GOREY Community School took home the winning honours in the TRI Equestrian Open Team class at Coilog Equestrian, over Chris Byrne’s testing tracks.

Gorey’s riders Naomi Doyle (Pairc na Ruairc), Holly Spencer (Mischa B), Lauren Spencer (Kyle Lad) and Angelica McGee (Abbeybrook Aurora) proved unbeatable with host school Newbridge College second with Mia Browne (Express Nala), Cici Murphy (Lord of the Rings), Keelin Scott (Millacrew Heights) and Sive Murphy (Political Diamond). Third place went to Alexandra College’s Catherine O’Connor (Clonagoose Sky Bouncer), Siofra Buffin Brew (Cleighrine Warrior), Caoimhe Davis (Birchill Another Star) and Luna Finnerty (Baronrath Troy). St Joseph’s Rochfortbridge, Wesley College and Kilkenny College took the remaining places. St Gerard’s Bray was awarded the best turn out prize (see also Pony Tales page 99).

The TRI Equestrian Open Individual league class saw first place and 10 points claimed by Emily O’Neill (Zothen’s Nobel), Mercy SS Kilbeggan. Anna Morrisey (Shergar Rose), East Glendalough was second ahead of Lucy Gaffney (World of Orestus), St Mary’s Naas. Sarah Sheppard (Galtee Shadow), and Sarah Sheppard, Colaiste Bride Carnew Sean Tracey, (Beech Hill Koko), CBS Naas in fifth and Emily Crawford (LGS Safari), Wesley College were fourth, fifth and sixth.

The final competition in this arena was the HSI premier 1.10m class. The first qualifying place went to Gorey Community School’s Angelica McGee (Abbeybrook Aurora). Niamh Staunton (Rosie), St Mary’s Naas, Cara Rothwell (FWS Ricardo Royale), Kilkenny College, Eoghan McGrath (Bean an Ti the 2nd), Patrician Secondary School, Emily O’Neill (The Stig), Mercy SS, Kilbeggan and Sive Murphy (Political Diamond) while Newbridge College claimed the remaining qualifying places on offer.

The EII Novice Teams class had a large number of team entries with six teams making it to the jump-off. The winning team was Scoil Mhuire Trim with their three riders, Megan Campbell (Tidal Power), Lisa Murray (Milltown Lass) and Caoimhe Murray (Flahulach). The St Gerard’s Bray team of Thea Whelahan (Bolting Bob), Ali Condren (Domino Dynamo), Darby Condren (Chesterfield Erin Curtis) and Arabella Whelahan (Blackhill Border Fox) were second. Third place was claimed by Borris VS, with riders Rosemary Dundon (Sandy of Springhill), Ella Kidd (The Magic Lady), Dearbhla Sheehan (Montezuma) and Harry Griffith (Sock Monster). Gorey CS, Newbridge College and Presentation, Thurles filled the remaining places while St Peter’s College, Dunboyne won the turn out prize.

Win for Tracey

The fun 80cm Individual class saw Sean Tracey (Barrowhouse Lady) CBS Naas crowned worthy winners ahead of Ali Condren (Domino Dam), St Gerard’s Bray and Una Farrell (Pablo), Tullow Community School in third.

The all-important Equieire EII Novice 90cm class followed with six qualifying places on offer and a very large entry. Lucy O’Rourke riding Corra Beauty from Killina Presentation Secondary School claimed first place with Isobel O’Hora (Garrynarea Ricky), Presentation Thurles in second and Niamh Tobin (Millbrae Wendy), Tullow Community School in third. Jane Fitzgerald (Broomfield Banner), Colaiste Eoin Hackettstown was fourth with Darby Condren (Chesterfield Erin Curtis) St Gerard’s and Mai Monaghan (Sailtre Imperial Commander) Newbridge College and Mai Monaghan in fifth and sixth respectively.

St Gerard’s triumph

Primary teams and individuals provided great sport for their enthusiastic supporters. The team winners were from St Gerard’s Bray Junior School. Dahlia Durkan (Stonehaven), Isabelle Galligan (Cullinagh Hero), Maya Von Moll (Aherne Valiant) and Maggie McDonnell (Knocknacurragh) comprised the winning team. Scoil Diarmada Castledermot’s Anna Curry (Dolly), Lauren O’Sullivan (Ivy), Maya White (Pippy) and Jack Hargadon (Windale Honey Bee) were worthy runners-up ahead of Bennetsbridge NS represented by Ava O’Neill (Flashdance), Lily Gooley (Isabelle Queen), Taylor O’Neill (Come n’ Through) and Lucy Fitzgerald (Curious). The best turned out prize was awarded to the combined local team from Kildare Educate Together, St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland NS and Newbridge Educate Together.

The fun 55cm class followed with victory going to Ava Jenkinson (Kara Silver) for Rathmore NS while Taylor O’Neill (Flash Dance), Bennetsbridge NS was second ahead of Heidi Masterson (Marvel), Gorey Educate Together NS in third.

The final class in this arena was the EII 75cm Individual League class. First place and 10 points were awarded to Donard NS’s Holly Stephenson riding Shambo. Molly Darby’s Darkly Julie, Ticknock NS was second with Gorey Educate Together’s Heidi Masterson (Marvel) in third. The action moves this weekend to Co Westmeath, where Mullingar Equestrian are the hosts.