THE annual party to celebrate success is usually held at the end of the year by Iveagh branch of the Pony Club, however like everything else over the last two years, the 2021 event was postponed due to the pandemic. It was worth the wait though and a fabulous night was celebrated at the end of April 2022, with everyone coming together at the Belmont Hotel to look back over the successes from 2021 in true style.
The evening was organized by Laura King, diversifying away from her day job to become party organiser extraordinaire! Laura has a particular interest in the discipline of Dressage and commits many hours to both teaching and supporting Iveagh members – for this they are incredibly grateful. Members on the night were presented with Awards for events they participated in throughout 2021, with wins in all disciplines. The wins were at Area, Regional and Championship level.
On the night, the awards were presented by a former Iveagh member, Vicky Campbell, an International Dressage Rider. Vicky now competes at a high level in England, showing the younger members what hard work and persistence can achieve. Vicky epitomises Pony Club and all at the branch are very proud – she is always gracious in acknowledging Iveagh Branch for being fundamental in shaping her success.
Iveagh District Commissioner Vanne Campbell was thrilled to see all the members receiving their awards. Vanne is the backbone of the club; without her encouragement and support over the last 40 years, Iveagh would not be the club it is today.
After the awards were presented, everyone had a chance to show off their strictly come dancing skills, with a cèilidh. Young and old took to the dance floor, reflecting what those involved love the most about Pony Club: the friendships that last a lifetime.
AWARD WINNERS
Dressage Awards to the Top placed rider at Area level
Walk/ Trot: Lily Murphy; Ellie Murphy.
Regionals: Catherine Cowan.
Novice: Hollie Donnan.
Intermediate: Zoe Daniel; Poppy Moore.
Open: Connie Crothers.
UK Championship: Hollie Donnan won The Novice Dressage Ride off.
Show jumping Awards Top placed at Area level
Junior: Scott McKnight.
Regional: Catherine Cowan.
Open Novice: Emma Jayne Orr.
Novice: Katie McComb.
Intermediate: Emma Irwin.
Open: Sadie McMahon.
Recognition of Achievement:
Cliodhna McEvoy – at a young age, Cliodhna won the Mini Major at the London International Horse Show in December 2021. Another Iveagh rider also qualified and competed in the prestigious event, Johan Fitzpatrick Burns.
The Open Show jumping Team who competed and won at the Pony Club Championships were: Meabh McIlduff, Sadie McMahon, Victoria Lee and Finn Osbourne.
The Intermediate Show jumping Team finished eighth and also won the Horsemanship Award.
Home Championships
45cm assisted: Sophie McBride.
45cm unassisted: Philip Moore.
60cm: Lily Murphy.
80cm: Tara McHenry.
Regionals: Catherine Cowan.
Novice: Kitty Cullen.
Open Novice: Victoria Lee.
Intermediate: Grace Kehoe.
Recognition of Achievement:
Award for highest placed Pony Club member competing at Eventing Ireland was presented to Sarah O’Shea.
Tetrathlon
Top Girl: Beth Philips.
Top Boy: Lorne Walsh.
Mounted Games
Most improved player was awarded to Harry McMillan.
Best Representation at Area and UK Championships
Senior: Jessica Mulgrew.
Junior: Harry McMillan.
Mini: Isaac McCarthy.
The Cullen Cup was awarded to the member who most embodies the spirit of Pony Club:
Joint winners Abbie McMillan and Jenna Morton.
The Campbell Cup was awarded to the Best Volunteer who has done so much to help:
Lisa Trainor.
The Susie Thompson Cup for the member who has persevered through tough times and continues to smile and go above and beyond:
Katie Donnelly.
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