BILLED as the ‘show within a show’, the presentation of the Clarecastle medals during the show’s official opening is an event in itself. Yet another brainchild of its show chairman Michael Slattery, the medals are intended to acknowledge individuals who have contributed to the Irish horse and show worlds.

Former Irish Shows’ Association presidents David Sheehan (2018) and Michael Hughes (2019) were the first two recipients; another ex-ISA president Paddy Joe Foy was amongst the 2022 winners, when the show resumed post-Covid, alongside Valerie Thorington and the ‘voice and pen’ of Irish equestrianism, Michael Slavin.

Last year, saw the first posthumous medal awarded to the family of the late Ivor McDonagh, accepted by his daughter Lisa; then Slyguff Stud’s Frances Hatton and the ISA first lady president Dorothea Lazenby, who sadly passed away in May.

And then there was that pin-dropping moment, as the tables were turned on the ‘Giver, not a taker” show chairman himself, when he was the recipient of his own creation.

Speechless after last year’s surprise, Michael Slattery was back to his ebullient best for Sunday’s awards and both he and another dynamic character in Michael Ring TD, brought down the proverbial marquee with their lively repartee.

This year’s Clarecastle medal winners? Dick O’Connell for his 60 years of service as a horticulture judge and then a trio from the horse world: Carlow lady, Eilene Brennan, the doyenne of the Irish Draught world and Irish Pony Club volunteer supremo. A constant presence ringside and on tradestands at shows and inspections, Eilene also bred the Guinness champion at Dublin, Mr Maunby.

Sartorial Elegance: Tom Slattery and brother Michael with Carlow lady Eilene Brennan, one of this year’s Clarecastle medal winners \ Susan Finnerty

Longtime friends and stallion masters – Grove Hill Stud’s Cyril Conway and Ballymureen Stud’s Paddy Quirke – were also honoured. Cyril bred Gortnageer Star, dam of Kevin Babington’s Carling King, as well as standing a range of stallions, including Cougar, Diamond Lad and Lester Lad.

Joe O’Donoghue, Clashmore Stud, presented another stallion master Paddy Quirke with his photo during the Clarecastle medals awards \ Susan Finnerty

Ars Vivendi and Harlequin du Carel, two of the busiest covering sires in IHR history, were amongst the range of stallions stood by Paddy, who also had Cavalier Royale at his Littleton base at the start of the Holsteiner’s stud career here. Paddy also won the very first RDS Breeders’ Championship (1985) with Golden Sunset and again, with the same mare, two years later.

There was one more award to present after that distinguished group. Michael Ring may have thought he was there to perform the official opening, but the Westport TD, who recently announced he is stepping down from politics, was another in for a surprise.

The funding he introduced for agricultural shows in 2018, when he was Minister for Community and Rural Development, secured many shows’ futures and has totalled €4.3 million to date. For this and being a champion of rural life and enterprise, he received the final of Sunday’s medals.

“I cannot bring home the Liam McCarthy Cup, but I can bring the silver medal!” declared a visibly delighted Ring.

Helen Farrelly, Lady Inchiquin, presents Michael Ring TD with a photo taken on the Wild Atlantic Way at Louisburgh Show, as supporting tourism and agricultural shows were key elements of his ministerial career \ Susan Finnerty

Cyril Conway, Grove Hill Stud and Paddy Quirke, Ballymureen Stud, two more of the 2024 Clarecastle medal recipients, pictured with Paddy’s grandsons, Patrick and Eddie Ryan \ Susan Finnerty

Silverware: Two of the local Clarecastle club members - Cian Galvin and Cian Broderick - brought the McCarthy Cup to Clarecastle Show on Sunday. Its chairman Michael Slattery was the previous Banner County referee to officiate at an All-Ireland hurling final \ Susan Finnerty