After a one-year break, the highly anticipated Connolly’s RED MILLS National Hunter Trials Championship made a triumphant return, this time at a brand-new venue — the beautiful Nuenna Farm in Kilkenny. The event took place last Sunday and welcomed 172 riders from 48 clubs across the country to the sunny southeast.

The weather played its part, staying pleasant for the majority of the day, with a brief spell of rain arriving just in time for the last few competitors. Spirits remained high as competitors navigated the challenging and well-prepared cross-country courses.

Results Summary

Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 80 Open Pairs

The day kicked off with 32 pairs in the RC 80 Open Pairs class. Taking the top spot were Kevin O’Meara (Garranturton Hollys Clover) from Anvil and Mary Hogan (Roden Ruby) from Slieve Bloom. In a close second place were the mother-daughter duo, Gay Parkinson (Park Rio) and Sandra Parkinson (Park Rumble) from Calliaghstown. Third place went to Nollaig Healy and Finola Clogher from Kilrainy.

Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 80 Championship

The largest class of the day, with 58 riders, ended in a rare joint first place. Sharing the win were Claire Holohan (Steff Lady) from Nuenna Farm and Olive Kenneally (Lady of the Mill) from Kilotteran — both clear and finishing in the exact same time. Third place was secured by Irene Leahy (Irish Tinker), also from Nuenna Farm.

Claire said about the win “The 80s course rode really well on Sunday, fantastic venue, fences were brilliant and the good weather certainly helped.
A well organised event and a lovely atmosphere. Absolutely delighted to win this class , my mare is consistently improving and our confidence in each other has grown. Thank you to AIRC and sponsors RED MILLS for the fabulous prizes.

Olive said about the win “I am thrilled to have won the National Championships on my little mare Lady of the Mill who was bred by my Mam. She just loves to jump. It was my first time riding a National Championship and my aim for the day was to have a nice clear round. I really enjoyed the course which rode very well. The course was very well presented and the whole day was run really well. Well done and thanks to everyone involved.”

 

 

Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 90 Open Pairs

Fifteen pairs took to the field in this exciting class. Victory went again to Kevin O’Meara from Anvil, this time paired with Katelyn Doughan (Star of Apollo) from Slieve Bloom. Second place went to Ciara Shannon (Browneshill Barney) from Coole Lane and Sinead Codd (IHWT Hero) from Thomastown & District. Third was claimed by Rachel Carton (Aughavannon Merlin) and Anne Chambers (Condors Lucky Star) from Letterkenny.

Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 90 Championship

This championship saw 54 riders compete. First place was awarded to Leah Ward (Good Greycious) from Tir Conaill, followed by Gillian Cody (Lisbrien Boy) from Thomastown & District in second. Ethan Cahill (Nevada Sthar) from Carne rounded out the top three.

Leah said about her win “This was my first experience of the national hunter trials as I’ve just recently joined. I was very nervous as I didn’t know what to expect, I didn’t know I had won as I hadn’t seen the results. I was so happy I have a great pony and cross country is our favorite and winning made it extra special. I’m waiting on next year already !”

Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 100 Open Pairs

In this competitive class of six pairs, Tir Conaill’s Stephen Greene (Indian Puzzle) and Mark Ward (Wild Child) claimed first place. Second went to Brian Dunne (Quarrycrest River Dancer) and Aoife Farrelly (Riverdale Bouncer) from Mo Chara, with Barry Magan (Caltra Western Dream) and Ian Quinlan (Cruise Control II) from Meath taking third.

Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 100 Championship

The final class of the day featured 20 riders. Mark Ward (Wild Child) from Tir Conaill secured his second win of the day, while Barry Magan from Meath came in second. Stephen Greene (Indian Puzzle), also from Tir Conaill, took third.

Mark said about the win “I was optimistic about travelling the distance as we knew nothing about Nuenna and the hunter trails is the top of my list every year in all the events we do in the riding club. When we walked the course on Saturday evening, we were very impressed by a good long, strong and technical course. I have a good horse, but can be backwards at times but she flew through the course and took everything in her stride. I was delighted when I seen the results and that I won. Winning a lovely trophy was a bonus and the other prizes as well. Great atmosphere on the day n that’s what riding club is all about. Thank you.”

Young Horse Class

This class ran over the RC 80 course, and the winner was Fiona Coughlan (Carrahane John 2) from Earl’s Well in Cork.

A huge congratulations to all competitors, and special thanks to Nuenna Farm for hosting a memorable return of the National Hunter Trials Championship. The atmosphere, sportsmanship, and quality of riding on the day set a high bar for future events.

Photo Credit: Horse Sport Images

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