The Connolly’s RED MILLS AIRC National Dressage Championships brought together 155 riders from 55 clubs, with 184 entries across the championship and supporting classes at Mullingar Equestrian Centre.

There was some outstanding dressage on display throughout the championship classes, with riders battling it out for national honours in the RC Medium, Elementary, Novice, Preliminary 3, Preliminary 2 and Preliminary 1 Championships.

Championship Classes

RC Medium Championship

Tabitha Millar Hagerty and Dark Site of Twinfort Riding Club took the RC Medium Championship with a combined score of 135.90%. Tabitha produced scores of 68.18% and 67.71% to take the title.

This was a return to the top for Tabitha, who previously won the RC Medium Championship in 2022 and 2023.

Ger McNulty and Dionysus II of Moyglare finished runners-up on 135.07%, while Siofra Pratt and Ballarin My Grace of Foxborough claimed third on 134.42%.

4th – John Gavin and Holywell Spark – Ashbrook
5th – Caroline Marwood and Investigator P – Knocknamana Country
6th – Sara Wood and Avalon Next Generation – Cill Dara

RC Elementary Championship

The RC Elementary Championship was won by Cecilia Foster and Abbeyside Rory of East Cork Riding Club on 137.42%.

Myriam Bunter and Star Of Rubykan (IRE) of Killcarrick were second on 135.47%, with Owen Smyth and D-Sign of Twinfort taking third on 134.55%.

4th – Lucy Maughan and Vally View Sammy – Killcarrick
5th – Rita Naughton and Action’s Bond Girl W – Tinahely
6th – Jill Southern and Ardmount Rio – Killegar

Winner’s Quote – Cecilia Foster:

He’s a full Connie, 10 yo grey gelding. By Carracanada River. His grandsires were the great Templebready Fear Bui and Westside Mirah.

I bought him as an unbroken 3yo. He has won at 1m showjumping. But he found his calling in the dressage arena. He actually drags me towards the white boards. He loves to show off what he can do and loved the big occasion at Mullingar.

His favourite place to be, is cantering on the beach.

I run a small livery yard in East Cork. Several of the liveries here are members of East Cork RC. We have lots of fun going to Riding Club events.

Our dressage team had a brilliant experience at the National Championships. I was delighted and surprised we took top honours as the standard was very high. Many thanks to AIRC, Mullingar Equestrian and Connolly’s RED MILLS.

RC Novice Championship

It was a closely fought RC Novice Championship, with Zohra Smyth and Corbally Mountain View of Moyglare taking the national title on 143.29%.

Just behind were Amy Jo Peskens and Kash Zowies Stardust of Clonough on 143.09%, while Elaine Kilbane and Roisin Star of Moyglare finished third on 141.75%.

4th – Louise Lynn and Paulank Brockagh – Foxborough
5th – Eva Brennan and Golden Knight – Thomastown and District
6th – Claire Maher and Gransha Midnight Magic – Killcarrick

RC Preliminary 3 Championship

Nicole Groyer and Peninsula Paradis of Fingal were crowned RC Preliminary 3 Champions, finishing on an excellent 145.27%. Nicole was also representing Connolly’s RED MILLS, sponsors of the AIRC National Dressage Championships, on the day, making her championship victory an especially fitting result for the sponsor.

Faith Jackson and Kilquinn Pride of Tinahely took second on 141.25%, with Fidelma Curran and Ballyadam Philip of Waterford third on 140.16%.

4th – Grace O’Brien and Ballygriffin Judy – Tara Hill
5th – Emily Cunningham and Prescotts Belle – Killcarrick
6th – Teresa Whyte and Sleehaun Silver Crest – Mosstown

Winner’s Quote – Nicole Groyer:

RC Preliminary 2 Championship

The RC Preliminary 2 Championship went to Caroline O’Brien and Champagne Sparkles (FR) of Killcarrick, who finished on 139.94%.

Emma Mangan and Galtee Primrose of East Cork were close behind in second on 138.69%, with Anne McGrath and Mahanagh Heather of Warrington taking third on 138.48%.

4th – Laura Pope and Southway Flying Comet – East Cork
5th – Cassandra Daly and Kinnagoe Bay – Cill Dara
6th – Andrea Leamy and Dudy – Abbeylands

Winner’s Quote – Caroline O’Brien:
Absolutely delighted to have won . Champagne Sparkles is an ex racehorse and has just fell in love with dressage since retirement. He won the p2 and P2 open league last autumn. I myself haven’t done much dressage and I’m learning at the same time and loving it. It still feels like a dream to have won the championship. I couldn’t have done it without my club and team mates and chef d’équipe and cheering me on and keeping me calm. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far and who knows what the future holds for this talented horse

RC Preliminary 1 Championship

The RC Preliminary 1 Championship was won by Jemma King and Drumbo Jessie of Tara Hill on 136.44%.

Yvonne Fogarty and Annaharvey Royal Clover of Annaharvey finished second on 135.45%, with Sandra Doody and Lisbarren Countess of Killcarrick taking third on 134.81%.

4th – Cathal McLaughlin and Grangefort Blaze – Burren
5th – Ali Harrison and Castle Ellis Toyko – Stracomer
6th – Cheryl Keogh and Hodson Bay Lass – Killcarrick

Winner’s Quote – Jemma King:

winning the P1 AIRC National Dressage Championship meant so much to me. I’ve had Jessie since she was 6 and she’s 16 now, and this is the first year we’ve ever really been in the winnings together!

There’s been 10 years of blood, sweat and tears, working through so many confidence blocks, so to finally feel like it’s all paid off is incredibly special. Jessie is worth her weight in gold, and I’m so grateful for everything she’s taught me and given me.

Young Horse and Open Classes

Alongside the national championship classes, competitors also took part in the Young Horse and RC Preliminary 2 and Preliminary 3 Open classes, providing further opportunities for riders and horses to compete at Mullingar.

The Young Horse class was won by Rita Naughton and Whitewell Peekaboo of Tinahely, with Tabitha Millar Hagerty and Saint of Twinfort second and Lisa Conway and Diamond Clover Roller of Calliaghstown third.

It was a particularly successful day for Mairead Dolan of Ashbrook Riding Club, who took both Open classes. Mairead won the RC Preliminary 2 Open with An tUasal Humble Pie, ahead of Clodagh Ni Bhradaigh and Ballyclogher Queen of Stracomer, and Barbara Maguire and Cotterstown Blue of Mosstown.

She then went on to claim victory in the RC Preliminary 3 Open with An tUasal Ciunas, finishing ahead of Hanna Bjoremark and MLHR Cian of Mill Road and Maeve Lunny and Sir Ward of Stracomer.

A fantastic double for Mairead and Ashbrook Riding Club!

Thank You

AIRC would like to extend its sincere thanks to Connolly’s RED MILLS for its continued and valued sponsorship of the AIRC National Championships. The support of Connolly’s RED MILLS plays an important role in helping AIRC deliver these national events.

We would also like to thank Mullingar Equestrian Centre for providing an excellent venue and facilities and for helping to make the championships such a successful event.

Congratulations to all the competitors who took part and, in particular, to all our 2026 AIRC National Dressage Champions.