MEMBERS of the North Kilkenny Branch of the Irish Pony Club enjoyed a night of presentations, great speeches, games, spot prizes and dancing at their awards evening held in the Club House Hotel, Kilkenny earlier this month.

Among those present were Kayleigh Hoban, the Senior Rider of the Year, her Junior counterpart, Leah Dooley, Emma Lennon Walsh (Under 12s) and Nancy Lyons Teehan (Under 10s). The Sheehan sisters – Rachel, Julia and Emma – won the year’s turn-out award.

Meabh Holohan (Senior) and Harry Murphy (Junior) were adjudged the most improved riders, Faith Long was the most improved rider on a young horse, Julianne Manton was recognised for her efforts with Casper Manton when presented with the Mischief Mastered award. The award for most improved show jumper went to Kim O’Connell, while Mia Perry took the corresponding award for dressage. Mia represented the Branch at the recent IPC raceday at The Curragh.

The Long family with Jill Maher of Nuenna Farm Equestrian of North Kilkenny Branch of the Irish Pony Club held their awards evening held in the Club House Hotel, Kilkenny

The Cooke siblings, Sean and Elizabeth, were winners, respectively, of the Senior and Junior international Tetrathlon awards, while Amber Clarke was the Minimus award winner and Lucy O’Connell and Katie Murphy were the Fledgling winners. Aoibhinn Manton, who rode Flowerhill Bobby at Under 12s level, was presented with the eventing award and Molly Clarke took the hunter trials award, having won the Under 12s’ singles title with Cloonross at the national championships in September.

As the most Pony Club spirited member of the Branch, Eabha Murphy was presented with the Michael Brannigan award.

The Rose Minogue award for the most-loved pony went to Abbie and Emily English’s Major, while the Sonny Jim award for the pony giving the most to the club was won by Laura, Gilly and Sarah Eardly’s Lola. Many people were involved in the successful running of the awards night, but special mention must be made of Branch District Commissioner Eimer Clarke plus Triona Long, Kay Manton and Vanessa Costigan Dooley.