AMONG the positives to emerge from this depleted event season has been the emergence of two new event venues. Both have been welcome additions to the south Leinster calendar, and last week’s inaugural fixture at Blackstairs in Co Wexford received plaudits from all quarters.

Hosted by the enterprising O’Connor family, and set against the spectacular backdrop of the Blackstairs and Mount Leinster mountain ranges, the site itself is undoubtedly among the most scenic in the country.