The Cloonisle and Cashel areas of West Connemara have long been a heartland of Connemara Pony breeding.
A small but very popular Show, with major Trophies sponsored for every Class, the Cashel Show of August 2nd attracted many entries in all classes from the surrounding area. The weather on the day was ‘nothing to write home about’ although not as dire as the weatherman had forecast, with intermittent rain and some dry spells. The picturesque Cashel ring is flanked on three sides by the sea so a quiet and dry day is always prayed for.!
Dooneen Stephanie Rose with Peter Molloy
Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Stephanie Rose (Hazy Match – Jennifer Rose) caught the eye of the judges in the 3 yr old filly class and was their choice for Junior Champion also.
2 yr. old Colt Errismore Rocky with Patrick Conneely
Reserve Junior Champion was Errismore Rocky (Currachmore Cashel X Gold Label) winner of the 2 yr. old Colt Class, owned by breeder Ann Conroy Conneely.
4yr old Dooneen alice with Peter Molloy and son
Judges Michael Casey and Kenneth Kyne also liked Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Alice – a full sister to Dooneen Stephanie Rose - awarding her the top prize in the 4 yr. old mare class plus the Supreme Championship at the end of the day.
Dancing Maggie with Jennifer Lydon, mother Mary and colt foal Shakespeare
The Class for 5 to 9 year old mare with foal was won by Caroline Lydon of Carraroe with her dun mare of substance, Dancing Maggie (Corcullen Silver Belle X Bláthín) Maggie’s colt foal with the inspired name of Shakespeare is by Streamstown Mickey. Grange Ruby Surf, frequently in the ribbons, (Grange Bobbing Sparrow X Kilkerrin Surf ) took the equivalent class for mares without foal for owner Padraig Heanue.
Coral Misty Jane won 10 and over Mare class with Tommy Conneely
The Class for mares 10 years and over was awarded to Jane Andrew’s prolific winner Coral Misty Jane by Cloonisle Cashel X Coral Misty) [A driving rain shower made for poor photo opportunities at this stage but cleared shortly afterwards.] It was last year’s winner of the Mare class over 20 yrs. that took the honours once again. This was Grace Murphy’s lovely Lakeside Lady (Abbeyleix Dolphin X Kit’s Bay). This same owner’s Smokey Biscuit (Glencarrig Finn X Smokie Star) also took home the prize for best Gelding.
Derryeisther Freya, filly foal winner with Patrick King
The filly foal honours went to Patrick King’s Derryeishter Freya (Linsfort Barney X Pride of the West) while the Colt foalwinner (by Currachmore Cashel X April Dawn Lady) went on to take the Foal Championship for owner Damian Gorham.
- Colt foal winner and Foal Champion with Damian Gorham
Stallion winner and Reserve Champion Galoon Ceol with James Naan
The photo here does not do him justice (blame the rain!) but Winning stallion Galloon Ceol (Murphy’s Oscar X Newtown Golden Rose) and owner James Naan drove happily back to Co.Fermanagh with worthwhile winnings, having won the Stallion Class and also the Reserve Championship.
Champion Dooneen Alice with Peter Molloy Snr. and grandson
The Supreme Champion was the 4 yr old Mare Class winner, Peter Molloy’s Dooneen Alice, cheered on by well-wishers plus three generations of the well-known breeders, the Molloy Family of Claddaghduff.
Ridden Classes. Meanwhile on the more sheltered side of the hill, three Ridden Classes took place, for a small but well turned-out group of riders ably judged by Frank Creaven
Winner of u. 16 Ridden Class Smokie Biscuit with Ciara Connolly
The Ridden Class for riders under 16 saw Ciara Connolly ride Grace Murphys Smokey Biscuit (Glencarrig Prince X Smokey Star) into 1st place.
Taibhse na Mara with Alanna Sullivan
Taibhse na Mara (Village Boy X Bibi D.) took the runner up slot with determined young jockey Alanna Sullivan.
Draiocht na Mara with Emma O'Toole wins the Open ridden Class
The Open Riding Class was won by Judy Cazabon’s Draiocht na Mara ( Loobeen Larry X Lisglassick Laura) win the Red rosette going to rider Emma O’Toole, with Grace Murphy’s Smokey Biscuit taking his new jockey Ciara Connolly into 2nd place.
Fenbourne Moon River led by Deirdre Holmes with son Kevin up.
Line-up in the Lead Rein Class
Six quality Lead Rein ponies next showed their paces and 1st prize went to Pat Dillon’s Lady Rowfantina ridden by son Oisín. In 2nd place was, Michael and Mary Connolly’s Ciara’s Andy with Aoife Connolly in the saddle. Champion Ridden Pony was Draiocht na Mara with Smokey Biscuit.coming Reserve. 
