A Historic Celebration of 100 Years of the Connemara Pony Show
The Connemara Pony Show returned to Clifden Showgrounds from 19th–22nd August 2025, marking the 100th anniversary of the showcase of Ireland’s native pony. What began in Roundstone in 1924 and found a permanent home in Clifden in 1947 has grown into the world’s leading celebration of the Connemara pony. This centenary edition was staged under the stewardship of the newly formed Connemara Pony Show–Clifden CLG, of Mary Coyne (Chair), John Sweeney, Karen Mannion, Terrence O’Toole, Cllr. Eileen Mannion and Cllr. Gerry King, ensuring the tradition will thrive into its second century.
The four-day festival celebrated both the best of the Connemara pony and the hospitality of Clifden and wider regional community. Opening on Tuesday 19th August, a riding demonstration by Connemara Therapeutic Riding drew crowds from early in the day before the final of All Ireland Three Year Old Loose Jumping in association with Horse Sport Ireland saw qualified ponies compete over a series of jumps assessed for movement and performance ability. Inishbofin native Tazmin Murray was elated to win on the day with the dun 3 year old colt Poulawillin River Lucky (Cloonaveigh Cisco x Knockbridge Kelly’s Girl) owned by Thomas Gilmore and bred by Michael Sexton. One of the new introductions for this centenary year was the Welcome Reception hosted in the Show Marquee on Tuesday evening where international guests, competitors and community members gathered for food and music to kick off Show Week.
Wednesday saw the traditional In-Hand classes in Ring One & Ring Two with the best of the breed’s mares, foals, stallions and young stock compete for coveted Clifden placings. The centenary was formally opened by MEP and former champion jockey Nina Carberry, whose presence underlined the prestige of the occasion. Community spirit was evident throughout the week, with local businesses, volunteers, and international visitors contributing to a celebratory atmosphere. Trade stalls, artisan food, and children’s entertainment ensured that the event retained its unique balance of world‑class equestrian competition and community festival. The morning classes culminated in the Junior Championship where Malachy Gorham’s striking bay colt Moate Echo (Magherafadda Lad x Derrynamacka Rose), bred by Vincent Kelly, was awarded the Junior Champion for 2025. In Ring Two the best of this year’s foals were judged before the foal championship class where Peter Molloy Jnr’s colt foal Dooneen Noble Knight (Glencarrig Knight x Dooneen Stephanie Rose) took the top honours on the day. The long-standing Domestic arts section boosted their highest numbers of entries ever with Mary Carey and the ICA Clifden members facilitating home produce and craft submissions from as far as Canda to be judged on the day.
The afternoon’s focus turned to older ponies where broodmares and stallions were assessed for breed standards and characteristics. After winning the 10-15 year old mare class, Castle Charm (Glencarrig Knight x Castle Urchin) bred and owned by Henry O’Toole was announced as Champion Broodmare 2025. All anticipation built for the evening’s Supreme Championship sponsored by Sweeney Oil & Horse Sport Ireland where all judges returned to assess the class winners of the day. Called forward as the 100th Annual Connemara Pony Show Champion was Glencarrig Douvan (Glencarrig Knight x Wyncroft Dawn) bred, owned and shown by Patrick Curran of Moycullen. A crowd favourite, Patrick follows in his father’s footsteps Ciaran who’s homebred stallion Glencarrig Knight stood Supreme Champion at the 2014 Connemara Pony Show. ‘It’s everything you hope and dream for,’ Patrick described the Supreme Championship win ‘I’m delighted for the pony. He is such as star and he deserves this title. For him more than anything we are absolutely thrilled.’
Douvan went on to do one better than his influential sire on Thursday 21st when he competed under saddle with Grace Maxwell Murphy. Winning the Ridden Stallion Class before he made history & was also crowned Champion Ridden Pony of the 2025 show. ‘It’s a dream come true for us,’ an emotional Maxwell Murphy shared after the class. Her third time to win the Championship in Clifden she is still acutely aware of the prestige of the achievement ‘To get a rosette in Clifden is just so special, I don’t think people realise how hard it is to win here. It is so rewarding to get one, it makes all the hard work, long days and winter months’ worth while.’ Celebrations continued across the town as the winner of the Win a Home in Clifden draw took place in the Station House Theatre and live on social media. The lucky winner Douglas Berg from Wisconsin USA claimed top prize. His great great grandfather hailed from Carna he was delighted to have won an incredible apartment close to his ancestral home place. Local band Clada saw out the evening with an electrifying live performance to a packed crowd on Market Square.
Competitions culminated on Friday 22nd with Working Hunter and Performance classes the focus of the day. Lankill Lad (Dunally Lad x Dolly) owned and ridden by Westport’s Lauren Kerins demonstrated the versatility of the Connemara pony winning the Working Hunter Championship title. Despite the wetter weather on the Friday crowds remained on the showgrounds for the ever exciting Puissance competition. Rider Bernadette De Courcey piloted the brave Annaghbay Jewel (Cashelbay Prince x Annaghbay Silver Star) to clear the red & white wall at a height of 1.50meter winning the class outright. One of the most iconic parts of the Connemara Pony Show – Clifden is the Parade of Champions saw tourists, business owners and competitors line the streets as the 2025 winning ponies celebrated in a procession around the town. A tradition that brings the ponies into the heart of Connemara their native home, is a true homage to the equestrian heritage the Irish are revered for.
The Connemara Pony Show-Clifden committee wish to acknowledge this milestone could not have happened without the incredible community that came together to enable this year’s show and wish to express a heartfelt thank you to all the breeders, owners, riders, handlers, judges, stewards, and competitors who brought their ponies and their passion to the ring. To show sponsors, supporters, and trade exhibitors, who’s generosity and commitment brought this year’s show to life. And to every single volunteer who’s tireless work, often behind the scenes, ensures that the show ran smoothly and that visitors from all over the world felt welcome in Clifden.
To the people of Clifden and the wider Connemara community for opening their doors, businesses, and celebrating the pony that is cherished at home and above.
Image list & description.
Photographer: Rynes Walker
- Making History: Glencarrig Douvan with breeder Patrick Curran crowned Supreme Champion at the 100th Anniversary Connemara Pony Show
- Making History: Glencarrig Douvan 24hours after winning the Supreme Championship takes the Ridden Championship with Grace Maxwell Murphy
- Maria Gorham celebrates with Moate Echo winning the Junior Championship
- Cashel Oaks wins the 3year old colt class with breeder John Nee
Media Contact:
Clare Silke
Connemara Pony Show – Clifden Marketing Committee
087 2980604
Email: clareemmasilke@gmail.com / connemaraponyshowclifden@gmail.com
Follow Us: @connemaraponyshow
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