Roundstone Pony Show 9th July 2006

I remember over hearing a conversation that Paddy the yank McDonagh had with a friend on the day of the show telling a story of why this show came about and I quote “Having a few jars with my father one night, we really would like to bring the Connemara pony show back to Roundstone one day”.

A few years on Paddy the Yank McDonagh son of Tom (T.J) and Mary McDonagh and Pat Mullen has brought that dream come true, so in honour of his father and mother, on a spectacular setting on Farrell’s Road, work started a few years back with the help of modern technology and Frank McDonnell. The site was a very care fully worked out to allow adicaite parking and safety for the public etc.

Friday the 7th July.

Joanne Conneely, Martina Conneely and Ailbha Creane organised at the Eldon’s Hotel the judging of the first Connemara Pony Show queen, out of nine ladies Clara Conneely was chosen with runner up Emer King.

Paddy the yank was the compare for the evening. The two judges were Martin Vincent Mannion and Eva Heanue from Clifden.

Mickey Mac had chosen a special song for the Show of which he sang for us, which incidentally is on his new CD; from the sales of the CD he donated the takings to the show, followed by an American duo for some dancing.

A fun evening all around and great to see good support from the local community.

Photos of the evening can now be seen on the website.

We were hoping to find the finest man and women for the show on the Saturday but the heavens opened all day, so this did not come to pass.

At this stage we were getting very worried about the weather for the show.

Chairman’s Address.

It gives me great pleasure as chairman of the Roundstone Show to welcome each one of you to our show. I welcome each one of you to our show. I welcome all our local people and our visitors who have come to support us.

Safety and well being is our priority and I ask you to adhere to all our safety signs erected on the grounds and to obey our Safety Officers and Stewards.

My Committee and I are truly indebted to all our sponsors whose generosity made the show possible to run. For this we are sincerely grateful.

My job as chairman is made easier by the enthusiasm and dedication of my fellow officers, committee members and all the willing helpers that turn up every year. To them I extend a sincere thank you.

8am Sunday 9th July

We met on the show grounds for final preparations; the day was not looking too promising.

However, by 10 o’clock, classes commenced with Judges Ronan Conneely, Ervallagh and Pat Mc Grath, Cregmore

Class 1:

Yearling Colt, sponsored by Sid Worley, Derada West, Roundstone this class was won by Cathy snow-Coyne and Martin Coyne with

Moreland Macdara.

2nd Michael Conroy with Cashel Hill Lad

3rd John Joe O’Neill, Galway with Caherlistrane Prince

4thBernard Keaney Murvey ~Roundstone with Murvey Benny

5th Thomas Conneely, Roundstone with Derroe Champ

The sun broke through.

Class two:

Yearling filly sponsored by Martin and Bridie Conneely, Ervallagh won by Sean Walsh, Foreglass, Ballyconneely with Slackport Rose.

2ndMegan King, Ballyconneely, with Sea Queen

3rdMary Little, Ballyconneely, with Little Shilty

4thSean King, Ballyconneely, with Corrib Prince

5thSid Worley, Derrada West, Cashel with Derrada Lisa

Class 3

2 and 3 year Old Colts, sponsored by the McNamara Family, for a perpetual Memorial Trophy.

This class was won by Michael Mullen, Cleggan, co Galway with

Fairy Hill Ford.

2nd Tara De Courcey, Roundstone with Clogherboy Lad

3rd Raymond Conneely, Errislannan, with Black Shadow

So far so good the day was getting warmer and warmer, everything was running on time, the crowds were beginning to swell, moral was high.

Class 4:

2 Year old Filly sponsored by the McDonagh Grandchildren, Brooklyn, New York, USA for the Tom (TJ) MacDonagh Memorial Trophy’

Point of Interest Here, Paddy’s father Tommy was well known for his two year old Filly Roundstone River which dominated many shows.

This class was won by Padraic & Nicola Heanue, Ballinaboy, Clifden with

Grange Anya Sparrow.

2nd Gerry Griffin, Inverin, Co, Galway with Rathcoona Ruby

3rdCaillin Conneely, Roundstone with Letterdyfe Rose

4th Feichin King, Ballyconneely, with Rochelle Dolan Lass

5th Rose Fitzgerald, Cork with Corabbey Tiger Lilly

Class 5:

3 Year old Filly Sponsored by Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub, Naples Florida, USA. This Class was won by Robbie Fallon, Cashelbay, Connemara Pony Stud, with Cashelbay Heather

2ND Lorraine & Christy O’Connell with Inishowen Misty

3rd P.J Burke, Oughterard with Creggrush Realta

4th Sean Conneely, Clifden with Glen Ellen’s Fancy

5th Paddy Joe Conneely, Oughterard with Bunnagippaun Fuchsia

Class Six:

Junior Championships, winners of classes 1, 2,3,4,5,

Sponsored by William J.Diamond, Renvyle, Co, Galway

The Junior Champion was Robbie Fallon, Cashel and California, with Cashel Bay

With runner up Padraic & Nicola Heanue, Ballinaboy, Clifden with

Grange Anya Sparrow.

