A SHOW does not have to be about livestock or competition, it should represent the best of a locality and involve our youth. Our youth are the future.”

Teachers juggling classrooms and the horse world are inspirational stories and another intriguing example is Colin Doyle, Ireland’s youngest show secretary.

Not only does he hold that voluntary title, but the Moate-born secondary schoolteacher is a great fan of Teagasc’s ISH Young Breeders initiative. And he has walked the talk in real time laps, clocked up around show rings, while leading prize-winning Connemaras and Irish Draughts.

The ultimate ‘people person’, Colin can pinpoint the exact schoolyard moment he knew he was on the right career path.

“Gut feelings are there for a reason and growing up, I felt myself gravitating to some role where I would be working with people. There was one particular instance in Sixth Class where I’d helped a new Junior Infant in the schoolyard at break time and I remember one of my teachers thanking me for helping out,” Colin explained.

That spark was later fuelled by Moate Community School’s Mentoring Programme. “School gave me so many opportunities, music and science became two huge passions of mine.” Which duly led to him being part of his alma mater’s All-Island Schools Choir winning team and two trips to SciFest, the BT Young Scientist competition.

What projects did he pick for SciFest? “Hoof Wall Separation Disease and Atypical Myopathy!” What else would you expect?

Armed with a Science Education degree after four years at the University of Limerick, Colin knew teaching was for him.

“Some say that, like nursing, trade work and first responders, teaching is a vocation, a natural line of work that you gravitate towards and are ‘called’ to do. I can firmly say that I fall into this bracket!

“I guess that part of me is so grateful for the opportunities that I was afforded so I want to be able to give back to the next few generations of students.

“To me, teaching is arguably one of the most rewarding things to do. There’s something about going into a class of students and being able to make even one small difference in their day. It’s the search for that ‘lightbulb moment’, where that student finally grasps a new idea or concept which gets me excited to teach every day. It’s what I love most about the classroom environment.

“Combine this with the unpredictability and varied lifestyle of an equine owner and you’ve one hell of a combo!”

Colin Doyle and the Teagasc ISH Young Breeders gold medal team in the Dublin parade last summer \ Susan Finnerty

Summer holidays

For the past two years, Colin has taught Science and Biology at Loreto Secondary School in Balbriggan. Although a little part of Clonmore gets brought into the classroom.

“Like many teachers, I made the move to Dublin. My parents, Nuala and Eugene, supported the idea with the quintessentially Irish approach of ‘What’s for you won’t pass you’ and I can’t say that I’ve looked back since. Part of me thinks they were only delighted to be rid of me!

“The move did involve leaving the flat green fields of Clonmore, near Moate. Not far at all from Dublin but it does mean missing out on time spent in the fresh outdoors; checking the horses and sheep, complaining about the wet fields and longing for the brighter and warmer days of summer. Thankfully, with family at home, especially Dad and my brother David, things are pretty well looked after.

“Science is an all-encompassing subject and I try to make everything I teach relevant to the world around us, while putting my own spin on it. I try to bring some agricultural themes to the school as well. Only last week, I was showing the students videos and pictures of ewes lambing, something some students would not know anything about!

“I’m thankful that keeping sheep and broodmares are quite seasonal tasks that really only ramp up in the spring and summer, but now that lambing has started and mares are due to foal, it’s not easy being away.

"The promise of new life keeps the wonder alive and makes those middle of the night checks so worthwhile.”

Weekends at home are spent “cleaning out sheds, herding or catching up on paperwork. It makes the journey home worthwhile and gives the family a little bit of free time.”

The lure of long summer holidays has traditionally been another of the career’s selling points for prospective teachers. “Without a doubt, having the summer months off is a huge benefit to my hobbies and pastimes outside of work, like playing football, travelling, catching up with friends or taking time out. And, for me, a time to invest in other projects.”

Such as Moate Show’s countdown towards its 180th anniversary this August.

“Having become involved in my local agricultural show, the summer months are also a time of planning and organising which now involves one room of Mam and Dad’s house being turned into a hub of paperwork, multicoloured folders and a whiteboard of ‘To Do’ items. Often it all resembles the site of some of my students’ lockers: organised chaos!”

On parade

How did the twenty-something take on his show secretary role? “The secretarial side came to be after doing a stint as the horse and pony section leader. I knew it would be a challenge, but as people say, ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person.’

“I’ve always counted myself as being quite an organised person. Outside school, I find myself involved with different clubs and groups and the ability to plan and include everything in a working week requires a cool and rational head.

“I think that life so far has taught me that organisation itself is key to success. As my old English teacher, Mr Devanny, used to repeat to us in Sixth Year, ‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail’.

“Being a show secretary has been a real learning experience, having to work with so many different people across different sections, as well as liaising with external organisations which requires time, patience and of course, people skills.

Sean Cooney’s Loughmore Johnny, champion foal at the 2019 Midlands Connemara Breeders Show at Mullingar, led by Colin Doyle \ Susan Finnerty

“Looking back on my first show in the role, I do feel a sense of achievement. It wouldn’t be possible without the guidance of other committee members and advice from people in other show societies.

“The show brings with it a real genuine sense of community, especially in the week leading up to it. At the end of the day, I’m merely a custodian carrying out a role, preserving a tradition when we put on a day for the community to enjoy. The show is a focal point in the calendar and everyone has a memory of it.”

David’s Fast Silver mare Derrada Mist and some of her 10 foals, including the Class 1 stallion Cloncastle Silver Squire, gave an extra dimension to his own real time experience on the other side of the ringside ropes.

“I’ve been so lucky to show in the RDS for a few breeders but especially for David. 2015 saw my first time to walk Ring 1 with his Shenandoah Prince Holly filly foal Cloncastle Hollie.

