybrook, on her first inter club competition, took third.

The region were delighted to welcome some competitors from outside the region and both Ian Quinlan (The Plasterer) from Meath, and Yvonne Layng (Sarco Pride) from Killossory certainly made their journey over each week count; Ian snatched first place in the 90cms Open class with Yvonne coming second.

The placings were reversed in the 100cms Standard class with Yvonne in poll position and Ian taking runner up.