ONE of the highlights at the Athlone Show launch were appreciation awards made to sponsors, including trainer Tom Cleary, who sponsors the Racehorse to Riding Horse class and to land owner Michael O’Donohoe, who provides the 40-acre site at Garnafailagh for the midlands show.

A special presentation was made to young James Derwin, who has excelled on the international stage with Rincoola Babog, bred by the late Harold McGahern.

“James is 15 years of age and is in his last year of ponies. He has represented Ireland on 19 International occasions, which include three European championships and three Nations Cup finals. He has won numerous classes and Grand Prix across Europe whilst representing Team Ireland,” said show chairman P.J. Glynn about the local show jumping star.

“James has three European gold medals: at the age of 13, he won double gold - team and individual - in 2022 in Strzegom, Poland, and won team gold in 2023 in Le Mans, France.”

Also present were Cllr Louise Heavin, Mayor of Athlone, and Irish Shows Association president Ray Brady, who referred to this year’s allocation of €1 million by the Department of Rural and Community Development to 122 agricultural shows.

“That funding is a shot in the arm for a lot of shows nationally,” adding that committees should use the funds to “sustain, grow, develop and pick a succession plan for your show.”

Athlone Show takes place on Sunday, June 16th, and its packed schedule includes qualifiers for The Irish FieldBreeders’ Championship, ladies and intermediate side-saddle and Racehorse to Riding Horse classes at Dublin Horse Show. See www.athloneshow.ie for further details.