Class 7:

4 to 6 year Old Mares with or without Foal, sponsored by John Sweeney, the station House Hotel, Clifden.

Won by Thomas Mullen, Garraubawn, Ballyconneely with Lakeside Lass.

2nd Tommy O’Brien, Recess with Sally Lass

3rd Declan Nee, Renvyle with Stradbally Marcadi,

4th Peter O’Malley, Carraroe, Galway with Hana’s Glory

5th Bernard Keaney, Murvey, Roundstone with Murvey Cara

Class 8:

Judged by Geroid and Henry Whyte.

Stallion 4 years and Over, sponsored By Pat and Bernie Mullen, Gurteen Bay Caravan Park, Roundstone.

Won by Sid Worley, Derrada West, Roundstone, with Ballinavilla Prince.

2nd Barbara Hoffman, Recess, Galway with Starsky

3rd Eamon Burke, Castlebar with Clooneil Cashel

4th Ann O’Brien Conroy, Ballyconneely with Glencarrig Lexus

5th Michael Mullen, Cleggan with Fairyhill Tomboy

Class 8A.

Donkey Class.;

Judged and sponsored by Richard de Stacpoole and helped with Martina Conneely, with valued advice from Geroid and Henry Whyte, this was an easy and fun decision, as we only had the two young brothers from Bridget Lee’s family, from Ballyconneely.

Fair play to the Lee family for making the effort to support the class, at least they went away with some cash and two nice trophies.

As this is always considered a fun class, even if no donkeys appeared the class would have continued, not quite what you would have expected, I have a large plastic sculpture of a donkey and Cart, which was also brought into the ring for showing but I got piped by the two lads Ha! Ha!

Perhaps we will have more donkeys next year.

Class 9:

7 / 12 Year Old Mares with foal,

Sponsored by Robbie and Barbara Fallon, Cashel.

Won by Michael Nestor, Barnacranny, Bushy Park, Galway with

Portacarron, Colleen.

2nd Tom Bourke, Claremorris, Co, Mayo with Misty

3rd Michael Conneely, Clifden with Ardbear Belle

4th Dymphana O’Brien, Oughterard with Emloughan Beauty

5th Mary Little, Ballyconneely with Aran Jessica

Class10;

7 – 12 year old Mares without Foal,

Sponsored by Roundstone Music-Malachy Bodhran, Roundstone

Won by Seamus Keady, Shannagurran, Spiddal, Co, Galway with

Gleann Rua Sea Mist

2nd Martin Feeney, Moycullen with Danesfield Rose

3rd William Diamond, Renvyle with Murphy Blue

4th Maureen Gibbon, Ballyconneely with Ballymoe Tazamania

5th Mary & Riona McTavish, Carna with Drumcong Daisy

Class 11:

13-17 year old Mares with Foal

Sponsored by Oran Precast, in fact Oran Precast where the overall show sponsors.

Won by John Folan, Keeraune North, Errislannon, Clifden with Mountain Tingo.

For some unknown reason, the other entrants for this class did not turn up.

Just before class 12, Minister Éamon Ó Cuive came to officially open the Connemara Roundstone Pony show, with an address from our President of the show John Luskin, and then the Minister walked in to the ring for class 12 with our Pony Show Queen, Clara Conneely.

Class 12:

13- 17 year old Mares without Foals

Sponsored by the children and friends of the Roundstone National School for the Christopher Conneely Perpetual Memorial Trophy

Won by Frank Joyce, Cloonislaun, Ballina, Co, Mayo with Cailin OG.

This was a lovely class for the Conneely Family, Loran, and Christopher’s daughter who is 10 years old presented the cup to the winner while the Minister was in attendance.

2nd Robert & Eamon Nee, Recess with Glencoghan Lady

3rd Marcella O’Halloran, Moyard with Annaghdown Martina

Class13:

Colt Foal

Sponsored by O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant

Won by Tom Bourke, Newtown Clogher, Claremorris, Co, Mayo.

2nd Esther Feeney, Connemara Pony Stud, Moycullen

3rd Damien & Triona Gorham, Ballyconneely

4th Michael Nestor, Bushy Park, Galway with Keyser Soze

Class 14

Filly Foal

Sponsored by Michael P Mullen, Doohulla, Ballyconneely, and New York, USA

Won by Hubert Flaherty, Annagh West, Collandulla, Co Galway.

2nd Feichin King, Clifden with Bunowen Castle Eille

3rd Tommy O’Brien, Recess.

