A Mountmellick man who won two highly prestigious titles at the Connemara Pony Festival described it as ‘like winning the World Cup’.
Paddy Kearns, from Davitt Road, Mountmellick brought the much sought-after titles of Filly Foal Class and Champion Foal back to Laois, after the wins last week.
The success was all the greater as Mr Kearns is a small breeder in comparison to some of those competing at the show.
It is also a big challenge to go to the show in Clifden and take on breeders on the home turf of the Connemara Pony.
However, Paddy’s pony, Brooklodge Emma did just that.
“She has won four consecutive titles in her last four shows,” her owner explained.
Last week she reached the summit with the win in Clifden.
Connemara Ponies are world renowned and enthusiasts from Australia, New Zealand, USA and around Europe travel to the Connemara Pony Festival every year.
Pinnacle
“To win at Clifden is the pinnacle. That’s the one that everyone is dying to win. I have never won anything at Clifden before, so it was great to achieve it,” he said.
“We celebrated in style and stayed down for a couple of days. We had a good run at it,” Paddy said.
“You don’t win anything easily at the Connemara Pony Show. It was great to go there from the midlands, to the heart of Connemara, and win it. I am only a small breeder with 6 or 7 ponies, up against people who might have 20 or 30,” Paddy said.
Paddy won’t be giving up the day-job just yet to concentrate more on his hobby.
“There are still blocks to be laid,” the local builder joked.
After a slump in the building trade, he said that thankfully the phones are busier now too.
Connemara Ponies are an attractive breed due to their appearance and nature.
The breed of horse is much admired across the equine world.
“Their temperament is so good and they can be ridden by adults and children,” Paddy said.
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Reptiles let loose in Portarlington, Portlaoise and Mountmellick
