The fine weather and necessity of the hayfield have taken their toll on recent agricultural shows. However, Kilrush and County Longford shows were well supported. Amongst the visitors to the West Clare region last weekend was Eric Trump and his family.

Hosting The Irish Field Breeders Championship qualifier was a privilege for the West Clare committee. Philip Copithorne and Paddy O’Donnell had seven entries before them. They qualified Derry Rothwell’s Greenhall Violet (Greenhall) with an Island Commander colt at foot, John Mulconroy’s Ryelands Seamaster mare and her Young Carrabawn filly, plus John and Catherine Roche’s Assagart Jewel with a filly by the late Ars Vivendi.

Michael and Rachel Lyons’s Kilmastulla Mr Brixton (Subtle Power) was the second winner of the Paddy Downes Memorial Cup awarded to the champion three year-old. He then stood reserve in the overall young horse championship to Donie McGale’s Loughehoe Guy two-year-old gelding, produced by Tiernan Gill.

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Denise Colebrooke and Patricia Hoey had well-supported broodmare classes. Their champion was Richard and Paddy Gildea’s Miss Cranny Lancelot. Her Lagans OBOS Quality colt was their foal champion choice. In reserve was Linda McInerney’s Tyson filly and Chacoa dam.

There was a nice double for the offspring of Stevie Russell’s sire Rehy High Society in the three yera-old loose jumping. Michael Keane and Russell took the top two places in the class judged by Tiernan Gill.

Longford

Longford show settled in well to its new location on the outskirts of the town. Neil Henry and Christy Tully’s champions included their young horse winner Alison Rountree’s Natal three year-old, Kilcloghan Supreme. In reserve was Michelle McNamara with a Fintan Himself two-year out of her Limerick Matron champion Lady Lariat.

Claiming the Irish Draught title ahead of Padraig Bohan’s Coolcronan Wood mare Gortfadda Ruby was Ava’s Delight. This four year-old mare is owned by Ian Murphy.

P.J Waton’s Connemara mare Rosconn Queen Aurora (Rosscon Surprise) impressed judge Philip Scott. As did Denis Halpenny’s miniature champion Capall Beag April Fool. Caroline Crosby’s Classic Rath Prince, ridden by daughter Holly, was Jane Darragh’s ridden pony champion and Gerry Fennell’s Brookhall Elizabeth (Hilin Solace) won the Welsh pony title.

Alicia Devlin Byrne had a choice of rides the next championship, opting to ride her lightweight winner Samual Glen’s Lad (Callowfeenish Mairtin). Laura Whyte deputised on Prince Flagmount (Shenandoah Prince Holly) which was Edwina O’Connor’s champion choice. Cyril O’Hara’s cob winner Stowlin Hero was reserve.