4th Pat O’Neill, Ballyconneely

5th Sean King, Ballyconneely with Ballindoon Princess Sparrow

Class 15.

Gelding Class – No age limit

Sponsored by Neil McKay, the Bunker, Roundstone, Co Galway.

Won by Sid Worley, Derrada West, Roundstone, with Pony Deirdre Cracker

2nd Rose Fitzgerald, Middleton, Cork with Robe Knight

3rd Emma Johnston, Roundstone with Tommys Pride

4th Bridget Snow, Clifden with Buachailin Ban

5th Deirdre Holmes, Clifden with Muffin Jack

Class 16

Mares – 18 years old and over

Sponsored by Sue and Claude Toumanhoff, California, USA.

In memory of Pauline 1801.

Won by Patrick Conneely, Doohulla, Ballyconneely, Galway.

Sue came all the way over from California to be present at the show and present the trophy to the winner.

2nd Evelyn Nee, Ballyconneely with Lecarrow

3rd Grace Murphy, Taylors Hill, Galway with Lakeside Lady

4th

Feichin King, Clifden with Bunowen Castle Lady

5th Johnny Conneely, Clifden with Moate Princess

Class 17

The Championship

Sponsored by our President John Luskin with a challenge cup, and €250 for the winner and reserve €100.

Champion: Seamus Keady, Spiddal, Galway, with Gleeanne Rua Sea Mist

Reserve Champion: Frank Joyce, Ballina, with Cailin Uasal

6pm the Champions were paraded through the village of Roundstone escorted by the show Queen Clara Conneely. There was something very special in the air as the horses were paraded through the village.

Conclusion;

A lot of work has been put into this first show from so many people to make it work, I think Paddy has every right to be very pleased the way the show went, let it be said that Paddy can be very proud to what he has accomplished re the site, what he has done for Roundstone, as well has the tribute he has given to his parents and his immediate family.

There was such wonderful atmosphere of interest and fun, basket making stalls, paintings etc.

The Dog show was a very well attended, and well run by Lorna Hill. The excitement of the kids with their dogs was intense and I would like to think very well judged by Sir Roger Thompson.

Photos to follow of the dog show at a later date.

I would also like to add that as an added bonus, the show grounds in Roundstone will host on the 24th September 06 the all Ireland Champion of Champions of which the Supreme Champion will receive €2,000.

Paddy is looking into the possibility of holding concerts on these spectacular Grounds

Sheep:

Paddy Connolly and his son Damien ran the eight sheep classes, with judges Paraic Hopkins and Eamon King.

Roundstone Pony show 9th July Sheep Show Results

Black Face Section:

Pair of Ewe Lambs:

(1st) Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

(2nd) Des Heanue, Letterfrack

(3rd)David Regan, Renvyle

Single Ram Lamb:

1st Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla.

2nd Martin Connolly, Dolan

3rd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

Pair of Hogget Ewes:

1st Martin Connolly, Dolan.

2nd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

3rd David Regan, Renvyle

Pair of Old Ewes:

1st Micky Mullen, Doohulla

2nd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

3rd Martin Connolly, Dolan

Hogget Ram:

1st David Regan, Renvyle

2nd David Regan, Renvyle

3rd Martin Walter Connolly

Old Ram;

1st Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

2nd Micky Mullen, Doohulla.

3rd Ted Sherwood

Champion Blackface of the show,

David Regan, Renvyle, Hogget Ram

Reserve Champion,

Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla, Ewe Lambs

Crossface Section

Any crossface pair of Ewe Lambs;

1st Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard

2nd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

3rd Des Heanue, Letterfrack

Any Cross Single Ram Lamb:

1st Nicky Burnes, Oughterard

2nd Micky Mullen, Doohulla

3rd Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard

Pair of Suffolk Ewes:

1st Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard

2nd Micky Mullen, Doohulla

3rd Des Heanue, Letterfrack

Pair of cheviot Cross Ewes:

1st Des Heanue, Letterfrack

2nd Martin Walter Connolly, Doohulla

3rd Martin Walter Heanue, Letterfrack

Cross Bred Ram of any age:

1st Micky Mullen, Doohulla with PEDRO

2nd Connor & Marion Heanue, Renvyle

3rd Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard

Champion Cross Bred of the Show:

Nicky Burn’s, Oughterard, with a Pair of Suffolk Ewes

Reserve Champion:

Micky Mullen, Doohulla, with PEDRO the Ram

Finally, I feel sure that Paddy would allow me to thank all those that gave their free time to make this show successful.

The Pony show Committee, Ted Sherwood, Michael Ferron, Peter Kerrigan, Tom Griffin, Tom Mullen, Michael Conneely, Brian Mullen, 

Brian McDonnell, Brian Conneely, Cathal Mullen, David McDonagh and Brid King.