It was a packed and competitive weekend for amateur riders across the country, with several shows drawing strong entries. In the Connaught region, the Connaught Amateur Spring Show at Duffy’s proved a standout event, attracting a large and enthusiastic field of competitors.
The action got underway with the Friends of Connaught Amateurs Welcome Stakes, where 15 combinations took to the arena. Naoimh O’Gorman Grealish (A) claimed top honours with a polished double clear round in a time of 34.98 seconds. Aisling Hughes (A) partnered with Annaghbeg Cu Chulainn finished close behind in second on 36.18, while sport member Mary McInerney secured third aboard Little Silver Treasure with a clear in 41.17. Christine Rabbitt (A) and her six-year-old Dame Rabbitt (A) slotted into fourth, followed by Aoileann Nic An Iomaire (AA) with Parkroe Amigo Lad in fifth. Paul Tarpey and Chf Kenavo completed the top six.
A competitive field of 25 lined out for the O’Brien Cement Power & Speed class, which also incorporated a Farmers Journal Qualifier. Caroline Devine (A) emerged victorious with her eight-year-old Captain Devine, delivering a faultless round in 34.37 seconds. Joanna Hyland (A) continued her strong form to take second with Queen Lu in 35.24, while Ava Vaughan and Carrigshawn Condi secured third place. Rachel Mahon (A) and Stralongford Christine finished fourth, just ahead of Ethan McGorisk and Redbridge Fintan in fifth. Rachel Foley (A) rounded out the placings with a clear round aboard Indra.
The feature class of the weekend, the Jim Derwin Equestrian & Niall Earls Easyfix Amateur Grand Prix, which also served as a NAPS & Circulo League Qualifier, drew 28 starters. Of those, 11 advanced to the jump-off, but only three managed to produce double clear rounds.
Joanna Hyland (A) delivered a standout performance to take the Grand Prix title with her mare Queen Lu, stopping the clock at 38.60 seconds. Nicola Burke and Baronscourth Dancing Boy pushed hard but had to settle for second with a clear in 38.72. Rachel McAlinden (AA) claimed third place with Knockash Flexi, completing the trio of double clears. Tomás Seoighe (AA) finished fourth after opting for wider lines, while Tara Brandon (AA) was the fastest of the four-fault rounds to take fifth. Rachel Mahon (A) and Stralongford Christine completed the top six.
Overall, the event showcased the depth of talent within the amateur ranks and provided an exciting weekend of showjumping competition in Connaught.