THE popular Jumps Ahead league, hosted by the Muskerry Branch of the Irish Pony Club at Ballindenisk and sponsored by O’Brien Saddlery and Delforno Tiles & Timber, came to its conclusion last Sunday, following over 500 rounds of jumping.

The organisers were very fortunate that the weather was kind on all four days, especially last Sunday with members of the O’Halloran/ Crowley family on hand to see Diarmuid O’Halloran present the new Dr Anne Crowley Perpetual Cup to Lucinda O’Connor, District Commissioner of the West Carbery Branch, whose member, Anna Connolly was the cup’s first winner.

Anna Connolly on Rathoonagh Girl won the Dr Anne Crowley Perpetual cup, which was presented by Anne’s son Diarmuid O’Halloran to Lucinda O’Connor, West Carbery DC on behalf of the winner

A former member of the Carbery Branch and former secretary and treasurer of the Muskerry Branch, Dr Crowley, Diarmuid’s mother, had just been appointed Area 5 representative when she died suddenly on January 6th this year.

Commenting on the Jumps Ahead league, the Muskerry District Commissioner Linda Daly said: “The league was a great success again and each week we had huge numbers competing.

“We have to thank Peter Fell and his team at Ballindenisk for their efforts, as each week saw a different challenge, be it a tricky joker or an awkward angle. Thanks also to the St John Ambulance division, who looked after members who had a tumble, and especially to our judge on all four days, Anne-Marie O’Riordan, who is so encouraging and patient.”

The league winners were West Carbery’s Anna Connolly with Rathoonagh Girl (60cm), South Union’s Daniels Burns on Darcy (70cm), Carbery’s Elaine Whelton riding BEC Fanta (80cm), United’s Anna Lucey with Soxs Golden Girl (90cm) and Muskerry’s Roisin Lucey, who won the 1m league on Brandonwell Jack and the 1.10m league with Doe Mick.