“I’M the luckiest man in Ireland to have a job with views like that,” said Louisburgh postman Davy O’Toole at his local show. With its Wild Atlantic Way backdrop of Clew Bay, Clare Island and Croagh Patrick, Louisburgh is undoubtedly the most scenic show in Ireland but West Mayo livelihoods often depended on practical means, such as the Irish Draught.

So it was fitting to see Martin Murphy’s Fuerty Princess crowned the overall champion horse on Sunday evening. The Welcome Emperor three-year-old, bred by Michael Bailey, had already added the Irish Draught championship at neighbouring Westport to her All Ireland title at Limerick last August. Also staying on for the Andrew Gardiner and Mary O’Halloran-judged championship was Seamus Sloyan’s aptly-named Clew Bay Countess, with this two-year-old filly from the same family as her Castlerea owner’s line of winners, taking reserve.