Riders from 49 clubs around the country headed to Mullingar Equestrian Centre for the
2024 Connolly’s RED MILLS AIRC National Show Jumping Championships.

RC 110 / RC 120 Championship

Fiona Tansey on Talbots Lass retained the Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 110/ RC 120 Championship for another year in a row.
Fiona was the only double clear on the day with Mia Browne in second place on just 1 time penalty.
Fiona Tansey said “I’m on cloud nine after the win yesterday and feel very lucky. I couldn’t believe how well my little mare jumped and I thoroughly enjoyed both rounds
in the fabulous arenas in Mullingar. It seems to be a happy hunting ground for us and in light of the very high standard of competition in the 110/120 Championship, it’s a
privilege to have retained the title for 2024. I’m very grateful to all in AIRC head office for organising such an event and also to the sponsors Red Mills for their continued
support for the National Championships”

RC 100 Championship

Kim McInerney on Dicksgrove Bellatrix won the class after a very close 6 person jump off, this gave the Headfort member a narrow winning margin over Sarah Kelly
Drake on Wilhelmina Q.
Kim McInerney said “I am overjoyed with the win and with my mare. I have been chasing this competition for a couple of years now and today myself and Belle had all the luck on our side. I am delighted to be the first member of Headfort RC to put our club on the trophy.”

RC 90 Championship

This was the biggest class of the day with 65 riders contesting the Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 90 section where only 6 made it through to the jump-off after the two
rounds of jumping. Tynagh rider Diane Baylis Maher on Lilly Danewon was clear on a time of 56.57 followed closely by Shane McCole from Stracomer Riding Club.
Diane Baylis Maher said “I’m delighted to have won such a competitive class on my amazing homebred Connemara Lilly Dane it’s a dream come true. But I couldn’t have done it without the wonderful Tynagh riding club they are such a great bunch of people full of energy and love.”

RC 80 Championship

Stracomer’s Clodagh Ni Bhradaigh on Ballyclogher won the RC 80 Championship title followed closely by Drumcoura’s  Colleen McWeeney after a 6 way jump off.

Clodagh Ni Bhradaigh said “I’m absolutely delighted to have won the 80cm Championship with my amazing steed Ballyclogher Queen. He jumped his heart out at every fence I put him to and was determined to win along with the amazing support from Stracomer Riding Club on the sidelines. Thanks to Elaine and everyone at AIRC for hosting an amazing show! “

RC 70 Championship

Ria Shaughnessy claimed the Connolly’s RED MILLS RC 70 title again, Ria won the title in 2021 Ria was the only one with all fences intact on Drakerath Sky. Tynagh’s Rebecca Trounson was the next best score on Ferro Di Cavallo.
Ria Shaughnessy said “Winning the championship this year means so much to me, after losing my confidence I started riding Billy 4 months ago and with the help of our club instructor Lesley Fitzgerald have finally started to enjoy competing again, I would like to thank Connolly’s Red Mills for there sponsorship of the event and all at the AIRC for organising an excellent event for all grades”.

Young Horse

Rachel Burke on Ballyard Golden Eddie from Benbulben Riding Club won the class, followed by Fran Denny on his mare Lloydsboro Lady. 8 riders took on this class with Rachel coming out with the least amount of faults.

Derby and Accumulator Competitions

The championships also featured derby competitions where there were wins for Mo Chara’s Aoife Farrelly on Riverdale Bouncer in the RC 100 section, and Moyglare’s Caroline Sullivan on Killags Royal Ace in the RC 90 section. Drumcoura’s Colleen McSweeney on Arizona Silver Star won the RC 80 accumulator while Dylan Enright on King Frank claimed the RC 70 accumulator for the Mo Chara club.

Official Photographers

Jumpinaction.net were the official photographers of this year’s Connolly’s RED MILLS AIRC National Show Jumping Championships at Mullingar Equestrian.

Click here to view and purchase your photos from the show.

Photo Credit: RC 70 Championship Elaine Dunne, all others photos by Jumpinaction.net