CAVAN-born, I lived in Dublin for years while I was working in the construction business and now spend most of my time in Co Meath.

I’ve always had a love of horses, especially Irish Draughts and own several mares and youngstock.

I farm 34 acres of hilly land in Bohernabreena in the Dublin mountains, where I spent most of my adult life. Around 20 years ago I bought a small Co Meath farm, Long Lane Stud in Ballindrimnagh, which lends itself a lot better for horses, especially driving the Draughts in traps.

1. Congratulations on breeding Espresso Vision (Darragh Moylough Vision - Liskillen Princess, by Donovan) one of this year’s Class 1 Irish Draught stallions at Cavan. Tell us more about him.

He’s one of four foals I bred from the Donovan mare Liskillen Princess and I sold him as a foal to his present owner Martin Kenirons. It’s a great honour to have bred a Class 1 stallion, I was delighted when I heard the news and I hope he’ll contribute something to the breed.

Liskillen Princess also bred a gelding called Lord Greystroke, by Welcome Emperor. He was sold to Pat and Kate Hoare, who then sold him on to England as a two-year-old. He went on to win supreme champion at the IDHS(GB) national show in 2017.

2. Why do you breed Irish Draughts?

The love of the Irish Draught comes from when I was a young lad in Cavan. I used to ride my uncle’s Irish Draught back from the days ploughing or to my father’s and brother’s home place in Milton.

So, when I was thinking of retiring from the construction industry, I thought this would be a great hobby. It keeps me fit and active and out in the fresh air.

It also has a great social aspect to it and I’ve made loads of good friends through the Irish Draught world. Much better than gardening!

3. Proudest moment as a breeder?

Winning my first show after three years of breeding my own horses was very special, that was at the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association (IDHBA) national show held in Mullingar Equestrian Centre.

Probably the biggest achievement that I was most proud of was winning the mare championship and the small mare class at the IDHBA national show in 2018, held by then in Punchestown.

4. What’s the best advice you ever got?

The only advice I got when starting off was “Don’t get into horses,” but luckily, I chose to ignore it!

5. Your favourite broodmare?

I have a small mare called Ballindrimna Lady, I bought her as a foal from Noel C. Hamilton and she is by Donovan and out of a Ballinrobe Boy mare named Glen Heste Ballerina.

‘Lady’ has been a prolific breeder, having a foal every year since she was four years old.

The 14 foals to date are always of excellent quality and by a variety of stallions, including Drumri, Huntingfield Ruler, Diamond Design, Ephonastables Uibh Fhaili, Lionwood Kinsales Lad, Offaly Clover and Balcormo Sir Dun Cliff.

They’ve won at many shows over the years, including the small mare class in Punchestown, as she did herself on two occasions. Like most of my mares, she was used for riding and driving. She is still driving today at the ripe old age of 19.

6. What is your template for a good Irish Draught?

Robust, well-set limbs with good bone. A deep girth, good shoulder, moving strong from behind with a nice light bounce on the ground.

A good temperament is also a must.

7. It takes a team. Who is on yours?

I have four children and 14 grandchildren but unfortunately, as I was late in life coming into Irish Draughts, my children had grown up. As they hadn’t got into horses in their youth, they’re now more into the GAA! So, I’m more or less a one-man band.

I do rely on help from some trusted friends, such as young Thomas Fisher who is a son of my late wife’s niece. Thomas is particularly good at showing in-hand and won a young handler award with Liskillen Princess.

Also John Drum my vet and Gerry Murtagh my farrier. There’s also my good friend Martin Moore, who takes care of all the plaiting and grooming for the shows, as well as handling the young stock, he is a great help too. 

8. What do you think are the greatest challenges facing Irish Draught breeding?

The lack of young people entering the scene is probably the single biggest challenge we have in the Irish Draught society. Also, finding different disciplines for the Irish Draught to compete in, such as driving etc.

While the Irish Draught is no longer required for heavy field or farm work, we do still need to retain the old characteristics of good bone, good temperament, and conformation.

9. Where to next?

Well, I’ve three foals in the fields so far, by Balcormo Sir Dun Cliff, Offaly Clover and Windgap Reliance and another four to come by Balcormo Sir Dun Cliff and Touch of the Emperor. So I’m hoping for a busy summer of showing them!

10. Last but not least?

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Robert Draper on being elected chairperson of the IDHBA and to wish him the best of luck in his endeavours.