The sun was out in full force at Redhills Stud on Sunday 24th May for the 2026 AIRC West Leinster Region Connolly’s RED MILLS Dressage Qualifiers, making it a very warm day of competition. Once again hosted by the members of Cill Dara Riding Club at their excellent Kildare venue, Redhills Stud, the event attracted a strong turnout from across the region, with riders and supporters enjoying both the superb weather and high standard of competition.
Clubs from throughout the West Leinster Region came forward with twelve teams competing for the honour of being crowned regional champions and securing qualification for the National Championships in Mullingar this August. As always, riders from all around the country were also welcomed to compete for individual qualification places, adding depth to each class.
We were delighted to have three judges officiating across the two arenas over the course of the day — Alison Thorne, Bernie Webb and Michael Moore — ensuring a high standard of judging throughout. The team qualifiers were kindly sponsored by Connolly’s Red Mills, while the individual qualifiers and open classes were generously sponsored by TRI Equestrian. ChooChoo Coffee kept competitors and spectators well supplied with refreshments throughout the day, and Jane Emily was on site, capturing the action with her photography.
Competition got underway with the P1 qualifier, where Cheryl Keogh (Killcarrick) and Hodson Bay Lass took the win, followed by Amber Jones-Anderson (Killcarrick) and Bryanmore Amber in second, with Sandra Doody (Killcarrick) and Lisbarren Countess following in 3rd, making it a 1,2,3 for the Killcarrick.
The biggest class with 20 competitors was the P2, where Aoife Metcalfe (Winterdown) and Rouge Mohawk took top honours, gaining the highest score of the day, ahead of Laura Reynolds (Drynam) riding Barryswell Rachet, while Caroline O’Brien (Killcarrick) and Champagne Sparkles filled third place.
In the P3 qualifier, Emma-Jay Curran (Cill Dara) and Clonfad Winter delivered an excellent test to secure first place representing the host club. Second place went to Richard Hunter (Killcarrick) with Lady Lux Dignified, while Fiona Furey (Oakleaf) and Tourgar Raude took third.
The Novice qualifier attracted a strong field, with Anne Creevey (Killcarrick) and Anlison Kris Kros Dancer taking the win. Zohra Smyth (Moyglare) and Corbally Mountain followed in second, with Elaine Kilbane (Moyglare) and Roisin Star in third.
In the Elementary class, Johnny McNeela (Cill Dara) and My Bishophill Rolex made it a second win for the host club. Margaret McCumiskey (Winterdown) and Atty Aldto Z secured second, while Lucy Maughan (Killcarrick) and Fly Over Girl took third.
The Medium qualifier saw Aisling Reynolds (Cill Dara) and LEB Hugo round off a very successful day of three individual wins for Cill Dara, ahead of Stephanie McGlynn (Oakleaf) with Mickah Wallace in second, and Sara Wood (Cill Dara) with Avalon Next Generation in third.
As the day drew to a close, attention turned to the team competition, where a strong field of teams battled closely for the title. Called out in reverse order, Moyglare finished in sixth, followed by a Killcarrick team in fifth and Calliaghstown in fourth. Taking third place was another Killcarrick team, with Cill Dara securing second place on home ground. It was Winterdown who claimed the 2026 West Leinster team title, with Aoife Metcalfe, Lisa Keogh, Louise O’Grady and Margaret McCumiskey delivering a winning combined performance. With only nine points between the 1st place team and the 10th, it really was a very close fought contest.
As Cill Dara members tidied away banners & cleaned up the arenas on Sunday evening, Johnny McNeela got busy with the bbq & workers were rewarded with dinner in the sun at the famous picnic benches by the arena in Redhills Stud. A fabulous end to an amazing day.
Cill Dara Riding Club would like to thank all competitors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of the event. With excellent weather, strong competition and a great atmosphere throughout, the 2026 qualifiers proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable and successful day for all involved. Best of luck to all those who qualified for the AIRC National Dressage Championships on the day.
You can find the list of qualified teams and riders at this link – NDC Qualified Rider & Horse Combinations
Written by: Cill Dara Riding Club
