THE phrase “If you want something done, ask a busy person,” certainly proved true for the parade of champions through the streets of Clifden. The Irish Horse World’s own Judith Faherty, straight after helping to put last week’s bumper issue to print, was given the task of leading Castle Charm, owned by father-in-law Henry O’Toole.

Tourists, cyclists and motorists all stop to watch the sight and taking part in the champions parade had a special significance for Robbie Fallon.

“I used to go to Clifden with my mom when I was very young. She would go visit Stanleys and I used to walk around the town and see photos of the winning ponies at Clifden Show. I always dreamed that one day, one of my ponies photos would be in the shop windows,” said an elated Robbie after Cashelbay Kate’s supreme champion win.

Not only will her photo join the Clifden prizewinners gallery but Fallon, was joined by wife Barbara, who made it back from San Francisco to walk alongside Robbie, Kate and her Aniar Cashel foal, led by John Nee from Robbie’s homeplace, Cashel.

Heading the parade was their ridden champion Cashelbay Rocket, produced by righthand man Michael Harty.

Memories made

Having emigrated to the States, Robbie and Barbara started their Shamrock Moving & Storage company in 1975, since built up to be one of the premier companies in its field on the West Coast. Two of their daughters Helen and Marion, who work in the business, were home on a family holiday and were in Clifden to see their father’s dream come true.

“It was wonderful to have my wife Barbara walking beside me at that special moment during the parade. This is by far and away the most important win of my life. The one I dreamed of, above any other show. I have so much relief to have achieved this; I feel I am complete now in the Connemara winning circle.

“I’m so flattered by all of the calls and messages I’ve received from Ireland and around the world. One of the first calls I received was from the legend Philip McManus to congratulate me. I was so delighted to hear from him.”

From the schoolboy, looking at pictures in shopwindows, to leading the supreme champion past Stanleys was the proverbial dream come true for Fallon.