IT appears a stalwart of the Connemara Pony community has stepped in to ensure the smooth running of the annual show at it’s usual home, the Clifden Showgrounds.

Despite committing to an update on the status of the show, which was in danger of not going ahead or being moved due to an arena surface issue, the Connemara Breeders Society failed to do so.

The update was to be made on Thursday following a meeting of the board held on Wednesday, however CPBS told The Irish Field that an official update would not be made until next week.

In-fighting

However, The Irish Field understands that, in spite of the meeting involving some tense in-fighting regarding the accounts from last year’s show, one positive outcome is that Henry O’Toole, prolific Connemara breeder and former chairman of the Show Committee, has made himself available to chair the now disbanded show committee and form a new one to ensure the world-renowned event will go ahead, and in its usual venue.

The news was met with widespread approval and relief from ordinary members, breeders and owners.

The Connemara Breeders Society were approached for comment on all matters referred to above and did not respond.

In positive passport news out of the society, it has confirmed that over the past couple of weeks, it sent out 1,200 DNA sample bags to Weatherbys Scientific and is “currently up to date”.

It also stated that 65 passports have been issued with an average turnaround of 16 days in 2024.