Michael Duignan RIP

THE equestrian community was saddened to hear of the passing of stalwart Michael Duignan on Thursday, June 20th. From Knockvicar, Roscommon, Michael was renowned in the industry as a breeder of many good horses, including the 1.50m performer Starboard. Michael will be reposing at Shivnan’s Funeral Home, Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon (tomorrow), Sunday evening from 4pm to 8pm. His Funeral Mass takes place on Monday, June 24th, at St. Patrick’s Church, Crossna, at 12 noon, followed by interment afterwards in Kileenan Cemetery. Predeceased by his beloved wife Rosaleen, sisters Mary, Bridie and Áine and brother Joe. Sadly missed by his devoted son Tim, daughter Patricia, grandsons Éoin and Killian, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. A full appreciation will appear next week.

Rotterdam win for Coyle

DANIEL Coyle scored a five-star win on the opening day of the Nations Cup show in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Riding the 11-year-old gelding Incredible, he sped to victory in Thursday’s 1.55m speed class. As we went to press, the Longines League of Nations was underway at the venue. Michael Blake brought a strong team of Coyle (Legacy), Mark McAuley (GRS Lady Amaro (ISH)), Shane Sweetnam (RR Combella) and Cian O’Connor (Eve D’Ouilly).

Flavours of Fingal

NOW in its 12th year, the Flavours of Fingal County Show will take place on June 29th and 30th next. The show is expected to attract over 60,000 spectators at the beautiful Newbridge House over the weekend. All preparations are in full swing, with the main show jumping arena in front of Newbridge House in top condition and ready to welcome competitors to take on course designer Tom Holden’s tracks. Hunter and ridden classes, working hunter horse and pony classes, boppers and trotters and driving classes are scheduled across three other beautiful parkland rings. The schedule includes a Gain Alltech National Grand Prix on Saturday and a leg of the Mervue Equine Leinster Tour on Sunday. Show jumping entries to be done via SJI Live, while all other classes can be entered via http://itsplainsailing.com/org/fh.

Laois IDHBA show

THE Laois Branch of the IDHBA will hold their annual show for Irish Draught horses and Traditional Irish Horses on Saturday, July 6th, in Stradbally Hall. The show will run a full range of in-hand classes for youngstock and mares/foals, as well as ridden and working hunter classes for Irish Draught horses and Traditional Irish Horses. The feature class is the Breeders’ Championship with prize fund of €800, sponsored by the HSI Irish Sport Horse Studbook Breeding Grant. Entries online only closing Monday, July 1st, 2024 via ItsPlainSailing: www.itsplainsailing.com/club/laoisid. For further details, search “Irish Draught Laois Branch IDHBA” on Facebook or email idhbalaois@gmail.com. No late entries and no entries on the day.

Riding Club league

STRULE Valley Riding Club are holding their Annual Summer Show Jumping League at Ecclesville, Fintona, in Co Tyrone, commencing on Wednesday, July 3rd, and continuing on July 10th and 17th, with the final planned for Wednesday, July 24th. Competition starts at 7pm each night with 60cm, followed by 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 1m open. Everyone is very welcome, members and non-members, ponies and horses. Points will be awarded each week. Entry fee per class is £10 for SVRC members and £12 for visitors. Keep up to date with SVRC on their Facebook page.