Undaunted by rain, admirers of the Connemara pony came to Clifden to pay homage to the hardy annuals, writes Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill
The anoraks were out in force at the Clifden Showgrounds in Co Galway yesterday, and that was before it rained. But the miserable weather failed to dampen the spirits of hundreds of enthusiasts at the Connemara Pony Show, a hardy annual almost as tough and enduring as the animal it has celebrated for the past 80 years.
Throughout a long, wet morning the spectators, buyers, breeders and riders watched patiently in the rain.
There was much comparing of notes on bone structure, stance and temperament and passing comments such as, "He's a hardy buck, that fella" and "She's a nice mover, she is".
Lucy McEvilly from Cashel in Connemara had eight ponies in the show and had barely stopped to draw breath since her 7 a.m. arrival.
Asked what drove her to participate, she flashed a quick smile. "Insanity," was the cheerful reply. "We drag our- selves around every Sunday from May to September, but I wouldn't miss it."
John Forde from Cork and his daughter Louise (14) were showing Kingstown Silver Lady, bred just outside Clifden. It was a long haul up from home but they weren't complaining. "Tinneas na gcapaillíní they call it here - it's a disease," he said.
Caroline Clavel (13) from Toulouse was one of dozens of visitors from abroad at the show.
Hers was more than a passing interest: she is a regular at Connemara Pony events at home in her native France and has the rosettes to show for it. Why was she there? "Les chevaux," she replied, with a very Gallic shrug.
Michelle Cihak (17) from Sacramento in California was showing for the first time at Clifden, but seemed as settled as her mount. The winner of the American Connemara Pony Society's 'Pony of the Year' award in 2003 started learning to ride when she was just three-years-old.
"I'm warmed up, I'm OK," she said, as she waited to take part in her event.
Minister of State Noel Treacy opened proceedings with a paean of praise for the Connemara Pony's traits of "hardiness, agility and extraordinary jumping ability".
"These qualities are central to the pony's international reputation in the fields of showjumping, eventing and dressage. The ponies also have a unique gentle nature, which makes them ideal for young children," he said.
Charlotte Carey (15) from Gort had other things on her mind. She wrapped her Jack Russell pup, Ruby, just 16-weeks-old, in a towel to keep warm while they waited for the dog show to begin. In a corner of the field, musicians Noreen O'Sullivan, Seán Gavin and Marcus Hernon poured forth a steady stream of traditional tunes.
The arts and crafts stalls sported some formidable-looking carrots and parsnips, but there were no entries in the section for handmade socks or slippers.
Most creative entry was by a two-year-old boy called Oliver, who entered a small stone painted blue and green. The stone's shape vaguely resembled the island of Ireland and Oliver's marketing consultant had the perfect title: "Ancient rock of Hibernia."
Entry No 2068 in the candy section proved too attractive, alas, and disappeared before the judges could evaluate it. The small floral plate was bare, apart from a hand-written notice which read, "Mmm . . . peppermint creams! So good I ate them all!"
The commentator announced that a sum of money had been handed in.
"If it's not claimed after a while we'll give it to the man who found it, for a few pints," he added.
As the day wound on, the rain cleared up, the sun threatened to shine and the Galway Bay FM roadcaster belted out Bill Withers's Lovely Day. Almost.
A little girl asked her mother who won the big prize. "It's not over yet, loveen, you'll just have to wait a while."
In the event, Miss Daisy, owned by Pádraig Hynes of Recess and bred by Aidan Joyce of Moyard, Clifden, was declared Supreme Champion.
