Cavan Stallion Show and Equine Expo

A REMINDER to all stallion owners and trade stand exhibitors that booking stallions for Cavan Equestrian Centre’s stallion parade and trade stand space for the Trade Show should be done as soon as possible. The event takes place on Sunday, March 27th next at 11am. With limited capacity for both stallions and trade stands, bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis.

With industry trading currently very strong, the Cavan Stallion Show and Equine Expo is the perfect setting to promote everything equine related. Book online at www.cavanequestrian.com.

Ballyfoyle Agricultural Show date

BALLYFOYLE Agricultural Show in Co Kilkenny is going ahead this year on Sunday, June 26th. See their Facebook page for further information. Ann Callanan said that the committee have a great young team behind this event which they intend to develop to be one of the best on the circuit.

Teagasc equine ‘Let’s Talk’ guests

THE March edition of the Teagasc ‘Let’s Talk Equine’ webinar airs live on Tuesday, March 1st at 8.30pm. Joining Wendy Conlon will be guests Jennie Henderson who is the resident vet at Ballylinch Stud and Carmel Welsh of Kilcash Equine Clinic. Practical advice on managing foals from foaling to weaning is the topic for discussion, with opportunity to submit questions during the webinar. www.teagasc.ie/letstalkequine to register, if not already done.

Clifden sales note

APOLOGIES to Philippa Whitley who was inadvertently overlooked as the agent for Lot 37 at the recent Connemara Pony Sales in Clifden, Co Galway. The eight-year-old mare Clooneen Naoise was sold for €15,200 to Whitley’s American client and is now making her way there thanks to Andrea O’Brien Equine International Shipping after being vetted in Kilkenny by Edwina Farrell.

Devon-based Philippa, who has 30 years’ experience in racing and stud work, could not make it to Clifden in person, so had agent Laura Lee Hatton bid on her behalf, however she was on the end of the phone and delighted to secure the pony.

“I sourced him for because of his breeding, stamp and temperament. He was totally correct in every way, a real eye-catcher with good conformation. I cannot fault this gelding such a fine example with a super head and good bone,” Whitley told The Irish Field.

Eileen Murphy RIP

THE death took place this week of Castleblayney’s Eileen Murphy who was laid to rest on Thursday. The family are well known in equestrian circles with her son Patrick competing in the amateur ranks while grandson Barry was also a regular on the show circuit.

The Irish Field extends its deepest sympathies to Eileen’s family and many friends.

Brianna Lynch memorial race date change

DUE to bad weather, the Brianna Lynch memorial race, due to be held at the North Tipperary Hunt’s point-to-point last Sunday, was postponed and is going ahead on March 13th. The race in question is for junior riders under rules. Brianna’s mother, Arabella Scanlon, is most grateful to the hunt organisers and to all those who generously donated prizes for the event.

Hal Chavasse RIP

DUNGARVAN Show stages its 103rd show this summer (July 10th) but one vital cog from the organising committee will be missing. Sadly, highly esteemed and long serving committee members Hal Chavasse, Cappagh, Co Waterford died peacefully on Monday evening, February 21st.

Synonymous with Dungarvan Show as the Show Announcer, Hal was widely regarded as the ‘voice’ of the popular annual event. An obituary will appear shortly in a future issue of The Irish Field.

Spring Tour date notice

THE round of the TRM Showjumpers Spring Tour which was to be held at Ballinamona on Sunday, March 6th has been cancelled.

Star of the Month winners

CONGRATULATIONS to the Irish senior show jumping team who were voted The Irish Field/Gain Equine Nutrition Star of the Month for January. The team of Shane Breen, Trevor Breen, Jack Ryan and David Simpson, led by chef d’equipe Michael Blake, won the five-star Nations Cup in Abu Dhabi in sensational style when producing six clear rounds. Well done all!