The Munster region staged all six of Ireland’s international fixtures and it was good to see the full quota of overseas riders making journeys. First up was the ever popular fixture at Ballindenisk which, now enhanced by the fabulous new arena, was one of three hosted by the indefatigable Fell family over the course of the year.

A sizeable overseas contingent made the journey to Co Cork, and it was the Italian Olympian Giovanni Ugolotti who landed the feature long format four star with Swirly Temptress, while for the home side Cathal Daniels opened his account with Jo Breheny’s seventh placed mare LEB Lias Jewel.

In the short format equivalent, Camilla Speirs made her first international appearance since the birth of baby Tilly, to fill the runner-up spot aboard the exciting BT Angelo. Ian Cassells meanwhile landed Ireland’s sole major win with Bridget McGing’s CCI3*L victor Master Point.

All roads led to Millstreet for the first of their two internationals in June. Such is its popularity, the event attracted a host of eventing royalty, as well as a strong home contingent. Badminton winner Laura Collett lifted the feature CCI4*-L with Dacapo, while flying the Irish flag, Claire Abbott (DHI No Fear) headed five Irish riders to fill the top spot in the CCI3*-S.

Ireland’s only other win came courtesy of Sian Coleman who, on the cusp of a wonderful year, took the CCI*-Intro aboard Maurice Coleman’s consistent Kilroe Frolic.

Disappointment

It was again hugely disappointing to learn that Camphire announced its cancellation for the third year in succession. Despite the lifting of all Covid restrictions, the staging of the event after such a time lapse as well as the accompanying uncertainties proved a financial step too far for the organisers, but it is strongly hoped that this popular fixture will return.

Speaking in March, event organiser Paul Brady commented: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it was decided, after much deliberation, that the financial risks were too great to run the event this year. A significant percentage of Camphire’s competitors are internationals and currently there are high costs for these competitors to bring their horses to Ireland since Brexit. These costs, combined with the current high fuel costs and continuing uncertainties around Covid, mean there is a real risk of the event being financially unviable in 2022.”

Disappointingly for the organisers, the first of two scheduled Semalease Kilguilkey international fixtures was cancelled due to inclement weather, but stepping into the breech, Ballindenisk ran again at the beginning of July. Unsurprisingly, the overseas entries were weak for this late arranged fixture, but continuing her love affair with Irish eventing, Kirsty Chabert claimed the feature CCI3*S with Opposition Aphrodite.

The second of the Semalease Kilguilkey fixtures ran as planned, with the four-star long format honours falling to New Zealand visitor Sam Lissington. This was Lissington’s first win at the level, but highlighting the worrying dearth of entries (four-star) in these classes, Lissington had just one opponent in Ian Cassells who completed well with Woodendfarm Jack DO.

Riding for the sponsor Richard Ames, his American stable jockey Gillian Beale King swept the board in the CCI3*-L, while British rider Kirsty Chabert and Classic V1 narrowly pipped Joseph Murphy (Calmaro) to head the short format. For Ireland, Patrick Whelan landed a notable double, winning the both the CCI2* with Altitu and the intro aboard Ikoon Lan DHI.

Home wins

Millstreet made its second appearance of the season late in August and, despite strong overseas opposition, the showcase was notable for three fabulous home wins. First up, the on-form Sian Coleman and Hush A Bye Baby landed a memorable victory in the feature CCI4*-L, while earlier in the afternoon Jonathan Steele (R Showman) picked up the biggest win of his career in the CCI2*L while Ian Cassells (Rossconnell Alto) landed the CCI3*S.

The season closed as it opened with the traditional fixture at Ballindenisk. The overseas challenge was limited, but taking nothing away from the competition, Irish riders landed the hat-trick of long format titles. Much to his delight, the popular Darragh Byrne lifted the CCI4*-L title with his own Kilcannon Ramiro, Michael O’Toole and Icco headed the CCI3*L and Momo Sheehy (TMX Herby) picked up the honours in the two-star.