Tomorrow we head to the Croagh Show in Limerick. A wonderful country show with 3 arenas, with a nice atmosphere that is all about the rider and the horse. A big focus is making sure everyone in attendance has a nice day out.

It is Shane’s local show so he can’t wait to get down to it. We love covering local shows, meeting the grassroots community and shooting at these events. In the build up we had a chat with Sinead Kennedy who is behind the show.

How long has the Croagh Horse and Pony Show been running, and what inspired its creation? Croagh Horse & Pony Show started last year in 2022, in early May I got injured which was going to keep me from riding for 6 weeks. I was at the stud (Coolballyshan Stud) one day after the hay was cut and Jerry Carey the stallion man, said it would be a lovely field for a show, and it would keep me busy while I was on the sidelines.

What makes the Croagh Horse and Pony Show unique compared to other similar events? Croagh Show is a lovely grass show, with 3 large arenas and warm up’s , we also have a loose jumping cage for the 3yr old class. Putting the 80cm & 90cm into the main arena gives young horses the chance to jump a lovely course with plenty of space, when I go to shows I want to ride a enjoyable and educational course that will improve my horse not do harm with a very technical course. 

Could you tell us about the different classes and competitions that take place during the show? A unique class is the 3yr old loose jumping class. This year we are also running a pony class. Limerick is world famous for breeding horses with loose jumping being a big tradition in the southwest. Sponsored by Coolballyshan Stud, €1000 is a great prize for the top 6. Also GudGut sponsored the best turned out, Cavan Eq Centre giving 2 spots for their Elite sale.  

Describe the show in 3 words. Family. Country. Sporting. 

It takes a Village to do something like this fantastic show. Tell us a little about the organising team and what they do. My family have been a massive help, Kieran and his family in preparing the fields for the show, Liam and his family collecting the judges boxes, jumping, and paining poles, my mam painting signs and Victoria Power & Marie wheeler helping me with the online schedule. 

Tell us about your key sponsors: Who are they? Again my family have stepped up majorly with sponsorship. Coolballyshan Stud sponsored the 3yr olds. KBS Sporthorses sponsored the novice horse classes, Oonagh Kennedy Style sponsored coolers and my big brother in Boston with his family at Mor Linn Farm sponsored the Horses 120cm. Also, a huge thanks goes to Oak Lane Sport Horses, Kellihers Mills Tralee, The Sheahan Group, Jamie Landers, GudGut, O’Regan Equine Services, Hollypark Stables, Equine Warehouse, Clonshire and O’Neill showjumping & xc Fences Limerick.

How do you feel the Croagh Horse and Pony Show contributes to the local community and economy? It seems to be an amazing show and the local community really get behind it. Croagh / Kilfinny GAA will be helping to provide people to man the gate , parking and pole picking for the day. The GAA is always at the heart of a small parish and it’s great that they are involved this year. 

Tell us a little bit more about the event and who can compete in the different classes? We have classes for ponies from Newcomers 50cm right up to 148 120cm. The horse classes are 80cm to 1.20cm with a new classes added for Amateurs. We have Cavan Classic Qualifiers as well. 

Could you provide information about the facilities available for participants and spectators, such as parking, food vendors, and restrooms? We will have a food truck, ice-cream van and On The Hoof coffee horse box will be their fab coffee and homemade treats. 

What kind of prizes and awards can participants expect to win at the Croagh Horse and Pony Show? We have good prize money and super prizes with O’Neill Showjumps Limerick sponsoring the goodie bags for the Newcomers. We have buckets full of equine goods sponsored by Keillihers Mills Tralee & Equine Warehouse. Listowel Races have given us 6 tickets for the September festival and many more check out the full list of Instagram/ Facebook. 

What are you all most excited about for the show? I love watching ponies and horses jumping on grass, looks more natural and maybe a little nostalgic. 

Where can people learn more about the show?

Instagram – Croagh Show, Facebook – Croagh Shows, Sji.live