THE first inkling most of those unconnected had with regard to a problem with the famous native breed show was when, under the heading ‘Surface issue puts Clifden Show in doubt’, Lesley Hunter-Nolan wrote: “The staging of the much-loved annual Connemara Pony Show at the Clifden showgrounds is in doubt after the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society confirmed that there is an issue with the warm-up sand arena.

“In a social media post this week, the society said: “A safety concern related to the sand arena in our showgrounds has been evaluated by external experts and, in consultation with our insurance company, it has been strongly advised that the sand arena should not be used until further notice.””