DESPERATE weather in Clifden over the October bank holiday weekend didn’t deter buyers from travelling to the five-day Connemara Pony Sales where there was standing room only - and it was tight - around the sales ring particularly on Sunday and Monday. Some 1,108 ponies passed through the ring and returned a spectacular clearance rate of 86%, up from 77% 12 months ago.

The top price of €13,000 also held strong, albeit slightly down on last year (€14,500), and two foals broke the €5,000 barrier. As is the case across the country, the well-produced animals are making a premium but the bottom end of the market remains tough for breeders and sellers.