THE Duignan clan from Longford was celebrating last weekend, thanks to its trio of siblings bringing home the red rosettes for their school in the open team class at the Broadmeadow Interschools event, last Saturday.

Katie (16), Ella (14) and Calum (13) took up horse riding lessons in Mosstown Stables in Keenagh, Co Longford, just before the pandemic and were bought their first Connemara pony during the pandemic in October 2020. Their passion blossomed from there and they now have four horses.

Proud mum Gillian said: “The three of them are passionate about horse riding and particularly show jumping. They joined the Longford Pony Club in 2021. They now train at least two times per week, usually once with an instructor, and are out at competitions most weekends. They are planning to take part in RDS Qualifiers over the next few months. They compete in SJI competitions nationwide.”

Katie is pictured on Duggie (Aboy Duggie), a seven-year-old by Jar of Hearts. Ella is on Ellie (Wyndham Miss Ellie), a six-year-old Connemara cross by Gwennic De Goariva. Calum is on Buddy (Illane Danty), a nine-year-old Connemara by Ardgaineen Rebel.

“We and Mercy Ballymahon School (especially Mr Mulvihill) are absolutely delighted, it was their first time to win the interschools open team event,” Gillian concluded. Well done team Duignan!