THE Irish Pony Society held their annual awards celebration last Saturday at Barberstown Castle, Straffan. With a full showing season for the first time since 2019 due to Covid-19, there were an impressive 170 attendees to celebrate the achievements of members for the 2022 season, writes Michele Craik-White.
Members from the nine IPS regions, Cork, Kildare/North Leinster, Limerick/Clare, Northern, South Leinster/Waterford, Tipperary, Wicklow, Western and North-Western Areas had made the journey and thoroughly enjoyed the electric party atmosphere.
In the opulent surroundings of Barberstown Castle, the evening started with the IPS chairman, Clive Johnston, giving an enthusiastic speech welcoming all to the awards night and to the special guests for the evening, including Editor of The Irish Field, Leo Powell, Mrs Dorothy Guilford, Eileen, Mark and Deborah Molloy, family of the late former chairman Peter Molloy. A moment’s silence was observed for Peter Molloy on his recent passing.
The new Irish Pony Society mascot was unveiled much to the delight of Junior members who was named on the night as ‘Chips’ (CH – Champion & IPS) and once again the sweet cart proved hugely popular.
Over the next few hours, riders excitedly accepted their awards in over 90 categories, energetically clapping for each other and posing for photos with the onsite photographer and ‘Chips’. During the lovely five-course meal, the guests were entertained by a hypnotist who had the audience in awe as he put some parents thoroughly under his control - much to the delight of all the children.
Charlotte Goor, IPS mascot Chips, Emily Scott, Leo Powell, Editor of The Irish Field, and Isabel Rymer at the IPS annual awards for 2022 at Barberstown Castle \ Ado Flynn Photography
Winners Alright
The Top Category Awards were presented to Amira Curran on the super consistent Bunbury Suarez winning the overall M & M Category with Keelan Curley and Pantycoed Mercutio coming top in the Mini M&M Section.
Amber Lane with both of her ponies, Barkway State Affair and Dubarry, had an amazing season and picked up numerous top awards on the evening, including Mini Show Hunter, Mini Show Pony which was also jointly awarded to Stephanie Fleming and her mount Whiteleaze Secret Temptation. Barkway State Affair went on to be crowned Overall Points Winner and Champion Pony of the Year, which was an amazing first season for this rising star combination.
Aoife Brennan on the wonderful Goldengrove Sunrise was the recipient of the Starter Stakes and Partbred awards. Another competitor with outstanding performances this season was Charlotte Kelly on Goldengrove Maydream picking up the Overall Show Pony, Show Hunter, and Irish Bred Awards. Not to be outdone Charlotte’s sister Penny picked up the Coloured Pony Award after a successful season on her pony Dunbeggan Dreamer.
Aoife Flynn and The Fiery Diplomat took home the hotly contested Overall Connemara award after their triumphant first season together. Mini Working Hunter section was won by sisters Robin and Nancy Lyons-Teehan with Pentrelloyd Edward. Charlotte Goor took home the Overall Novice Pony for her successful year on Erimus Gamekeeper.
Aoibhinn Ruane and Clonad Rose was presented with both the Arran Bobby and Working Hunter Awards for the second year running after another stellar season. Keeping the emphasis on hard work and dedication, Jessica Murphy had another wonderful season on the IPS circuit, picking up the Intermediate Award with the superbly talented Darcy De Chanteloube.
Jessica Murphy, Elizabeth Wentges, and Lily Nadir at the IPS annual awards evening for 2022 at Barberstown Castle \ Ado Flynn Photography
The Youngstock Award was jointly presented to Anna Kennedy’s Goldengrove Tempest and Elaine Sherrard’s Parkhill That’s Amore. The Overall Breeding Pony was won by Kathy Geoghan Curley’s Connemara stallion Glencarrig Bracken.
2022 was an exceptional year for IPS members qualifying for international competitions and to acknowledge their hard work, there was a presentation for members who had qualified for the Royal International and the Horse of the Year Show. The Brandon Achievement Award was presented by the FitzGerald family jointly to Abbie Shannon and Nicole O’Shaughnessy.
The recipients of the Pinkeen and Carew cups for the top girl and boy riders at the IPS Summer Championship Show were Amber Lane and Connor Cusack after a brilliant showing at the two-day event at Necarne during the summer.
Support
A disco rounded out the night with parents joining in the fun around the dance floor. The Irish Pony Society had a very successful 2022 with members winning classes at home and abroad with a record number of members qualifying for the prestigious Horse of The Year Show.
The Irish Pony Society would like to thank all members for their help and support throughout the year. We look forward to seeing everyone including non-members at the IPS Spring Show on April 15th at Castle Irvine, Necarne, where a wide range of classes are available for all including, Royal International Qualifiers.
Ella Connolly, Aoife Brennan, IPS mascot Chips, Evie Kennedy, Amanda Torrens and Tristian Kelly at the IPS Annual Awards for 2022 at Barberstown Castle \ Ado Flynn Photography