Carnival atmosphere as World Mounted Games parades into Millstreet

FLAGS from across the globe were raised aloft in Millstreet on Tuesday evening for the official opening of the World Mounted Games.

Participating riders and ponies representing 16 countries featuring 20 teams took to the streets for a colourful parade led by Millstreet Pipe Band.

The multi-purpose Green Glens Complex is home to the visitors for the week. Mounted Games is a branch of equestrian sport in which 31 different games are played by people of all ages, on ponies up to a height of 15hh. A true test of horsemanship, skill and speed, action-packed disciplines are featured with riders and mounts displaying an incredible amount of fitness, training and skill.

Ahead of the competitive fare, teams received a tumultuous welcome from the Millstreet public in a parade hosted by Millstreet Community Council. Chairman Noel Buckley applauded the Duggan family and the world renowned Green Glens Complex for securing the latest spectacle for the picturesque location.

“The Mounted Games are a huge undertaking, 2015 Kentucky, 2016 Millstreet and 2017 South Africa, it’s the latest staging on a series of international events to arrive in Millstreet,” he said.

“Visitors are thrilled with the warm welcome and the turnout terrific, no doubt the public will come out up to Saturday to sample the action.

“And with a number of other international events coming Millstreet’s way, it promises to be quite a summer for the town and surroundings”, said Mr. Buckley.

To mark the staging, the approach roads to Millstreet bore posters, each welcoming an individual country to Millstreet. Conor O’ Leary, chairman of the Mounted Games Association, applauded all involved in the staging, with Millstreet Community Council and Gardaí ensuring a smooth operation.

“Congratulations are extended to the people of Millstreet for organising the event and the crowd on the streets was quite extraordinary. Never have there been such a greeting. No doubt, it will be one of the highlights for the riders and augurs well for the remainder of the week”, he said.

A great opening was complimented on Tuesday night by a rousing performance from master musician Liam O’Connor. During their stay, the visitors will be treated to the sights of Millstreet, a visit to Millstreet Museum, conducted tours of Millstreet, Cork and Kerry in addition to climbing Clara Mountain.

The public are invited to the competitive fare, and admission to the Green Glens is free.

Millstreet Pipe Band lead the World Mounted Games opening parade on Tuesday evening.

Photos: John Tarrant The Australian team acknowledge a warm welcome at the World Mounted Games Parade in Millstreet.

Enjoying the opening parade were Josesph Lawlor, Peg, Donal, Donelle and Conor O’Leary; Noreen and Denis O’Regan(Donoughmore), Margaret Burke and Seán Radley.

Conor O’Leary, Chief Co-ordinator, World Mounted Games pictured with Millstreet Community Council officers Noel Buckley, Margaret Burke and Eily Buckley at the parade on Tuesday evening.