MULLINGAR Equestrian’s leg of the TRI Equestrian Interschools league attracted a large enthusiastic entry, with plenty of new teams competing on the beautiful sunny October Sunday. The Fagan family’s Mullingar Equestrian Centre has a long history of hosting Interschools competitions and did themselves proud again with a fantastic track and a brilliant atmosphere on the day.

The Primary Teams competition had a local feel, with schools from all around the area turning out to compete. Scoil Mhuire Newtownforbes’ Georgia and Holly Brady, Eleanor Egan and Sam Dennigan claimed the red rosettes, with the combined team of St Joseph’s Rathwire and St Colman’s Mucklagh taking second, Ballinalee NS in third and the combined team of Killoe NS and Bunlahy NS taking fourth.

Most of these competitors also contested the primary individual classes, with Ciara Cadam from St Guasachts NS winning the EII 65/70cm league class, followed by St Colmcille’s Zoe Vambeck in second, Clodagh O’Neill of Tyrellspass NS in third and Saoirse Murphy of Whitehall NS in fourth.

The EII Novice team class had the largest entry of the day with 20 teams competing. The competition was won on time by Our Lady’s Bower riders Annalisa Cleary on Ballyquirke Lad, Amy-Rose Rogers on Noughaval Teddy Bear, Faith Martin on Acrehill Trigger and Emily Anderson on Ballinamore Pepsi. The Mercy Ballymahon team of Emily Hall, Lauren Killian, Neasa Donohoe and Ava Morrissey took second, ahead of Newbridge College’s Anna Nangle, Bonnie O’Neill, Isabelle Walsh and Lucy McCarthy in third.

The 80cm individual class was won by Chloe Laloo from Holy Child Killiney riding OMS Lady Esquire with second place going to Isabelle O’Conaola of St Brigid’s College Loughrea and in third was Amy Keenan of Mercy Ballymahon.

Excellent jumping

The Equieire Novice 90cm Qualifying class saw some excellent jumping displays and some very well turned out combinations. Brooke Kenny, representing King’s Hospital, took the winning place riding Ravensdale Rossi. Isabelle O’Conaola of St Brigid’s Loughrea once again slotted into second, ahead of Sophie Crosthwaith of St Andrew’s College.

The Glen Wood International Sand Arena catered for the open classes, starting with the TRI Equestrian Open team class, which saw the red ribbons, 10 league points and the TRI Equestrian vouchers go to Moyne Community School, ahead of St Joseph’s Rochfortbridge in second and Newbridge College in third.

John Miney (Extravaganza), Martha Miney (Flash), Katie McGrath (Johnny) and Liam Galligan (Sindy) represented the winning school, while Hannah Madden (Hillcrest Metallica), Ellen Pearson (Melissa’s Boy), Kate Pearson (Thynn Cracklin Rosie) and Nicole Brennan (Shanandoah Sadie) made up the team from St Joseph’s Rochfortbridge. League points also went to Newbridge College, Meán Scoil Mhuire Longford, Mercy Secondary Ballymahon and Portumna Community School.

The TRI Equestrian Open Individual league followed, with first place and TRI Equestrian vouchers awarded to Calum Duignan riding Ilane Dante representing Mercy Ballymahon, with Loreto Kilkenny’s Holly Gee riding KLS Bumble taking the runner-up slot. Ella Kenny on Peggy Sue from Mount Anville was third. The remaining places and points were awarded to Bonnie O’Neill from Newbridge College, Lily Early of Gallen CS and Ella Duignan from Mercy Ballymahon.

The last class of the day was the TRI Equestrian Premier 1.10m qualifying class, which was also well supported with local riders. Mercy Ballymahon representative Katie Duignan emerged victorious on AboyDuggie to take the win, ahead of Ted Fagan of Scoil Mhuire Mullingar in second and Nicole Brennan riding Shenandoah Sadie in third. Fourth, fifth and sixth went to Katie McGrath, Julianna Duffy and Ella Duignan. All six qualify for the final at the end of the equestrian school year.

Action moves to Barnadown EC this weekend with Coláiste Bhríde Carnew hosting the next leg of the TRI Equestrian Interschools league.