1924

Rescued from oblivion

Lovers of the West will read the report of the adjudicators at the Connemara pony shows with very real pleasure.

It is evident that a famous western breed is being rescued from oblivion not one minute too soon. As a result of the careful classification that the shows made possible and practicable, and of the nominations that are offered by the County Committee of Agriculture, it will be possible to build up a foundation stock true to the traditions of the pure type.

At Cashel, no fewer than seventy-four ponies were shown, and eighteen mares, and two stallions were selected. At Maam Cross, fifty-four were shown and seventeen mares were selected.

Lack of sufficient suitable stallions appears to be the difficulty, but this can possibly be overcome by a suitable distribution of the five selected from the thirty-five shown.

The main thing is that a great western breed of ponies has been saved.

Pictured: Students from Coláiste Éinde, Salthill, who took part in the Liturgical Festival for the schools of the Galway Deanery on May 4, 1964.