Schools equestrian event attracted excellent crowd
WEXFORD CERTAINLY knows how to draw a crowd, with riders from all over the country travelling to compete at the inter-schools competition on Sunday, November 4.
The popular venue of Wexford Equestrian hosted the event that was run in conjunction with Loreto (Wexford) as a fundraiser for their newly-established equestrian club, under the watchful eye of new teacher in the school, Ms. Martin, who is also chef d’equipe for the schools teams, and Vice-Principal John McGinnity.
Wexford Equestrian hosted one of the largest inter-schools to date with ten open teams, 19 Novice teams, and 16 primary school teams competing.
The school that has moved this year to the eagerly awaited new building and location at Pembroke Hill has gained many new teachers and a rejuvenated enthusiasm for the equestrian competitions, with many new pupils involved and older pupils returning to the sport.
Luckily, the wet weather held off for most of the day and teams started promptly at 9 a.m., with local teams competing first.
The Novice teams hosted in the large indoor arena saw 19 teams declare. The John Doyle track, although not big, was testing enough with lines and technicality and saw five teams through to the jump-off on clear round scores, with four teams on four faults to finish.
The five teams clear were jumped off, and sixth place was awarded to Coláiste Bhríde and St. Mary’s for the fastest four-fault round.
Each team declared two riders and jumped over a shortened, very exciting jump-off course. The top three places went to the three teams that remained on zero scores, with Newbridge riders Alice O’Sullivan and Sophie O’Neill clocking in at 73.25 clear to take the win.
Presentation Green riders Emily Roche and Lauren Reck took second with a time of 73.53, and Loreto riders Anna Browne and Grace Cousins were clear in 74.20.
Fourth place went to visiting school East Glendalough with four faults in 80.09, and fifth place was jointly filled by Gorey C.S. and Avondale in four faults in 82.31. Best turned out went to St. Gerard’s.
The open teams competition started afterwards, with ten teams competing. Again, a technical track saw only two teams to the jump-off, with Loreto (Wexford), who rode first, and Gorey Community School, who were last to compete, jumping blistering rounds to decide the placings.
Eventual winners Gorey Community School, who have been knocking on the door on the last few occasions, were delighted when riders Emma Steacy and Jessica Murphy jumped to finish on four faults in a time of 97.34.
Loreto riders Méabh Byrne and Alannah Lacey were faster in a joint time of 80.91, but two poles on the ground each placed them second.
Minor placings were decided by time, with Newbridge College third, St. Peter’s and Bridgetown fourth, and fifth place went to St. Gerard’s on eight faults. Sixth place went to Wesley College on twelve faults, and best turned out were Loreto (Wexford).
The primary schools competition started promptly in the other arena at 9.30 a.m., with lots of eager riders, many with new ponies and some with old reliables, ready to battle it out for their teams.
The 55 cm. riders kicked off with over 24 riding their best to represent their schools. This was followed at about 10.30 a.m. by the 75 cm. riders to complete the team results.
The overall winners were the St. Anne’s Rathangan Blue team which delivered a fault-free jumpoff round, with Faye Murphy and Edie Codd posting the fastest double clear rounds in 59.46.
Second place went to Drumphea N.S., with Alfie Donohue and Isabelle Donohue producing a clear jump-off round in a time of 62.28. Brittas Bay had an early start that paid off, with riders Anna Morrissey and Caoimhe Mannion clear in a time of 68.08.
Fourth, fifth and sixth place went to St. Kevin’s Tara Hill, Carrigbeg mixed school, and Ballygarrett/ Ballycanew mixed school respectively.
Seventh place for the purpose of the league table was awarded to Sheilbaggan N.S., with eighth place to Carnew, Coolfancy and Clonegal N.S. The ninth-placed team Mixed Purple, and tenth place went to Ballinkillen from Carlow.
All ten teams were through to the jump-off and now have gained points for the the overall primary league competition that runs at Wexford Equestrian. The next leg of the Wexford Primary and Novice schools league runs on Sunday, January 20, 2019.
The individual winners of each class received great prizes sponsored by many local companies, and the Loreto (Wexford) committee would like to thank them most sincerely for the support.
A special mention for the judges - Trish Burrell, Shelly Murphy and Ciarán Byrne - who dedicated their time free of charge in support of the fundraiser.
The Loreto girls made a tremendous effort leading up to the event to organise everything and were there from dawn to dusk to help in the running of the event. Parents of the students need to be recognised also for supporting the girls in any way possible.
A special thanks to Wexford Equestrian for the organisation on the day, with the fantastic facilities that even offered riders the option to jump in the fabulous derby arena too.
Open teams: 1, Gorey Community School - Castlemore Cilin (Emma Steacy), Dynamite Lady (Maria Dunne), Hoope (Emma Carton), Ashwood Bouncer (Jessica Murphy).
Novice teams: 1, Newbridge College - Mary Rose (Alice O’Sullivan), Castle Range Misty Boy (Alice O’Neill), Blackwood Willow (Sophie O’Neill), Alice (Niamh Behan).
Primary teams: 1, St. Anne’s Rathangan Blue - Fred (Ava Murphy), Lookout Atlantic Charm (Faye Murphy), Lilly (Geoffrey Barry), Dolly (Edie Codd).
Individuals 70 cm.: 1, Castledermot N.S. - Finnegan (Clodagh Hanley); 2, St. Gerard’s - Thistletown Dinny (Aibidh Condren); 3,Adamstown - Sunshine Sam (Imogen Whelan).
Individuals Novice 80 cm.: 1, Brittas Bay N.S. - Shergar Rose (Anna Morrissey); 2, Castledermot – Finnean (Clodagh Hendy); 3, St. Mary’s - Little Mozzer (Louise Fielding).
Individual 90 cm. qualifier: 1, Loreto Wexford - Mr Coco Bean (Flora Doran); 2, Gorey Community School - Páirc Na Ruarc (Naoimh Doyle); 3, Borris V.C. - Coolroe Apollo (Caoilfhionn Lawlor).
Open individuals 1m: 1, Newbridge College - Little Field Clover (Lucy Ross); 2, Scoil Mhuire - Ballydavid Out Of The Mist (Hazel Barden); 3, St. Gerard’s - Crown Jewel (Ciara Foley).
Individual 1.10m qualifier: 1, Loreto Wexford - Freepark Flyer (Méabh Byrne); 2, St. Gerard’s - Crown Jewel (Ciarán Foley); 3, Domincan College Wicklow – Lundovick (Jessica Phelan).