Controversy may have seen it in the headlines for other reasons, but the stage is now set for the milestone 100th anniversary of the Connemara Pony Show-Clifden, the launch of which took place on Friday evening in the town’s Main Square.

The four-day event will return to the Clifden Showgrounds from August 19 to 22 – under the guidance of the newly formed Connemara Pony Show-Committee of Mary Coyne (Chair), John Sweeney, Karen Mannion, Terrence O’Toole, Cllr. Eileen Mannion and Cllr. Gerry King.

Joining the Committee members on the evening, the launch brought together Show volunteers, sponsors, pony enthusiasts and the wider Connemara community to count down to next month’s event.

Past pony champions and class winners also gathered bringing the beauty of the breed to the streets of the town, showcasing the qualities the pony is renowned for.

These included 2024 Supreme Champion of the Show Cabra Jane (Hillside Joker x Gurteen Breeze) owned by Bryan & Niamh O’Halloran and bred by Jeremiah Horgan. Peter & Bridget Lee’s presented their 2024 Reserve Supreme and Champion Broodmare Clover Hill Troy’s Beauty (Dunloughan Troy x Caitlin’s Beauty).

The grey mare was also Confined Champion having been bred and owned by resident in Connemara.

Caption: Next generation…Bobby Nee and Colí O’Halloran ride the 2024 Supreme Champion Connemara pony Cabra Jane watched by their fathers Robert Nee and Bryan O’Halloran.

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