2009

2009 was a year which again saw many successful outings for Connemara ponies from the Midlands area.

Ballyowen Mabel Molly, individual gold medal winner at the 2009 European Championships, has moved to new pastures and home is now Belgium.

December also saw Eddie Fleming’s Clifden Foal Champion Gneevebrack Storm set off half-way across the world, leaving the icy weather behind as he headed to the sunshine of Queensland and a home at Sue Clarke’s Glenormiston Stud.

Notwithstanding a lower than hoped for turnout, this year’s AGM was marked by a sense of change with Eddie Fleming, Chairman for the last two years, announcing his wish to stand aside despite many attempts from the floor to persuade him otherwise.  John Moran accepted the invitation to rise to the challenge of chairing the group in 2010 with Sean Dunne as Vice-Chairman and we are all looking forward to what the coming year will bring. A new innovation is the introduction of sub-committes for Finance, Promotion and Marketing and the Show.

Stop Press

Nominations to 35 of Ireland’s leading Connemara stallions will be auctioned next Friday, 12th March, at the Midlands Fundraiser in the Auld Shebeen, Moate.

For further information, call Ruth Rogers, PRO, on 087 2540164

2010

The coming year promises much for the Group with the Committee and Sub-Committees already working hard to further enhance what have become leading national events - the Stallion Show and the Annual Show - and also to organise a full day seminar and workshop with leading international speakers. This is close to being finalised and details will be published as soon as available.

The Committee is also anxious to increase its membership and would welcome inquiries from anyone in counties Kildare Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath who are interested in joining - it’s a friendly group and owning a Connemara is not a pre-requisite.

Friday, March 12th kicks off the first event of our calendar with a Table Quiz and Auction of Stallion Nominations at 9.00 p.m. in the Auld Shebeen in Moate.  This was a very enjoyable (and successful) evening last year and, with your support, we look forward to an equally enjoyable and successful evening - so brush up on your general knowledge and mark the date in your diary.