Some locals attended solely for the lessons but the vast majority of the contingent stayed on site, some accompanied by wives/husbands/partners, while three entire families – Champions, Kirwans and Richardsons – uprooted themselves to Co Monaghan. The serious part of the weekend encompassed flatwork coaching from Sarah Ennis on Saturday with Gabriel Tunney taking over the next day for jumping lessons.

Both coaches devoted long hours to their tasks and riders were impressed that Sarah could turn around and compete with four horses in the combined training at Coilog on Sunday. Those on the course also went hacking and cross-country schooling both days and, for many, the highlight of their stay was jumping in and out of the Castle Leslie lake. While there were plenty of seasoned campaigners among their numbers, it was good to see some new sportsmans riders sign up for the course. As usual, the social side of the weekend was excellent.