Ballinasloe Horse Fair expected to draw large numbers of visitors
Ballinasloe Fair Green
In excess of 35,000 visitors are expected to descend on Ballinasloe, Co Galway next weekend as the 2013 Ballinasloe Horse Fair & Festival gets underway.
As the largest of its kind in Ireland, and one of the biggest and oldest in Europe, dating back some 300 years, it continues to grow in popularity and not only draws equestrian enthusiasts from all over Ireland, but also from overseas over the course of the week.
The Festival itself kicks off on Saturday, September 28th and the equestrian events officially get underway the following day. As in previous years, the bulk of the horse fair trading now extends over two days – Sunday, September 29th and Monday, September 30th, but this is merely the start of a host of events which take place around the town.
Running alongside the packed Horse Fairs on both days, the lunging competitions have become hugely popular in recent years, and many a good young competition horse has caught the attention of buyers on the day.
The Ballinasloe Credit Union will again sponsor the competition for three-year-old horses on the Sunday and this carries a generous prize-fund of €1,450, with €800 of that going to the winner. The runner-up will receive €400, with €250 on offer for third place. The competition is open to all sport horse breeds with passports, and, as there were no qualifiers for this, entries will be taken on the day, from 11.30am.
Ponies and cobs had to go through a qualifying process for their finals which take place on Monday, September 30th. Well-known horse dealer Jim Derwin has generously sponsored this class, in which the winner picks up a cheque for €600, with €250 for second place and €150 for third. All ponies must be three-year-olds and 148cms or under.
This competition has produced some great show jumpers in recent years, including the young mare Hottie Hottie, who graduated from third place here last year to win a host of classes in 2013, including the recent Pony Young Irelander in Millstreet. Another graduate from 2012, Katies Grey, was runner-up in the 148cms novice pony final at the RDS in August.
The All-Ireland cob lunging final follows the pony event on the Monday and this is open only to animals ranging in height between 149cms and 158cms and aged three or four. The winner will receive €500, with €300 for second and €200 for third.
Again they must have qualified through any of the eight qualifiers held around the country, with the final qualifier for cobs and ponies taking place at Creagh Equestrian Centre in Ballinasloe on Thursday, September 26th at 7.30pm.
Unfortunately the attendance on the Sunday last year was down slightly due to the clash with the replay of the All-Ireland Hurling Final. However, with Galway not featuring at this year’s replay on the Sunday, it is anticipated that there will be a bumper crowd on the Fair Green.
Saturday, October 5th is ‘Country Fair Day’ and traditionally known for the sale of foals. For breeders, this is the best day for them to take along their mares and foals, as it is a good trading day. The committee is also hoping to hold some mare and foal showing classes. These classes will be pre-entry.
Entries for the horse and pony in-hand classes in the sand arena will be taken on the day, from 1.30pm.
The final day of the Festival, Sunday, October 6th, is also expected to be one of the busiest, with the Dog Show again set to attract large entries. Sponsored by Corrib Oil, this gets underway in St. Michael’s Square at 1pm. Entries are taken on the day.
Also taking place in St. Michael’s Square on the day is the International Food and Craft Market. For the third year running, Ballinasloe Fair and Festival are hosting numerous kids and adults’ bakery, art and craft competitions. See www.ballinasloeoctoberfair.com for full details.
Commenting on what will be a very busy week, committee member Ciara Croffy said: “Ballinasloe has such a great history and tradition and we are anticipating a very busy week with visitors from near and far. Over the years there has been a large increase in overseas buyers for horses and we hope this will continue despite the tough economic climate.
“The Country Fair Day is a great day for all the family, as is the final Sunday, as we are hosting a big dog show and food and craft fair.”
For general enquiries contact Ciara Croffy on 087-6555631 or Caroline on 085-7695200.
