Event Manager – 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG
Following the success of our centenary celebrations in 2025, Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG is seeking a dynamic and organised Event Manager to plan and deliver our iconic annual show in Clifden for the 2026 season.
This is a unique opportunity to steer one of Ireland’s most prestigious equine and cultural events. You will work closely with a dedicated Show Board, Show Committee, an experienced Show Secretary, a passionate volunteer base, and a network of specialist contractors to deliver a great experience.
The Role – Event Manager – Connemara Pony Show
This is a 6-month fixed-term contract running from early April to the end of September 2026. You will be responsible for the end-to-end coordination of the show, ensuring operational excellence and a seamless experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Role Purpose:
Reporting To:The Board of Trustees of Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG (or such person nominated by the Board).
The Event Manager (with the assistance of the Board, Show committee, volunteers, Show Secretary and external contractors) will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the Connemara Pony Show, ensuring the event is delivered safely, professionally and successfully, while protecting its reputation, heritage and visitor experience.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Event Planning & Delivery: You will lead the overall planning and run the Connemara Pony Show. This includes creating a master timeline and making sure every part of the event happens on schedule. You will turn the Board’s goals into clear actions and, after the show, put together a report on what worked well and what can be improved for next year.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Acting as the central coordinator between the Show Committee, Company Board, and Show Secretary; maintaining professional relationships with Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, other equine bodies, external contractors, the Connemara Chamber, and trade stand vendors to ensure smooth, collaborative event delivery.
- Communications & Stakeholder Point of Contact: Serving as the primary point of contact for the Show; managing all phone, email, and social media channels, while professionally handling in-person queries and correspondence with key stakeholders, exhibitors, and the general public.
- Financial & Administrative Management: Oversee day-to-day banking and budgetary requirements, including processing invoices, issuing receipts, and maintaining meticulous financial records. This role also involves identifying and managing grant applications to support show funding and the regular updating of the show website.
- Show Week On-Site Event Delivery: Lead the end-to-end operational execution of the Show, overseeing public areas including marquee, health and safety compliance, contractor performance, and the real-time coordination of volunteers and schedules to ensure a seamless public and competitive experience.
- Health, Safety & Compliance: Lead all event health and safety planning, ensuring robust arrangements for public safety, equine welfare, stewarding, and traffic management. You will coordinate insurance, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance while acting as the primary liaison for statutory and emergency bodies to ensure a safe and compliant event.
- Catalogue Management: Work closely with the Show Secretary on the production of the official Show Catalogue to ensure high-quality, accurate and timely delivery. This is likely to include coordinating content, sourcing and proofing material, liaising with the fundraising and marketing committees to secure advertising, supporting the inclusion of show entries, and managing the process through to final print production.
- Sourcing & Logistics: Managing the end-to-end booking of goods and services for the Show; coordinating all equipment logistics and handling accommodation and travel arrangements for judges, officials, and key stakeholders.
- Events Attendance – Representing the Connemara Pony Show at industry and community events (as required), acting as an ambassador to strengthen regional and national relationships.
- Team Leadership & Problem-Solving: You will work with and lead a team of volunteers, staff, and contractors, ensuring everyone has clear tasks and the support they need to work well together. During the live event, you will be the go-to person for making quick, practical decisions and troubleshooting any operational issues on the spot to keep the show running smoothly.
The responsibilities outlined above are indicative only and are not intended to be exhaustive. The Event Manager may be required to undertake additional duties reasonably requested by the Board.
The Board is committed to strengthening the long-term professional management of the Show and there may be opportunities for the role to evolve in future years.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in event management
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and suppliers.
- Strong understanding of health, safety and operational planning for public events.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and solve problems in real time.
- Strong administrative and budgeting skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly in the lead-in time to and during the event.
Desirable
- Experience working on equine, agricultural, rural heritage or outdoor events.
- Familiarity with the Connemara Pony sector and the heritage of the Connemara Pony Show.
- Experience dealing with sponsors, traders, exhibitors and volunteers.
- Knowledge of event compliance requirements in Ireland.
- Full Driving licence.
Key Attributes
- Highly organised
- Practical and solutions-focused
- Strong relationship manager
- Detail-oriented
- Commercially aware
- Positive and professional
Terms
- Salary: €25,000 gross for the 6-month term (inclusive of employee PRSI deductions).
- Duration: April 2026 – September 2026.
- This role is offered as a 6-month fixed-term employment contract, subject to standard employment terms and conditions.
- Location: Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway.
To Apply
- To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter to connemaraponyshowclifden@gmail.com
- Closing Date: 29th March 2026.
- Note: General enquires about the role and responsibilities are welcome by email.
About Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG
The Connemara Pony Show is managed by Connemara Pony Show Clifden CLG, an independent company formed in 2025. The company comprising representatives from Connemara Chamber, local business people, community organisations, elected representatives and from the Connemara pony world.
Partnership: The Show is run through a joint agreement with the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society (CPBS).
Event Details
The Connemara Pony Show Clifden, the world’s premier event for the native Connemara Pony breed, will take place from Tuesday, 18th August to Friday, 21st August 2026 at the in Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway.