LISTENING to Willie Boland as he casts his mind back to the years of his good mare Chipmount, there’s something both of its time and yet timeless about hearing the Tulla gentleman’s story, with its ingredients of pride in breeding, honour and Banner glory.

Like many stories, there’s countless coincidences and links too. One example is how CES Cruson, Marie Burke’s horse that delivered an individual gold medal for young Rhys Williams at the Children on Horses European championships last summer, goes back to Willie’s foundation mare. And the Burkes, Williams and travel tales are interwoven throughout.