“The nerves were shot that day but the adrenaline eventually took over, and being presented with a red rosette was incredible. The following year, I got to show Hollie’s dam, Derradda Mist, placing second in a fantastic class of mares and in 2019, got the opportunity to show Cloncastle Silver Squire in the stallion parade and class. To be in a ring with up to 18 stallions, as the crowd fills up along the barriers to watch is almost ethereal.”

Colin lined out in another Dublin parade last year. This time among the victorious group of young breeders on a victory lap after their gold medal win at the World Breeding Federation for Young Horses (WBFSH) young breeder championships at Ermelo in the Netherlands. How did he get involved with the young breeder programme?

“I saw Facebook posts about it and my first experience was making a trip to Belmont House Stud on a very wet and bone-chilling Saturday in December. Despite the conditions, being able to see so many animals up close in one day and the information gathered is really quite the learning curve.

“The programme is a great experience if you want to try and train your eye to assess conformation and athleticism, both loose and under saddle. Meeting so many likeminded people, who all have an interest in horses and ponies, is fantastic.

“It makes you realise how small the equine community is as people invariably make so many connections to ponies we’ve previously owned or ridden.”

Coolmore treat

Despite a nerve-wracking dress rehearsal, the hard work paid off at Ermelo.

“Making the Irish team and winning the championship was an achievement of a lifetime. It’s something I’ll never forget. The days spent at the event flew by and are a bit of a blur at times, but the sunshine and craic had was mighty!

“All the other international teams were so friendly and had made friends with previous Irish members. However, making the selection didn’t go without plenty of work. Training and selection days were tough going and I will never forget the final team training day when absolutely everything went wrong; neither myself or an animal would stand right and I must have answered 25 out of 40 questions wrong.

“Nevertheless, in the end the countless hours studying theory, which Wendy [Conlon] had us well schooled on, paid off when I eventually scored 40/40 at the competition!

“I’d definitely encourage any young breeder to take part. To get to travel to so many different yards, getting the views of breeders and producers and seeing their stock is brilliant. Only last month, we were treated to a day at Coolmore Stud, an incredible insight into the thoroughbred industry.”

Shining through all he does is the social side and community spirit. Rosettes and plaudits are an added bonus. “There’s nothing I love more than heading off to a show on a weekend, with or without a horsebox in tow.

“Many who go to agricultural shows, a day show jumping or hunter trials, will all say that the social aspect is a major contributing factor to the success of their day. Personally, I love the day out, meeting new people, having a chat and hearing their stories. You’d be amazed the history you’d learn, be it about a person, area or horse. I try and not get caught up in the competitive nature of the day too much. After all, it’s one person’s opinion today, another person’s the next.

“In terms of the showing circuit, a natural dream as a Connemara breeder would be to take home a red rosette from Clifden with one I’ve bred. I think to make the pilgrimage to the home of the Connemara pony and return to the Midlands with any coloured ribbon is a win in itself.”

And he’s got a ‘next generation’ apprentice lined up. “Handling foals and bringing them to shows is even more special now that my eldest niece Katie has begun helping out. Last year she came to all the shows and showed my Connemara mare Sea View Pepper for me.

“Katie has always wanted to get into the show ring and after last year, she’s also my good luck charm. From every class I’ve entered, I’ve learnt something new, either from a judge, a friend or family, and I hope that I can start passing that combined knowledge to her. Only last August, she entered her first young handler class at the IDHS Breed Show and took first place!”

Creative network

“Over the last couple of years. I’ve tracked down some Irish Draughts and Connemaras which Mam and Dad have bred. It’s been wonderful to see their achievements; be it jumping, dressage or even Clonmore Treasure (Gwennic de Goariva) who has represented Britain at two-star level endurance competitions.

“Each animal has made a difference to someone and isn’t that the great thing about them, the connection that you make and the stories you can tell as a result?” That dollop of pragmatism continues with his breeding philosophy.

“Now that I’m starting to breed ponies myself, the obvious goal is to breed sound and healthy animals, using stallions that I have an interest in.

“Yes, it can often be easy to use local animals to save on travelling expenses or go with the most marketable stallions, but if they are not going to suit a mare, then I feel that’s not the avenue to take.

“I can’t say that I’ll ever go on to breed something that’ll compete internationally, or win big nationally, but who knows what the future will bring. Seeing the Clonmore prefix at any show, from grassroot agricultural shows to showstoppers like Dublin or HOYS will always be an achievement for any breeder.”

Back to grassroots, many local committees and events face challenges. What does he think are the challenges facing agricultural shows?

“There are of course challenges to shows: costs, insurance, safety. However, they will not matter it we don’t have new faces from the next generation coming on board. New people bring new ideas which will ultimately draw in new patrons to a show and this should be embraced with open arms.

“I’d encourage anyone who wants to get involved with a show to contact their local committee. Even better, if you have an idea, advocate for it. Allowing someone take on a job gives freedom of expression and will make someone put their all into it. That’s the kind of positive engagement we should see.”

“I think the tide is beginning to turn regarding youth engagement. I’m part of a youth network group, whereby we get together to plan and implement ideas to attract young people to the life of a show.

“We come from Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan and Meath and all have a keen interest in our local shows, with all of us helping out or holding some sort of position.

“Last year we helped out at different shows, providing a support network, whilst engaging with other young persons. Hopefully you’ll see more of us in 2023!”

And there’s more recruits on his proverbial doorstep. “Schools have so many creative students. Wouldn’t it be great if shows could link with their local schools, especially Transition Year students who may look to get involved and bring stalls with them.

“Many TY students create mini-companies or take part in programmes run by AgriAware or the Certified Irish Angus group, so why not let them come and set up information points?”

Who knows, maybe there’s another Colin Doyle dynamo amongst these get-up-and-go youngsters?