Last of the summer finals at Ballinasloe

While Ballinasloe’s Fair Green will be thronged this Sunday, Monday and following Saturday for the horse fair, the six-acre site doubled up as a carpark last Sunday for the annual show. Having moved from its traditional fair date, Ballinasloe Show also hosted the last of the Irish Show Association summer finals for Connemara fillies, Irish Draught foals and donkeys.

Taking the opening three-year-old filly final, judged by Padraic Hynes, was James Naan with his Tullana Lisabelle, bought from her breeder Seamus Hynds as a foal. “She has a wonderful temperament and is a pleasure to own,” said James about his 2018 Clifden winner.

Jimmy Canavan and Denis Dullea’s overall Irish Draught champion foal was Gerry Ferguson’s Oxview Grace, winner of the filly final. “A great way to end the showing season,” remarked Gerry’s son Declan with the Foxford family bringing an All Ireland final win home to Mayo. Rathmore exhibitor Denis O’Brien’s foal, by his own stallion Goldsmithcountry Oliver, won the colt final, which attracted 16 finalists.

High standard

Overall the judges were happier with the standard of the fillies, with Jimmy advising against over-feeding foals to the detriment of their joints and for owners to be vigilant about trimming foal’s feet and having them presented well to the judge.

All Ireland honours were evenly spread between Fermanagh, Mayo, Cork and Sligo when Easkey owner Kevin Kilcawley won the donkey mare and foal final, judged by Norma Cooke.

Ballinasloe Show champions included Susie’s Diamond Imp (broodmare), whose owners Susanne and John Kelly are still smiling after their big win at Clarecastle with this Colin Diamond mare and Michael Dooner’s All Ireland traditional winner, by Loughehoe Guy, was the foal champion. Cathy Snow-Coyne’s Moorland Silver Pearl (Connemara), Cathriona Glynn’s Yealand Pilgrim and Ellie Rogan’s Waxwing Lewis were amongst the pony champions.

Results

Connemara filly:1, James Naan’s Tullana Lisabelle, by Frederiksminde Hazy Match. Breeder: Seamus Hynds; 2, Cathal Dunne’s Blackhaven Molly, by Clonberne Boy. Michael Dunne; 3, Kate Rath Doyle’s Clonbullogue Lass, by Monaghanstown Boy. Marie Daly.

Horse Sport Ireland Irish Draught colt foal: 1, Denis O’Brien’s by Goldsmithcountry Oliver; 2, Julianne Corrigan’s by Carrabawn Cross; 3, Noel Sheridan’s by Cappa Amadeus.

Horse Sport Ireland Irish Draught filly foal: 1, Gerry Ferguson’s Oxview Grace, by Inisfree The Holy Grail; 2, John Bracken’s by Scrapman; 3, Denis McGrath’s Clougher Ceide, by Ceide Prince.

Donkey mare and foal: 1, Kevin Kilcawley, 2, Pat O’Dea; 3, Sean Moran.