LAST Saturday night, February 17th, saw Ulster Region show jumpers once again making their way to Corick House Hotel at Clogher, Co Tyrone, for their annual dinner and awards presentations - but this time it was horses that took centre stage rather than ponies as it had been the week previous.

The SJI Ulster Region committee said they were delighted with the increase in numbers this year; a sure sign that they are doing something right.

Compere for the evening, Ulster Region committee member, Andrew Thompson welcomed everyone to the event and extended congratulations to all the region’s athletes and their support teams for being such great ambassadors for the region. He made special mention of the Ulster Region’s Young Riders, who excelled during 2023, in particular Niamh McEvoy, who was a member of the Gold medal winning team at the Young Riders’ European Championships. Niamh was not able to attend on the evening, as she was at Vejer de la Frontera in Spain, where she won a number of classes over the weekend against huge competition.

There was a good turnout for the awards evening and everyone was in super form, anticipating a great night ahead. Corick House, as always, served a wonderful dinner and before long it was down to the main business of the evening, with the presentation of the awards.

Derek Reid and Aldyth Roulston presenting Ray Buchanan with a Special Recognition Award for his Devoted Services To Show jumping at the SJI Ulster Region awards night \ Kyra Griffin Photography

Silverware

In fact, there were 154 presentations made on the night, which included some beautiful Genesis Horse figurines, for some of the Special Recognition Awards, glassware, 56 perpetual cups and the fantastic and much sought after, Dermott Lennon Rookie of the Year Trophy, which this year was awarded to Alex Finney, who was also unable to attend due to international competition in Spain.

Presentations started with the Wilsons Auctions Summer Tour, with Ulster Region chairman, Derek Reid handing out the cups and trophies, assisted by Paddy Ward, who presented the Amateur awards.

Special guest for the evening, Ray Buchanan, presented the awards for the National Balmoral Championships, with cups presented for all classes from 90cm up to 1.30m, as well as for Amateurs, Young Riders and horse age classes.

Ulster Region President, Gerry McCloskey presented championship awards for Balmoral CSI2*, for the age classes, 1.35m championship and Amateurs, as well as the Cavan Classic awards.

Dessie McFadden, National Vice Chairman, Ulster Region Vice Chairman and National Pony Chairman, then presented the National awards and awards to the highest placed Ulster Region members in the SJI Grand Prix Series.

Sharon Conlon was invited to the stage next to present the National Young Rider Championships and the Summer Horse and Young Rider Championships, before Dessie McFadden returned to present the RDS Dublin Horse Show awards.

Derek Reid presenting Fiona Thompson with the 1m MEC cup, which she won during the Wilson Auctions Summer Tour at the SJI Ulster Region awards night \ Kyra Griffin Photography

Special Recognition

Aldyth Roulston and Derek Reid then had the pleasure of presenting a Special Recognition Award on behalf of the SJI Ulster Region committee, to Ray Buchanan for his many years of devoted service to show jumping. Derek then presented the Ulster Region Breeders’ Cup to Gerry Marron, who bred Kinmar Agalux, who has qualified for the Olympics.

James Kernan presented Rookie of the Year to Alex Finney; Junior Rookie of the Year to Camryn Clarke, as well as FEI and achievement awards.

Derek Reid presented an Ulster Region Owner Recognition award to Donald Loughran, owner of Cornet, ridden by Emily Turkington and Groom of the Year to Chloe O’Neill, who grooms for Emily Turkington.

On the night, votes were cast for the Ulster Region Horse Show of the Year and Ulster Region Venue of the Year. The Horse Show of the Year went to National Balmoral Championships, while the Venue of the Year went to Cavan Equestrian Centre.

James Kernan presenting Outstanding Achievement Awards, in recognition of exceptional results during 2023, to Niamh McEvoy (with her mum, Maeve receiving the award) and Jonathan Smyth at the SJI Ulster Region awards night \ Kyra Griffin Photography

Paddy Ward presenting Sarah Kinnear with the AA Amateur Cup, with Niamh McFall who was third, at the SJI Ulster Region awards night \ Kyra Griffin Photography

Auction

The Ulster Region committee is well-known for organising fantastic auction lots and this year was no different. The auctioneer on the night was Mr Gordon Robinson, who had travelled from Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh to attend. Members and guests attending on the night were very generous, with the auction doing really well; the usual raffle was also held and some happy people took home prizes, while supporting the Ulster Region for the year ahead.

A great night was had by all and Miceal King, a prize winner on the night who received a beautiful Tipperary vase and the coveted title of ‘Most Improved Sports Member’, kept the floor filled with amazing upbeat music until the wee small hours.

The Ulster Region would like to express sincere thanks to Wilsons Auctions for their very generous sponsorship of the Wilsons Auctions Ulster Region Horse Tour. Thanks was also given also to everyone who donated auction and raffle items as well as those who supported the night through buying auction lots and raffle tickets.

Aldyth Roulston also thanked her events committee for all their efforts and hard work in helping to organise the night – she said she couldn’t have done it without them.

Derek Reid presenting The Castle Irvine Perpetual Cup, the Ulster Region Owner Recognition Award, for the Winning Grand Prix Horse 4* and above to Donald Loughran, owner of Cornet, ridden by Emily Turkington at the SJI Ulster Region awards night \ Kyra Griffin Photography

Derek Reid presenting the Ulster Region Breeders Award, the SVS Sport Horses Cup to Gerry Marron, who bred Kinmar Agalux, who has qualified for the Olympics, at the SJI Ulster Region awards night \ Kyra Griffin Photography

Megan McGettigan receiving The John Black and Family Perpetual Cup from Gerry McCloskey for the five-year-old class at Balmoral CSI2* at the SJI Ulster Region awards night \ Kyra Griffin Photography

Paddy Ward presenting Ellie Ward and Hannah McCrory with the Sports Members Cup at the SJI Ulster Region awards night \ Kyra Griffin Photography